It was a seemingly ordinary Saturday night. Elyse had a girls' night on the books — sushi pop up at Martha's in Manhattan Beach. But first, a quick detour. Jessie had casually mentioned that her aunt's friend lived on The Strand and was throwing a little drinks thing. Why not pop by for one?

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Cute. Casual. Completely made up.

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There was no sushi night. There was no strand cocktail party. There was, however, a man — standing on a candlelit deck, surrounded by florals and framed photos, looking impossibly romantic against the Pacific backdrop. Erik had been quietly orchestrating the whole thing for months.

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This was the last thing Elyse expected because Erik had dropped her parents off at the airport that Monday to fly back to hawaii. A seemingly normal send-off. What Elyse didn't know: they flew right back Thursday. Her mom even left her phone on the island so Elyse would not find out through find my friends; she even arrived with an actual burner phone. A burner phone. The dedication was unmatched.

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As Jessie walked Elyse up to the deck and the full scene came into view, months of perfectly kept secrets hit her all at once. Erik got down on one knee. She said yes — the easiest yes of her life — and was immediately swept off her feet (literally, he picked her up and spun her). Both families poured onto the deck.

 

Happy tears, prosecco, love.

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But the night wasn't done surprising her.

The group headed to dinner at The Rockefeller in Redondo Beach — a table for 14, just the families. Mid-toast, the barn door slid open to reveal a full surprise engagement party packed with their closest people.

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The dream proposal, one burner phone, and zero sushi. Best night ever.