While we were in Berlin, I took Merrick on a scavenger hunt to eight different locations, including an abandoned amusement park, a pink photomat, an art vending machine, Monsterkabinett, and Return of the Cows. At each stop, I gave them a cassette tape containing a different story or memory, and a song that means something special to us. Tape number five included voice recordings from some special people in our lives, including the cutest, sweetest niece and nephew in the world, Callie and Leland.

What was meant to take a few hours ended up taking three days, due to things being closed down or out of service, travel delays, and a much-earlier-than-anticipated sunset. Sometimes the path life takes us on is not at all what we expected—sometimes it takes us a little bit longer than we thought it would to get to the place we need to be, and that’s okay. I believe sometimes that’s how we come to find the very best things.

After Merrick finished listening the last tape, I asked them to marry me on the steps of Märchenbrunnen, the fairytale fountain. It was Halloween, a day that has always held a sort of magic for both of us. Hearing them say yes (or, more accurately, “Fuck yes!”) was without a doubt, the happiest moment of my life. It was one of those moments time kind of slows down for, something I will hold close to me for the rest of my life.

Thank you so much to the handful of people who helped me put this together. We can’t wait to celebrate with all of you. Much love from me and my gorgeous, handsome, brilliant, wonderful fiancé, Merrick Gates. I’m so excited and grateful to continue this adventure together forever (forever). Berlin, thank you for having us. Tschüss, bis zum nächsten Mal!

-Ezra