The story
We actually met on the app Hinge. Which is really funny to me because I said for years I was not the type to meet someone through an app. But I had recently torn my ACL and was barely leaving the house except for physical therapy. I had a friend move to town, she said not to look at apps as finding someone I would fit with and love forever. But as an excuse to put on cute clothes, and go to cute places, and talk to people I didn’t live with. Tariq was the second person I met, and right away we clicked really well. It only took us a few weeks to be officially dating. Which was a lot for me because he’s my first and only serious partner. Him as a professional singer and performer and me as a professional World Cup skier we both liked the anti ordinary. We have always prioritized fun and unique dates and became best friends quickly. Just after three months he came back from a trip to Australia and we went on a face date in park city wearing matching outfits. Later at my house he told me he loved me for the first time. I could tell by the way he was with me he did already. And I was already in love with him.
Dropping hints
We are not only lovers, we are best friends. So we share every right!. Including wanting to get engaged. We have been talking about it for a while but thought the two year mark was a good time for us. I knew it was coming on this trip to Thailand. I wanted to have my nails done, a fresh shave, specific jewelry etc. Specific outfits and ready for the special occasion. When we arrived at Phi Phi island he started glowing. He said “isn’t this a special place” then I knew it would happen there. Knowing for me made it more enjoyable. I could share in the excitement and feel secure in the happenings.
The proposal
We met our planner/photographer in the little down town on Phi Phi island. She took us to a private traditional long tailed Thai boat that was rented exclusively for us. She gave us a speaker and told us we could play music. Tariq played the song he wrote, recorded, and published for our one year anniversary Hold Your Ghost. It’s about our love lasting beyond death. We toured around these beautiful cliffs that just drop into the ocean. We pulled into a beautiful cove with large cliffs and crystal clear water. The photographer said we would take some pictures and drone shots here. She had us pose together for some. Which I was thinking was silly to take them before we got engaged. Then she said Tariq was going to do individual shots. And he did. And then me. She had me sit on the side of the boat and said to look over at the cliff. Then Tariq came up beside me and bent down on one knee. He said “it’s hard to put into words just how much I truly love you, but I plan to spend every day of the rest of our lives showing you, will you marry me” of course I said yes right away. It was a really beautiful and loving moment I will cherish forever.
The ring
The ring was my great grandmother’s. It was passed to my grandmother and then to me. Although none used it as an engagement or wedding ring. It was made in the Mid 1920s. Sapphire is for strong commitment. The diamonds are for forever.
Engagement party
We have been celebrating the two of us during this amazing Thai trip! We called our family members directly to tell them before we posted anything. We are planning a party in about a month when we are back home in Utah.
The outfit
I got gifted the outfits from a wonderful friend and talented designer in Vanuatu. Her name is Gigi. As soon as I got them I was like wow these will be the perfect engagement outfits. I truly feel like a tropical princess wearing the dress. And the colors ended up perfectly matching the boat tour Tariq planned!
Wedding plans so far
No date or specific location picked out yet. But we both individually told each other early into dating we thought a French chateau would be amazing. So the plan is to see what ones we can find that would fit our needs and budget!
Follow: @jeaneecranemauzy
Photos: @phiphizum
READ NEXT: How The Coolest Couples Got Engaged
