When we saw this story on our Instagram account, we knew that we wanted to feature Kyle & Erica’s Cancun wedding proposal story.
Share with us when and how you met each other.
Long story short; we were set up on a blind date 9 years ago. I was a junior in high school while he had just graduated high school. We had a mutual friend who insisted on setting us up. She continuously proclaimed we were perfect for each other and it would be a “match made in heaven”. How could I say no to that?! I agreed. We were young and a bit naïve and nothing came from that.
Years later, 7 to be exact, when Kyle and I were both single, he reached out over social media. We were living across the country from each other but he was adamant about this being the “best damn leap” we ever take. He told several people during our time apart he always wondered “what happened to Erica Earl”. I guess in his mind, I was the one that got away.
What are your favorite things to do together as a couple?
We LOVE traveling. Since we started dating 2 years ago, we have been to: Cuba, Bahamas, New York, Paris, Belgium, Prague, Netherlands, Spain, Michigan, North Carolina, Mexico and we already have travel plans for engagement pictures in Joshua Tree National Park in California and a Ski Trip in Colorado. We have the “travel itch”.
We were actually supposed to be on a Europe trip again this month (September) but it was canceled due to the pandemic. We also LOVE craft cocktails and coffee. Every-time we travel we are on the hunt for speakeasies and great craft coffee locations. In fact, we are probably just big foodies.
How long were you together before getting engaged?
May 18, 2018 is when we started dating. However, we have known each other since that blind date back in 2011.
Did anyone help with the Cancun wedding proposal?
We did not have a photographer but Kyle’s point of contact from Royalton Riviera Cancun was Orlando (funny its the city we live in). But, he helped make Kyle’s perfect proposal a reality.
Share your wedding proposal story…
Did I see the proposal coming? No way. I had so many friends telling me prior to this trip that it was coming and they could sense it! I was on the opposite spectrum and was certain it was not going to happen. Kyle led me off the beaten path for sure. We had a Europe trip planned for this September that was canceled back in July due to pandemic and I was devastated because I was certain it would happen in Paris (a place we visited when we first started dating).
Once our trip was canceled, Kyle jumped to book something else. We were cautious and looked up regulations on travel as well as health & safety precautions that resorts were taking. We ended up booking a 5 day trip to Cancun Mexico.
When Kyle and I first started dating he said to me: “If you could go anywhere in the US where would it be?”. My answer: “The Grand Canyon”. So, a few weeks after planning Cancun Kyle brought up booking a trip to the Grand Canyon in November. I was CERTAIN it was happening there. We left for Cancun with me thinking yep… Grand Canyon is the spot. NOT. He tricked me!
We arrive at Royalton Riviera Cancun ready for some R&R and on night 1:5 we had dinner “reservations” Kyle said he booked in advance. The reservation turned out to be COMPLETELY private under this gorgeous wood and metal archway overlooking the ocean.
Kyle acted confused and said “I wasn’t expecting this. Due to COVID they canceled their Romance package which I was hoping to do for us. I put in a request saying they shouldn’t advertise it online if it’s something they are no longer offering and they set this up”. It was dreamy and obviously he was lying this is something they do not do for people. We were the first in history. I still was in the dark though because Kyle was acting astonished with everything they set up. I even said to him “Wow I feel like I’m on one of the Bachelor Dates”.
To start the night; we order champagne (of course), and the next thing I know, Kyle is professing his love to me and down on 1 knee! Cue all the waterworks on my end!
He said so many sweet things that I think I just blacked out. It’s like I was looking into his eyes but not comprehending everything that was happening. I get goosebumps reliving the moment.
It gets better… a violinist is playing every love song you can think of a bit further away giving us privacy.
- Aladdin: I can show you the world
- Céline Dion: My heart will go on
- Elton John: Can you feel the love tonight
- Elvis Presley: Can’t help falling in love
- Bruno Mars: Just the way you are
- Ed Sheeran: Thinking out loud
- Bruno Mars: Marry You
- Ed Sheeran: Perfect
A beautiful 5-course dinner that led to a room covered in rose petals, a drawn bubble path + more champagne, and chocolate-covered strawberries. I was in awe! I still can’t believe how clever Kyle was.
He kept me off his toes by talking about the Grand Canyon, by acting confused about how great the dinner plans were AND he bought a ring case that looked identical to his wallet. I am ready to spend the rest of my life with Kyle and can’t wait to be Mrs. Goonen. We came up with our hashtag and it is #GoingGoonen.
Who did you tell that you were engaged first?
My mom and sister of course! I got them on a dual Facetime call. Kyle and my mom are very close and I guess she already knew it was happening.
Tell us about the ring!
The ring is from Brilliant Earth and it is absolutely gorgeous. It is a solitaire cut with a platinum Elena diamond band.
What are you most excited about wedding planning?
I’m honestly excited about all of it. The engagement party, wedding invitations, venue hunting, design consultations, dress shopping. You name it. I’m excited about it! We are looking into February 2022. This will give us 18 months to plan. We are still venue hunting at the moment. We have several tours set up over the next few weeks.
Follow along on their wedding planning journey @goinggoonen!
Want to feature your proposal? CLICK HERE to submit your story!
0 Comments
Leave a comment