Laurel and Kiva met while working for the Peace Corps in Washington, DC. They shared an instant mutual respect which blossomed into friendship, and then something more.

Currently, the pair live in downtown Oakland, California. Laurel works as a research scientist for a small nonprofit that does sustainability research. Kiva works in diversity for a tech company in Silicon Valley. Both get free snacks at work.

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Proposal

In what may have been the most elaborate, thoughtful, surprise proposal of all time, Kiva asked Laurel to marry her on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on February 13, 2015 after a day filled with riddles, puzzle pieces, and close friends.

The adventure started the day before, when Kiva surprised Laurel by returning home after pretending to go to work, bearing customized, heart-shaped macaroons and news that they had tickets to fly to DC in a few hours.

Laurel, clueless, thought that the surprise trip was just a romantic, Valentine’s Day getaway after months of thesis writing and distance from friends in their new, Bay Area home.

Early in the morning of February 13, Kiva woke up, told Laurel she was going out for Tums, and left their hotel room. Oblivious to what was in store, Laurel snoozed, slightly annoyed when she was woken up by her phone ringing in the other room. Greeted by her parents (and the “rules of engagement”) Laurel received the first of many riddles that would send her around the District over the next 8 hours.

Starting with tea and scones in a warm living room in Takoma Park…

followed by conversations with a beloved mentor, much missed colleagues, and dear friends at 1111 20^th St where they met…

sushi and champagne and gossip at the location of their first date…

manicures and QT…

carefully timed phone calls from West Coast buddies on Uber rides, an unexpected appearance by out-of-town pals bearing cookies at the site of their first concert together…

and a much needed cup of hot cocoa…

Laurel was led by riddles and rewarded with puzzle pieces on her adventure. (Uncharacteristically, all of her friends were exceedingly punctual—they had clearly taken their duties very seriously. It was later revealed that Kiva had terrified them into submission with her organizational prowess.)

Puzzle pieces in hand, and escorted by the primary accomplice, Laurel finally found Kiva waiting for her in the bitter cold as the sun set over the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, holding the final piece, a beautiful ring, and a highly-anticipated question.

Let it be known, Laurel would have said yes had Kiva proposed with a ring pop and a sign on the bus stop bench outside their apartment, but the thoughtfulness, style and creativity that was displayed throughout the ordeal continues to move her to tears in retelling.

Their engagement was celebrated (after a brief photo shoot) at one of their favorite restaurants, surrounded by the amazing people who helped make the whole escapade possible.

Take note, people. THAT is how you propose.

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Many thanks to everyone who was part of the engagement, especially Sarah, Laurel’s parents, Annie, Merita, Cathryn, Esayas, Mar, Kyle, JB, Brittany Cummings Photography, and everyone who helped us celebrate!

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