Tell us your love story — how did you meet, when did you know they were the one? :
Dawit and I first crossed paths in college around 2012 through a mutual friend. We didn’t talk much back then—we were both in long-term relationships, so our connection stayed in the realm of casual hellos. After graduation, life carried us in different directions and we lost touch. Fast forward to 2022. I was in the thick of finding my footing again after a long and troubled relationship. I was living with my bestie in DC and I had become a devoted gym rat. I was really enjoying my single-life and wasn’t really looking for anything serious. One day, our mutual friend sent me a FaceTime screenshot of Dawit doing the splits, and I liked what I saw. The man has some serious glutes – that’s all I’ll say! I teased our friend about getting an update on Dawit, learned he was single, and told our friend to give him my number. Moments later, Dawit texted me. From that day on, we talked nonstop—texts, voice notes, late-night calls, even a FaceTime dinner date where we cooked the same meal and talked for almost 5hrs. We had a budding connection, but again, he was in LA and I was in DC. Neither of us thought a long distance relationship would be ideal, but we figured we should at least meet in person and see what happens. I flew to San Diego to see my grandparents, and Dawit drove down from LA to pick me up. Within days, we were in lock step—like puzzle pieces. He asked me to be his girlfriend twice—once spontaneously after a really sweet double date with one of my close friends who happened to be in town, and once overlooking the Hollywood Hills from a lookout point off Mulholland Drive. I said yes both times. When I flew home, the emotions hit me hard. I poured them into a letter (that I sent to him as soon as I landed), and I started a playlist called “Love Letters.” This would become an unspoken tradition of us writing each other love letters after each visit. A couple months later, on a sunset beach date, I played that playlist for him, explaining how each song tied to our story. After the last track, I told him I loved him. He said it back, and in the same moment, a shooting star flew across the sky—a first for both of us. We made long distance work for about eight months before I finally decided to move back to California to be closer to my grandparents… and him. From there, our life together has been full of adventures, countless gym sessions and amazing food. He saw me through some pretty big personal losses with nothing but support and compassion. I took care of him after a major surgery. We really became partners who could handle anything together. In July 2025, on a couples’ trip to Portugal, Dawit proposed in the most magical way. On a cliff side beach, at golden hour, with some of our favorite people as witnesses (and accomplices) he read me a love letter. At the end of the letter—seven minutes later—he asked me the question I’d been waiting to hear since I wrote the very first letter. Will you marry me? And just like before, I said yes.
Do you have any advice or tips for others planning a proposal?:
Listen to the hints your partner drops along the way. If they have clear preferences, take note.
Why did you choose a PNPS ring? What stood out to you?:
I really love the overall aesthetic. All the rings are unique—they stand out individually, just like me. I had my eye on PNPS for a while online, but when we came in for sizing and window-shopping session, I was really sold.
What has been the most memorable part of your engagement/wedding?:
My favorite part was while my partner was reading his proposal letter, I didn’t know he was proposing until about half way in. I truly believed he just wanted to read me a love letter on the beach, just like the first time we exchanged I love you’s. The genuine shock and awe that I experienced was unforgettable.
