The Backstory

Where and When?

I knew when I first met Ivy at a Rockies game, that she was really special. Over the course of the next two years, I found out that Ivy is truly a gem and someone I can't be without. I wanted to propose to her in a meaningful and unique way to match our remarkable relationship. Additionally, my wise friend David McKelfresh likened the proposal to the guys moment in the entire proposal-engagement-wedding sequence, so I wanted to fully own it.

In early February, 2014 my good friend Andrew Webber, invited us to visit him and take some time off in San Francisco. We booked our flights the next week and started planning things to do. I had my mind set that this would be when and where I would propose to Ivy. Now I just needed to figure out the How.

Aside from exploring the city's food fare and typical tourist spots, I wanted to go outside the city, up to Yosemite for some light camping and hiking. The park holds special memories for me, having spent some vagabond time there after college. After all, what could be a better place to propose than the glacier-carved valleys and granite monoliths that make up Yosemite.

There are literally millions of different rings and diamonds... Advantage Jewelers.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into. In early March, I started doing some ring research to better know what I should look for and make sure I was making the right ring decision. All jewelers know about the 4Cs, of Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut. I did not. So I did some homework and I've got awesome friends.

One of my best buds, David McKelfresh, got married last summer and I knew he'd have great advice on where to start and where to go. So I hit David up for some beers after work in March and told him I wanted to marry Ivy. He was stoked for us. I then told him, I had some help from my Mom and was making progress, but that I needed his opinion on the ring. He was awesome and extremely helpful, telling me about what he did when looking for a ring. Additionally, he even asked his wife Kristina to casually ask Ivy about what she might want in a ring, helping narrow down the options. Unbeknownst to Ivy, their ninja tactics assisted immensely, of which I'm extremely thankful. This got me to a point where I was comfortable going to a jeweler and getting over the finish line.

Enter Joe Hoyt

I met Joe working at the Summit course of Cordillera Golf Club in Vail, in the summer of 2009. We hung out a ton throughout two summers at Cordillera, until we both left the mountains for more school. Joe went on to the Gemological Institute of America becoming a certified jeweler. Knowing that Joe is a great guy that could help me out, I texted him asking when he might be in Denver to meet up, traveling from his family's jewelry business in Iowa. He said in early May for a bachelor party, just a couple weeks before our trip to San Francisco. It was all coming together.

Traveling from Iowa, he couldn't bring the whole store of ring and diamond options. Fortunately, my ring homework and guidance from friends and family helped trim the selection down and make for a safer trip for Joe. We met at Highland Tap and Burger for beers and lunch, where I told him about Ivy, what I thought she would like and would work out best. With waitresses and other patrons looking on, Joe opened the box of diamonds and rings options and we meticulously inspected and talked about each combo. We paired each diamond up to each ring, that I had pre-selected. I was quite particular in the process, asking tons of questions. There were all the various factors at play as well, from the quickly upcoming trip, to the fact I didn't want to have to mysteriously fly to Iowa to finish the decision. Joe, as he's always been, was great help and extremely patient.

I knew one diamond stood out magnificently on the ring more than the others, so after all of the possible options, I told Joe, I think this is the one. We cheered over our beers and Joe remained a perfect 5/5 when traveling with engagement jewelry to help a friend make a decision. We went on to talking about how I was going to propose to Ivy.

Yosemite... No San Francisco

Now only about 2 weeks out, I thought I had narrowed down the location to the summit of Half Dome, the mega-monolith of the lower Yosemite valley, that is a must hike and summit for serious adventurers. However, after months of trying to lock down a very popular Half Dome hiking permit (due to limits in hikers/day attempting the summit) we still weren't able to secure a permit. Additionally, what if the weather turned bad or her fingers swelled up and the ring didn't fit (common on big elevation hikes) or even worse we didn't summit. Most importantly, Ivy although more fond of hikes and the outdoors since we started dating, really enjoys the city and exploring new urban areas.

Although quite magnificent in its beauty, I opted out of a Yosemite proposal. About a week out from the trip, I turned to the SF local in Andrew, getting his best intel. He offered several options, north of the city, away from tourists, which I told him was a prerequisite. One in particular stuck out, just north of Golden Gate Bridge, at Marin Headlands. Known for its scenic views and featured in many movies, the panoramic view from the cliffs includes Saulsalito, the bay, lower downtown, Golden Gate Bridge, as well the open pacific ocean. I wanted to be away from any crowds, so I called one of the park ranger stations and the ranger mentioned a black sand beach, just below the cliffs of Hawk Hill that would be quiet in the morning. Knowing Ivy also loves beaches, I was sold.

