If you've made it this far, you already know our story...
In case you need a refresher, It all started when D.J.'s mom, Diane, always looking for opportunities to expedite any future "grand baby-making" plans and fueled by a couple of vodka Red Bulls gathered all the girls together at the ABBT* to see which ones had a single friend for her Baby Boy.
Kyla's name quickly came to Kara Greene's mind who showed a Facebook picture to Diane who wasted no time presenting that same picture to her very buzzed son.
After a couple of inebriated texts back and forth between him and Kyla, their first date was scheduled and the rest is history...
*Annual Bigs Bags Tournament
"Less vacation and more adventure!"
This was the theme of our trip to Cabo in February of 2019. We both have extensively vacationed at the tip of the Baja and we thought it was time to change things up. So instead of heading south from the airport for endless poolside tacos and margaritas we rented a car and headed East.
As you all know, we are planners so of course we had a "plan" but this time we were open to the idea of deviating from it if the opportunity presented itself.This gave us both a touch of anxiety but we committed to giving it a try. Worst case scenario was we could always retreat back to the comfort of beach hagglers and Mango Deck.
Our first scheduled stop was in the charming fishing town of Todos Santos. After wandering up and down the cobblestone street we came across a local art studio, Galeria Arturo. After striking up a conversation with the owner and artist, Arturo Mendoza Elfeo, shared a little of his story with us; born and raised in Todos Santos, gushing in broken English about why this city was so special to him.
Arturo had us both captivated with stories about the history of his small Mexican village. We could have listened for hours but the sun was setting and following our tenet to always prioritize the "Golden Hour" we asked him if, 'there was a good spot to watch the sunset?' And with a level of certainty you don't question, he said, “ El Mirador. Just head up the hill.”
We plugged El Mirador into our GPS and the paved road quickly turned to dirt, and the flat ground into a 10% grade. After testing the limits of our rented Honda Accord the Pacific Ocean slowly began to reveal itself along with the yellow sun hanging just above its horizon. Perched right at the top of the hill was a giant patio that could easily be mistaken for a private villa. The sound of a slow playing acoustic guitar and subtle Spanish lyrics filled the car as soon as we opened our doors.
As we sat there, sipping tequila, enjoying our perched view of the Pacific, we noticed there was nothing for miles in either direction except for some shimmering lights way off to the south. What looked to be a billionaires estate was nestled next to a mountain, creating a cul-de-sac with itself, the ocean and the beach. After inquiring about it, our server informed us that it was Hotel San Cristobal. A tiny, "maybe 30 room" boutique that was always fully booked six months in advance.
The day so far had been perfect, as if ordained by God himself, and we both knew that regardless of what the server said we were going to be staying at hotel San Cristobal that night.
After the sun rested below the horizon we traveled to San Cristobal. We were greeted at the desk with a smile and a compassionate "unfortunately, we are fully booked." The lovely front desk attendant invited us to enjoy dinner at the hotels restaurant but if we wanted a room we would need to come back in June.
Not ready to leave this newly discovered treasure we took her up on her offer and had dinner. As was almost expected the meal was exquisite and only topped by the atmosphere itself. Prior to our dessert arriving, Ky being Ky, says to me, "That person looks important, I'm going to go talk to them." After about 20 minutes and one self indulged dessert later, she returned with room key in hand, "Last minute cancellation, best room in the hotel, I convinced the manager that it was late and no one was going to rent it so she gave it to us for 50% off."
We spent that night in the hot tub drinking Carajillo's and watching the stars with fellow adventures. After a couple hours of sleep we got up to watch the sunrise and the local fisherman tow their boats out to sea.
We both knew that we had stumbled upon a place that would forever be special to us and now we get the wonderful gift of forever immortalizing it as such by hosting our wedding and the people we love most in the beautiful town of Todos Santos.
The Clase Azul was doing its job helping me with my nerves and the sunset over the Pacific was doing its job keeping Kylas attention on the horizon.
If she had looked forward she would have seen the rose pedal path leading to a secluded cabana I had arranged earlier in the day just starting to come into view.
I only needed to keep her gaze on the horizon for a few more seconds before it would be time to unveil what lie ahead.
“That’s a pretty good sunset…”
I say with a steadiness that surprises me considering the circumstances.
“It is.”
She says in a tone that gives me confidence she still has no idea what’s about to unfold.
Hand in hand, I give her a gentle squeeze to lead her away from the crashing waves.
As she turns to follow my guidance I see a range of emotions sweep across her face; It starts with the content that follows all beach strolls at sunset and transitions to curiosity as she focuses on the beautifully arranged backdrop in our path, and finally, a radiance that I’m certain can only be expressed when you realize the moment you have waited a lifetime for has arrived.
Hands now covering her mouth and eyes beginning to water, she takes her glance to me and with a subtle but certain smile she has the final confirmation she was hoping for.
The rose pedals beneath our feet and “Yours” joining with the sound of the ocean, I get down on one knee, my mind goes blank, and the words that had come to me only a few moments prior roll off my tongue as if I had rehearsed them a 100x.
Through the smiles, tears, and kisses, I’m pretty sure she said “I do” but it didn’t matter because I’ve known since the day we met that she was my person.