Mario first took Andrea ring shopping in the summer of 2024. It felt like a dream, slipping on sparkling diamonds and imagining the moment he’d ask. But with their travels and the holidays ahead, Andrea convinced herself a proposal wouldn’t come until 2025. So when her birthday weekend in November arrived, she was blissfully unaware of what was to come.

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That afternoon, Mario told her they were going out to celebrate and took her to her favorite restaurant in Newport, True Food Kitchen. It was effortless, familiar—just the two of them. After dinner, he suggested a quick stop at Crystal Cove, one of their favorite places, under the pretense of taking photos. They always say they need more photos. The cool ocean air, the rhythmic sound of the waves, the golden glow of the setting sun—it was the kind of evening that felt like it belonged in a movie.

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As they walked along the shore, Andrea noticed a setup ahead: a cascade of flowers, a silver bucket glistening in the sand, and a chilled bottle of Veuve (her favorite!). But ever the pragmatist, she assumed it was meant for another couple, maybe the ones taking photos nearby.

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And then Mario turned to her.

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In that instant, everything clicked. The setup, the moment, the way he looked at her—it was all for Andrea. He had planned every detail with the help of his closest friends, Brennan and Devon, who had orchestrated the magic while they were at dinner. As he got down on one knee, time seemed to slow. The world faded, leaving just the two of them and the crashing waves.

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Mario has always made Andrea feel like a princess, the most special person in the world. And in that moment, with the ocean as their backdrop and love woven into every detail, she had never felt more cherished.

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She was completely surprised, overwhelmed with love, and in awe of how thoughtful and perfect it all was. Even now, she still can’t believe he managed to keep it a secret. But then again, Mario has always known how to sweep her off her feet.