Bri Amaranthus’ Engagement Story
Read on to hear all about Bachelor Contestant Bri Amaranthus’ over the top extravagant Maui proposal.
On the morning of January 14, 2020, I woke up unaware that my life would change, forever. I sipped my coffee on the deck, alone, overlooking the dreamy ocean waves that crashed as I listened to my favorite morning bird sing its song. A just-awake Cory slid open the glass door to join me, rubbing my shoulders with a soft kiss on my cheek. Looking back now, I can’t imagine how his mind must have been reeling – he was hours away from putting in motion the most extraordinary proposal I’ve ever heard of.
I found my first clue during a normal (read: intense) pickleball game. During a time out, I called a vintage car shop to see what the cost and availability to rent a 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster convertible to cruise top down under the sweet sun would be. On the other end of the phone call, the owner replied, “Sorry, we do not rent to pirates.” and hung up on me…
I stared at my phone incredulously. How did she know that we nickname ourselves “pirates” when we are on vacation? Had our reputation (read: piña coladas intake) made it across the island? Did she follow me on Instagram? Was I on Punk’d?
Jaw-dropped, I said to Cory, “I’m not sure if I’m losing my mind but she just told me they don’t rent to pirates.”
He said it would make sense later and gave instructions that I needed to find the hidden Pirate flag in the condo.
I wasn’t on this hunt alone. My best friends D and Kristin were fellow pirates with the same clue. We hustled to the condo, where we found the flag and the game began!
There aren’t enough characters for me to write out every clue but I will say this…
The 48-hour scavenger hunt led me across the island of Maui, along the curves of the golden beaches and back. My emotions reeled as I tried to figure out every clue, with the hope in my heart that it might be a proposal.
However, my brain was adamant that it couldn’t be a proposal because my most trusted people would NEVER lie to me. Turns out… My Mom, Dad and best friends are GREAT liars and were in cahoots with Cory (and his printed, detailed itinerary) every step of the way. And, boy oh boy, did Cory surprise me. His thoughtful planning, utmost respect and ingenious creativity shined through in the most endearing way on what became the best day of my life (so far).
What will I remember most about it? Not the Gucci shopping spree, mai tai happy hour, private tree house award-winning dining experience, Hotel Wailea getaway, morning at the spa, Porsche speedster, or whale watching cruise…
I’ll remember the happiness that bubbled out of me when I saw Cory waiting for me under a dramatic canopy of mango and avocado trees with the ocean stunning behind him and the sunset peeking through at the end of the path lined with every card we have written each other.
I sprinted to him (and almost ruined the photographer’s shot in the process). I couldn’t help it. He got down on one knee with a magnificent princess cut ring in his steady hand and the world stood still in the most flawless moment. Spoiler alert: I said yes.
I’ve never dreamed of a fantasy engagement or my perfect wedding. However, I have always prayed and wished for a man and partner in life. I dreamed of a marriage built from support, honesty, adventure and LOVE. Somehow, I ended up with it all. Lucky me.