Dan's Version

The Day - Saturday, May 24th

We got back to the city on Friday, exhausted from two full days of bigger hikes, as well as camping (sans-showers) and arrived at the Serrano Hotel, in the Union Square section of downtown San Francisco. After completing the check-in, and wanting nothing more than a shower and some hiking victory food and drink, the front desk agent let us know we looked like we just went on a nice long run. We took it in stride and considered it a compliment, knowing how haggard we looked from two days of grueling hikes and travel.

The next morning I awoke early, a little nervous knowing the moment was upon us. I cleaned myself up, with a shower and a proper proposal shave, then we were off to Saulsalito for breakfast at the popular Henry's. We were there rather early, with the locals drinking their coffee and reading their papers, as I didn't want to be delayed by tourists, trying to blend in more as a local would. Ivy would ask several times why were up so early, I fished around and covered my tracks. If you go to Henry's, get the millionaire's bacon and avoid their lattes. We found out the hard way and hit up Philz coffee shop to make up for the missed caffeine.

After taking in parts of Saulsalito, we made the short drive up the hill to Marin Headlands and stopped to take in the morning's view. After chatting, relaxing and a few selfies, we drove to the black sand beach's parking lot, where there was only one other car. Glorious.

The Moment

I told Ivy, that I had heard this beach was awesome and only a short distance down a trail with some stairs. All relative after Yosemite. She seemed a little skeptical and was catching on to my quietness, as I was internalizing the speech. As we walked down, Ivy intentionally in front, I prepped the ring from its hiding spot, while taking some pictures with my GoPro. I had been taking timer-set pictures in Yosemite on a tripod the whole trip, so this really didn't phase Ivy. Once down the cliff and final flights of stairs on the beach, we walked to one end, where I set up the camera while Ivy continued walking through the sand.

Once I had the ring in its box, and in my pocket, I was fully ready. Ivy walked back towards the camera and we talked briefly while taking in the scenic view. With a brief pause in our conversation, I saw my opening and didn't hesitate. I took Ivy's hand and knelt down on one knee. I gave my speech, at the end asking Ivy to marry me. She said yes. We embraced and enjoyed the moment. We took some additional photos and headed back up from the beach, to call our family and close friends telling them of the exciting news. It was a really special moment, that we won't forget.

Ivy's Version

Since the moment we began planning our trip to San Francisco, Dan made it obvious that he wanted to check out the Marin Headlands our first morning there. I was totally fine with this plan as long as it included brunch, which it did.

So we woke up bright and early Saturday morning and made the short drive to Sausalito. First stop, brunch at Fred's Coffee Shop. Since it was 7am, we were the first and youngest people there along with the early bird regulars. An important detail of this breakfast is that the latte I ordered was terrible and that instantly put me in a sour mood. I insisted that we pay the bill and head back to San Fran for some decent coffee, but Dan wanted to continue with the original plan. Thankfully we discovered Philz Coffee and all was right with the world again.

With my delicious coffee in hand, I happily agreed to check out the Marin Headlands and hike around, despite my poor shoe choice of sandals. We got back in the car and headed to a lighthouse that Dan wanted to check out. After a terrifying 10 minute drive, we arrived at Hawk Hill, black sand beach trail. As we got out of the car, Dan started loading up his GroPro camera and tripod stand in a backpack to take with us. Since he had been doing this same thing the whole time we were in Yosemite, I was not fazed and thought nothing of it. 

We started walking down the beach at which point I started to complain. "These are new shoes!". "My blister from Yosemite hurts!". "NO, I do NOT want to walk on the beach, my feet will get dirty.". Dan was quiet through most of this, but eventually convinced me to go for a walk on the beach. We walked for about 5 minutes when Dan stopped to set up his camera. He told me to go walk along the beach so he could get some test shots. It was around this time that the caffeine kicked in and I was starting to get suspicious. As I walked along the beach (without turning around per Dan's request), my mind started to race and I wondered if he was about to propose. I instantly pushed the thought from my mind as I did not want to get my hopes up. 

I finally made my way back to Dan and we chatted for a few minutes about the beach and the beautiful views of San Francisco. Suddenly, he took my hand and kneeled down in front of me. Being me, the first thing out of my mouth was "If this is a joke, it is not funny.". He assured me that it was not a joke and in fact, very very real. I cannot recall 100% of what he said to me, only that it was all very sweet and the most important part, "Ivy Lyn Vaughn will you marry me?".

Of course I said yes and we went on to enjoy a wonderful weekend celebrating with friends and each other. It was pretty perfect.