Alicia always told me that I would know when the time is right to propose. It was important for her to finish school and start her career before getting married. I patiently waited and planned. Alicia and I took a trip down to Universal Studios and Walt Disney World with our family in May of 2013 and we had a magical time at Epcot especially exploring the countries around the world. When I saw the view from the Japan pavilion, I knew it was the perfect place to propose (especially since Alicia's degree is in Asian Studies). So after two years the timing was finally right to schedule a trip down to Walt Disney World to make this happen.

When we first got to Orlando, I made sure to ask her dad for permission to ask his daughter to marry me. I knew Alicia would appreciate that since her dad is the most important person in her life. Our Epcot day wasn't until the very last day of the trip so it was pretty nerve wracking carrying this ring around for the whole vacation. On May 2nd, 2016, the day finally arrived and we go to the park super early. I was incredibly nervous. The weather was absolutely perfect. Blue skies and white puffy clouds. We made it to the Japan area as soon as it opened and we pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. I sneakily got the ring out and enlisted the help of some passerbys to be our paparazzi with some disposable cameras I had bought. I walked her over to the Torii Gate and put my hands on her shoulders. As soon as I did she exclaimed "It's happening!?!". After a speech that I had been practicing for months (but I'm sure came out nothing like I had practiced), I got down on one knee and asked her to be me wife. She said yes, of course, it was every bit as magical as I had hoped. Now we are excited to be so close to our wedding day and making this thing official for real.