It was February 14th, a night others like to call "Valentine's Day". Both Emilee and Gabe were not keen on celebrating. Rachel, Gabe's sister, convinced him to go out with some friends. And Emilee was doing the same. On the patio of Home & Away, an awesome divey spot if you are into the San Diego bar scene, their worlds collided and the rest will be history.
Fun fact: Gabe didn't like beer before he met Emilee, but that wouldn't stop Gabe from asking Emilee on a date to Modern Times. While sipping flights, the conversation was soaring to new heights. Neither knew this would be their last first date ever.
Cue "The Feels" by Maren Morris
Emilee scored tickets to a Maren Morris concert in LA on March 30, 2019. She decided to shoot her shot and ask Gabe to join her. He said yes and they turned it into a whole adventure up the California coast. They capped off the night by deciding to make it officially exclusive.
Gabe's parents met Emilee's parents BEFORE Gabe ever met Emilee's parents. Kinda backwards, right? Well, this was a sign of good things to come because those four hit it off right away. It was a home run!
People thought we were crazy to go on an international adventure within 6 months of dating and we probably were. But when you find your adventure buddy, you just know. Emilee and Gabe toured around Bali, Indonesia for 10 days of sightseeing, exploring waterfalls, ATVing through jungles, and drinking the best coffee of their lives.
Emilee's highlight: I'll share two. One of my favorite highlights was a group of monkeys who attempted to rob me. See Instagram for full story. And the waterfalls pictured in the photo to the left, Banyumala Twin Waterfalls.
Gabe's highlight: It was my first international trip so that was pretty cool. Seeing all the waterfalls was my favorite part but I also loved the cooking class we took where we got to learn how to make all sorts of Indonesian cuisine.
July 31st, 2021: This was the most intricate proposal. It deserves a timeline of events.
Pre-5:00 pm - Gabe studies for the California Life Insurance exam, Emilee watches movies on the couch with roommates. Nothing special about this day at all.
5:30 - Emilee and Gabe head to Ralph's to pick up an appetizer for the boat cruise around the bay with Gabe's parents and family friends.
5:45 - Gabe's mom calls Gabe to tell him that Daisy (their dog) got stung by a bee (she's allergic) so they won't be able to come to the boat cruise anymore (this was a lie). She encourages Gabe and Emilee to still go and enjoy!
6:00 pm - Gabe and Emilee arrive at the San Diego Yacht Club and are met by Charlene (Gabe's family friend) on the boat dock. She is very sad that Gabe's parents can't join, but they invited a friend who will be joining us named Brooke.
6:15 - The cruise around San Diego Bay begins.
7:00 pm - The boat gets closer to the San Diego skyline for some epic sunset pictures. Emilee and Gabe get up to take photos. As Emilee snaps some shots, she turns around and Gabe is on one knee.
7:01 - Emilee says yes. Gabe couldn't even get the question out. So there is debate on whether he actually asked her to marry him.
7:10 - Emilee and Gabe see their entire family cheering on the dock, including Madie who flew in from Tennessee!
7:15 - Emilee realizes Brooke is not a family friend but a photographer who captured the whole moment.