How We Met, From Gavin’s Perspective: We met our freshman year at UC Davis. I was a shy, awkward seventeen year-old boy from Maine who was looking for a new start in college. I want to share our story to show that even the nerdy, awkward, stuttering kid from a small town can find his true love. We met buying our textbooks at a used book sale near campus. I still can’t believe she even talked to me, as I was decked out in a Hawaiian T-shirt, jean shorts, and yes, the dreaded socks with sandals. A friend introduced us and I struggled to say: “Hi, my name is Gavin” in a thick Maine accent, but Gabby was very sweet, just smiled and said, “Nice to meet you, I’m Gabby.” She later told me she thought my accent was cute, who knew! I was struck by her beauty and she had a warmth about her that instantly made me feel comfortable and relaxed. We talked about classes, dorm food, and even had an enlightening discussion on religion. In our conversations, Gabby would always ask me about my opinion and she truly cared about what I had to say even if it took me a little longer to get the words out. Gabby is my first and only love; I have grown so much as a person with her, and I am so proud that she will soon be my wife.
how they asked: From Gabby’s Perspective:
On Saturday morning, one of my best friends, Marguerite suggested that we head to the Arboretum area for a nice outdoor picnic. Marguerite showed up at my front steps wearing a gorgeous outfit and a cute sun hat. Thinking that we were just going to have a low key, jeans and t-shirt type of picnic, I was a little thrown off – but Marguerite encouraged me to wear something cute, and picked out my favorite coral dress. We headed to the Arboretum when a random guy came up to us and asked if we could take a picture of him. Marguerite quickly grabbed the iPhone, and I was surprised as Marguerite is more of a flip phone type of person and I was unsure if she had ever taken a picture using an iPhone. Nevertheless, I told the stranger that we were happy to help and he started walking towards the gazebo area, to where I assumed he wanted his picture taken. From the distance, I spotted Gavin wearing his suit, surrounded by sparklers, flowers, and a group of guys holding pictures highlighting moments from our relationship.
With my voice wavering, I asked, “What is happening?” and the guys surrounding Gavin started to sing L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole. At this point, I burst into tears because everything felt so surreal and magical. I looked at Marguerite in shock and realized that she was recording the whole thing!
After the guys concluded their beautiful serenade, Gavin dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him.
Teary eyed and emotional, I paused, tried to catch my breath, and said “Yes”.