Since Paul and Mariam had met they were always a good team. For those who do not know, they both started the Fraternity and Sorority life at the same time. They met up through both orgs setting up community services events together. Since then Paul and Mariam have worked together and have created many great things together, threw some of the best themed parties, scavenger hunts, art pieces and some of the funniest jokes together, they were best friends. As said by friends and strangers, "When these two got together, it put a smile on my face, that two amazing people found each other."

So, how did it happen? Paul finally was ready to propose to Mariam... but how? It had to be different, and unsuspecting. Well Paul had looked into different things, from trips to San Francisco to Day trips to the mountains. No luck, he had to do it local, The Gondolas! He remembered Mariam talking about it once, and it was local. Close enough that she would just think it’s a "day thing". So Paul had a plan, now to do an important task, ask Mariam's parents for there blessing. Paul had spoken in front of large crowds but was never as nervous as he had been this day. After the parents had approved of the engagement and they were all happy and celebrating, it was brought to a halt when Mariam had started walking up the stairs. Paul quickly ran out of the back door of the house and got out of there. Mariam had no idea what had just happened.

On August 28th, Paul was running around in the morning getting the stage set for a big plan he had put together. Paul was nervous, driving and running from place to place making sure everything went perfect. He was stressed out for a Thursday. Meanwhile Mariam is having her own battles to deal with, not having the greatest of days at work, not having any idea this day would be a day she would have the opportunity to start a new life with Paul. So after Mariam getting upset about "spending money he didn't have"... they finally walked up to the Gondola ride out in Long Beach. The last few steps they would be taking as boyfriend and girlfriend.

They got into the boat and the mood was set, it was beautiful and romantic. They enjoyed champagne, bread, cheese and strawberries.... and all during this time, Paul had the ring. The Gondolier was singing in Italian and telling them the tradition of kissing under the bridges... love was in the air. Then to their surprise the man called out saying something was in front of them, a bottle was floating in the water. After it was picked out Paul handed it to Mariam to open. Inside was a message, “Mariam, Will you marry me?” Paul quickly got onto one knee, which was tough because they were in a boat, and popped the question. With tears in her eyes Mariam screamed “YES!” and hugged Paul. And as the sun was setting, they both imagined what was to come in their future together. -cheesy :)