MARCH 28, 2026 · THE PROPOSAL

Our story

A walk in the redwoods, a yes, and a very good afternoon at Korbel.

Abel kneeling to propose to Aidan beside a wooded creek at Armstrong Redwoods — The question

A close-up of Aidan's engagement ring — The ring

Abel lifting Aidan for a kiss outside the ivy-covered Korbel building — The toast

CHAPTER ONE

Running late, as usual

Abel planned a hike in Armstrong Redwoods. What Aidan didn't know: our friends Sarah and Trevor were already up the trail, hiding in the trees with a camera. They waited at least an hour, because we were late. As usual.

Abel leading Aidan by the hand up the trail at Armstrong Redwoods

CHAPTER TWO

The question

By the waterfall (more of a trickle, honestly), Abel started nervously talking about love. Somewhere in there it dawned on Aidan what was happening. A sweet family on the trail figured it out too, settled onto a nearby bench, and got their phones ready to capture the moment for us.

Abel got down on one knee. Aidan said yes. And then, from the trees, a voice: “HEY AIDAN!” Aidan, to no one in particular: “…God?” It was Sarah and Trevor, who climbed down, got the real shots, and popped the champagne. The family laughed with us, offered their congratulations, and we still love that for a few minutes they were our photographers too.

Then we sat on the bench where it happened, had a drink, and carved our initials into it. If anyone from the park is reading this, no we didn’t.

Aidan drinking champagne straight from the bottle in the redwoods — Straight from the bottle. Very elegant.

Abel grinning and holding a gift bag that reads Pairs well with getting engaged — Sarah and Trevor came prepared

Abel and Aidan sharing a drink on the bench in the redwoods, a bottle of Korbel on the stump beside them — The bench

Aidan carving initials into the bench with a pocket knife, ring on her hand — Leaving our mark. Allegedly.

CHAPTER THREE

The surprise at Korbel

After the hike we drove to Korbel for a toast. Everyone was already there, with a table set, decorations up, champagne on ice, and leis waiting for us.

We had agreed not to text or call anyone so we could stay present and enjoy the day. So naturally, within the hour, Aidan was in the Korbel bathroom drunkenly calling Nina, her niece, best friend and maid of honor, to tell her everything.

Abel and Aidan kissing under a She Said Yes banner at Korbel, bottle of Korbel in hand — She said yes

Aidan in a white lei laughing with a glass of champagne at Korbel — Properly surprised

Abel kissing Aidan outside the ivy-covered Korbel building, both in white leis — They got leid

THOSE WHO HELPED PULL IT OFF

Sarah, Trevor, Abel and Aidan together in the redwoods after the proposal — Sarah & Trevor, out of the trees

Vanessa and Cole outside Korbel, each holding one of their chihuahuas — Vanessa & Cole, flowers and leis department

A chihuahua in a tuxedo collar at the Korbel table — Timon & Pumba. Best dressed, obviously

A video call from Sadie and Hannah on a phone at the Korbel table — Sadie & Hannah, calling in from Thailand

AND NOW

See you in November

Same people, bigger party. We can’t wait to celebrate with you all!

See the weekend Fun places nearby

Aidan bracing to pop a champagne cork in the redwoods while Abel laughs — Us, in a nutshell

Photos by Sarah & Trevor Herron