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There are several ways you can describe Brian. You can say that he’s intelligent, funny, humble, and just an overall good guy to be around. Out of our group of friends, he’s always been the level headed one and has been so collected. All of these things are accurate but I never would have thought that I’d see him in a way I’ve never seen him before in the fifteen years I’ve known him: nervous.
He’s been planning this for awhile now. He made the decision the moment Mariel, our longtime friend, and his girlfriend of nearly 8 years, has been planning this birthday party for him. She wanted to gather all of our close friends and family members throughout the years to celebrate his 25th year of life, and as she was arranging the reservation with the dinner cruise in Alameda, Brian’s been rehearsing over and over again of the surprise he’s had in his heart the moment they started dating back in high school.
He’s good at keeping secrets, and had only chosen a handful of people to tell. Brian had also asked me to take photos not only of the night itself, but of the very moment that he was anxiously anticipating.
Brian is one of those rare people that you meet that, once you get to know him, the idea of being friends for life with someone suddenly feels tangible. He will go out of his way to really extend his kindness and loving heart to other people. Even in my lowest of low points, he’s always been one of the core people that I turn to.
Mariel is no different either. She is an electric presence that really encourages the people around her to be their most outgoing selves. Her attentiveness to both Brian and her friends has allowed her a keen sense of knowing how to make everyone feel at home, and honestly, she plans the best parties.
It only makes sense that this very moment, right as we boarded the boat and settled in on the top deck, that two friends, whom I’ve known practically all my life, have now taken the next big step in their lives. Amongst all of our friends and family, all dressed up in their best attire, including some friends fittingly dressed as sailors, Brian was handed a microphone to give an opening speech, thanking everyone for coming. You can practically hear the shakiness in his voice, the longer he speaks. He looks at Mariel and begins to thank her for painstakingly organizing the whole night. As he continues, his nerves begin to take hold just ever so slightly. His sister, Danielle approaches her, with flowers in tow. Reminiscent of when he had asked Mariel to be his girlfriend all those years ago, he offers a bouquet of roses alongside the ring he carefully selected and asked her to be his wife.
She said yes, of course.