Jessica & Cort

What an eventful day! Though before the true details of the day may enfold, you must catch up to speed with the prep required before hand...

What an eventful day! Though before the true details of the day may enfold, you must catch up to speed with the prep required before hand...

What an eventful day! Though before the true details of the day may enfold, you must catch up to speed with the prep required before hand...

A week or so before the couple ventured off to California, Jessica received an e-mail notification from her favorite cook on FitTV, Sam the Cooking Guy, offering a contest to win a Valentines meal with Sam himself! The contest, translate the Chinese symbols listed... She mentioned it too Cort as she knew they would be in town for the event, yet did not think for a minute that they could truly pull it off! Though of course as Cort knew this would equal immense brownie points, he got to work, and of course as the true problem-solver, he won! He was even sly enough to persuade Sam to invite Luke & Corrin (known thereafter as, "The Add-Ons.")!

Now, let us get back to the big day itself.

The couple flew into San Diego on Saturday night to visit their friends, Luke & Corrin, yet their luggage opted to fly elsewhere... Creating a slight hitch to their giddy-up as of course they intended to join Sam the Cooking Guy for the Valentine's Day lunch that morning! The logical solution? Shopping at the localsurf-shop! Thankfully, Cort & Jessica each snagged a brand new outfit to don for the event (though do not get me started on the topic of hair).

The gang arrived at the Emerald Cafe for Dim Sum on the venue's busiest day of the year, Chinese New Year! While I can not possibly begin to describe the mass chaos of the festivities which ensued, just imagine endless dim sum, crowds of people, dancing lions, banging drums, and fabulous lion tamers. It was unique to say the least and yes, we have video! As everyone was doing their best to soak all of this in, while still attempting to maintain conversation within our table... Cort & Sam took hold of the tables' attention...

Cort proceeded to inform Jessica that he had again worked his magic and through a bit of finagling, she was going to become the dietitian for Sam's tv show, "Just Cook This!" and as always after one of Cort attempts to throw her off his trail, she paused with immense confusion... Thankfully, merely seconds later, Cort bent down on one knee and brought forth a sparkling diamond ring! In turn, the bride-to-be began shaking and holding back her tears long enough to say, YES.

Immediately thereafter, the newly engaged couple was showered with champagne, congratulations, hugs, and symbols of luck for the Chinese New Year. What an amazing moment! Oh and yes, again, the excitement was all captured on film.

Shortly thereafter the four, ventured out to crack a couple more bottles of Champagne while enjoying the moment in a sample patio set (just picture, Home Depot. Living the high life.) before moving on to the gorgeous ocean coast for a touch more of the celebratory libations.

The remainder of 'Champagne Week' included just that and plenty of it. All while celebrating love, life, and a new last name.