My graduation from grad school was scheduled on Mother's Day, 2008. In the months that led up to it, Brian and I had been talking about getting away for a weekend to rest and unwind. At the time, life was crazy! I was in the final phase of completing my Masters Degree, Brian had been working 80-90 hours a week and it seemed impossible for us to spend any quality time with one another. A few weeks before my graduation Brian told me that he had planned a trip for us as my graduation gift to an undisclosed destination. I was told that that I shouldn't even bother asking him where we would be going, as he wanted it to be a surprise. On Thursday afternoon (May 8, 2008) we got in the car and started driving down the CA coast. Before I knew it, we had arrived at the Surf and Sand Hotel in Laguna Beach...my favorite hotel in the world! Words could not describe how amazing everything was when we got into our room. Not only did we have a room that overlooked the ocean, but when we laid in the bed all you could see was water -- it literally looked like the hotel was floating. Brian and I spent the evening relaxing and devouring a wonderful dinner at the hotel restaurant. When we got back to our room Brian told me to change so we could take a walk on the beach. I obliged and then joined him outside on the patio overlooking the ocean. Brian said that he had a question to ask me...and before I knew it he was down on one knee asking for my hand in marriage!!!! I was laughing, crying and in shock all at the same moment. Of course I said yes and screamed with excitement. We called our parents immediately to share the goods news. Since my Graduation and Mother's Day were in a few days we decided to keep our engagement a secret from the rest of our friends and family so we could announce it in person. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am not the best at keeping secrets...so this was a HUGE task for me to accomplish. It was made a little easier only because I was able to tell all of my out-of-town friends who would not be at my graduation celebration! A few days passed and, before I knew it, not only was I walking across the stage to receive my degree...but Brian and I were FINALLY able to announce our engagement to all of our loved ones in person...exactly how I had always imagined it!

Alana is a true valley girl at heart! Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley Alana has always been able to call southern California her home. Softball, camp and spending time with her friends and family were amongst her favorite of memories growing up. Alana attended Loyola Marymount University for both her BA in Psychology and MA in Counseling. She is currently trying to persue her passion as a High School Counselor.