How We Met

Funny enough, our story actually began at a wedding many years ago. We spent much of our relationship long-distance between California and Washington, so when it came time to propose, Sunny wanted the moment to represent the Pacific Northwest and the place Nisha calls home. He chose Mount Rainier — and he couldn’t have picked a more breathtaking backdrop. It felt like the perfect place to mark the beginning of our next chapter together.

Why This Location

Nisha has lived in Washington her whole life, but somehow we had never experienced Mount Rainier together. Sunny wanted somewhere that truly represented the Pacific Northwest, and the moment we arrived, we knew he had made the right choice. Photos don’t prepare you for how beautiful it is in person. Being that close to the mountain, surrounded by waterfalls, greenery, and wildlife, genuinely felt like we had been transported somewhere in Switzerland. We even saw deer running through the area! It was peaceful, breathtaking, and felt completely removed from everyday life while still being so close to home.

Ring Details

I’ve always loved a timeless and simple ring, so Sunny chose a classic round diamond set with four prongs on a delicate gold band. I knew a proposal was coming, but I had never seen the ring, so seeing it for the first time was one of the biggest surprises of the entire day. I was genuinely in shock — it was exactly what I would have chosen for myself.

Flight & Hotel Information

For anyone traveling from outside Washington, Seattle is the perfect starting point. Mount Rainier is about a two-hour drive from Seattle, and there are lodging options near Paradise for couples who want to turn the proposal into an overnight getaway. We didn’t stay overnight because Sunny had another surprise waiting for me after the proposal — an engagement dinner with our family. Getting to celebrate such an intimate moment together and then end the day surrounded by the people we love made everything even more special.

How to Get There

Our proposal took place near the Skyline Trail at Paradise, which begins just outside the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center. From Seattle, the drive is approximately two hours, and honestly, the drive is part of the experience. It becomes more and more scenic as you get closer to Mount Rainier, and it is absolutely worth it. We’d recommend giving yourself plenty of time, enjoying the drive, and checking park and road conditions before heading out.

Advice to Couples

Take in the moment. Hiring a photographer is absolutely worth it because these are memories you’ll want forever, but don’t let having a camera there make your proposal feel like a photoshoot. Our photographer gave us plenty of space, which allowed Sunny to give me the sweetest speech and gave us time to really experience those first few moments together. Those are the parts I’ll cherish most. And have fun with it! As we walked the trail afterward, strangers kept congratulating us and telling us how beautiful everything looked, which somehow made the entire experience even more exciting. Your proposal is the beginning of such a special new chapter, so give yourselves time to enjoy the fact that you just got engaged.