How We Met

Seven years ago, Toby & I were both taking a beginning painting class at UCSB. Our easels were next to each other and we became friends (secretly sneaking admiring glances at each other). We had a couple of classes with each other that school year, and when we found out that we both were planning to visit Thailand the following summer we thought of meeting up with each other while we were there. However, we weren't totally organized with the plans, and so we never actually got to meet in Thailand.

Later, we bumped into each other on campus and reminisced over our trips to Thailand. Toby came over to my house one night and we looked at each other's Thailand photos. Then we went to dinner at a Thai restaurant. One thing led to another and before we knew it, we were in love!

How We Got Engaged

Last Christmas we went to Berlin to visit Toby's parents. We flew in, tired but eager to see everything. Berlin is wonderful that time of year. Entire streets are lit up with Christmas lights, the air is nippy so it feels like the holidays, and there are glorious Christmas markets full of vendors selling novelties and holiday food and drinks.

Over the week we saw as much of Berlin as we could. We went to the Jewish history museum, the Brandenberg Gate, the Holocaust memorial, etc. Then, Christmas Eve Toby and I spent the afternoon painting and teaching his little sister, Julia, how to paint. Meanwhile his parents were decorating the Christmas tree (with real candles!) and preparing the dinner before going to Christmas mass.

After mass, we got home and finally it was time for presents! We spent time opening and admiring each other's gifts, and just enjoying each other's company. After the last gift was doled out, we started to turn to dinner, but Toby, who was sitting next to me, said, "Well, actually there is one gift left." He stood up, took my hand, and got down on one knee and said, "I had a whole speech prepared, but now I can't remember it all. Jade, will you marry me?" I said something to the effect of, "Oh God, yes!" and we quickly dissolved into a bundle of hugs, kisses, and laughter. Toby's parents were thoroughly delighted and broke out the champagne and dance music. We had a fantastic Christmas dinner together, with everyone grinning from ear to ear.

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