I asked my best friend to marry me

...and got a 14 year old to take the secret proposal photos.

Nov 16, 2024

The first time I spoke to Lilian was 8 years ago. At the end of our conversation, she said, “I think we’re going to be besties.”

I didn’t quite believe her, but she was absolutely right.

This is Lilian during our first outdoor shoot.

Over the next seven years, Lil and I became the most epic of friends.

She was there to cheer me on and celebrate every win. And she was there for some of the hardest moments of my life.

During the first ever Artist Morning, only one person showed up—can you guess who that person was?

Lilian was my rock. The person I trusted to tell me the truth, even when it hurt.

Then, after 7 years of friendship, something massive shifted.

For the first time, a new layer of feelings began to grow. We both wanted to explore the possibility of being more than best friends.

It was a huge risk; romantic relationships can be messy. And I knew that if we lost what we had, it would devastate me.

But one year later, I am overjoyed to tell you that following our hearts was the best decision ever.

Every part of my life has gotten better.

Spending the past year with Lilian and her incredible daughter Ariel felt like winning the lottery. The love, joy, and hilarity they bring into my life is beyond words.

It’s like discovering entire new chambers of love in my heart.

Just this past Sunday, Ariel and I worked on a secret plan. We set up a “family photoshoot” in that park that would suddenly turn into a proposal.

The three of us went to the spot where Lilian and I first shared our feelings one year ago. I got down on one knee and asked her to make me the happiest man in the universe and be my wife.

It was such a beautiful moment for all three of us: standing in the rain together, laughing, crying, and absolutely beaming with love.

Then we went home, slipped into our PJs, and ordered some phở. It was perfect.

Here’s to love.

Here’s to friendship.

Here’s to risks.

And here’s to yummy phở with my beautiful family.

Big love,

P.S. The funniest part? Lilian almost accidentally bailed on her own proposal. When we got to the park, it started raining, and she turned to me and said, “Maybe you and Ariel should go ahead—I’ll stay in the car. Not feeling the rain.” Ariel and I had a quick moment of oh no, what now? Luckily, we managed to convince her to step out for a “super quick shoot”—but for a minute there, things were looking dicey!

P.P.S. In case you missed it, the amazing black and white photos of the engagement were taken by Ariel. She’s 14 years old and has already taken so many stunning photos. WOW!!!

If you want to see a few more of the photos Ariel took, you can click here.

Last but not least: this week’s journaling music playlist

Want More Artist Morning?

Did you know I teach 4 classes a month where I share my very best lessons and strategies on building creativity, confidence and community?

The classes are a part of my Deep Divers paid membership —> Click here to learn more.

The Artist Morning™

Discussion about this post