Domino Masters Vegas 🎰 Proposal Build
So you're wondering, was the proposal real or fake? Did he do that on live TV? Did they put him up to it?
The short answer is yes the proposal was 100% real :). This was actually a very real moment indeed. And I'll explain how it came to be.
Me and my amazing, then-girlfriend, Kahanu (ka-ha-nu), moved in together at the start of Covid. We'd been together since 2019. As the days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, and months turned into years, we discovered how solid our relationship was.
Quarantining/Covid likely was either a blessing for a relationship or the kiss of death for one. It felt like the world experienced 5 years packed into 2 crazy long ones. For us, it was definitely more of the former.
Through it all, we still managed to go on "socially distant" adventures throughout beautiful Washington State. We explored together and grew as a couple. We enjoyed each other's company and added to each other's life. Life at home was rarely ever stressful or straining. It felt easy and right.
We built a foundation of genuine love for each other and, on more than one occasion, we talked about marriage. In no serious terms, we even floated the idea of eloping together (sorry Mom). Vegas being the obvious destination of choice.
In 2021, Fox & Domino Masters came calling. It was an opportunity for me to experience something new and Kahanu was all in with her support. But we knew that meant we would be separated for several weeks if not months. And due to the Covid protocols enforced during filming, she wouldn't be able to come to visit me.
Now, I've always been a very independent, self-reliant person. And I didn't think that it would be that difficult to be apart for a few weeks, maybe a month or two while filming the show.
But boy was I wrong, after filming the first episode. I found myself missing having the ability to come home to her after a long day's work. I missed having the ability to tell her about my day in person and how the shoot was going. And having the ability to hold her while we relaxed on the couch. As any long-distance couple knows, FaceTime is no substitute for FaceToFaceTime.
During this time I realized, even more so, how lucky I was to have someone like her in my life. And, even more important, how much I needed her presence in my life.
The idea of proposing popped into my head when we found out that we were going to be doing a build around Las Vegas.
I saw the opportunity and how it could all come together. I then came up with the story, incorporating my real life into it, and pitched it to Stevens and Evan, who were also all in.
The guys and I had a heart-to-heart after our first build and so I was grateful for their support and trust.
And the rest is, as they say, "as seen on TV!"
I'll say it again, IMHO this was one of our best builds and it was damn-near flawless! I'm super proud of the guys and how we came together to pull this off.
Now, I have to give a heartfelt and sincere "thank you" to the people on the show who helped me pull this off including:
My teammates: Evan & Stevens,
The producers: Patrick, Danny, Michelle, Adam, etc
The host/judges: Eric, Steve, Danica, & Vern
The cast: Dominerds, OG Topplers, & Runs In The Family
And Wes, Lauren, all the crew 💯
It was one hell of a ride and I am grateful to have experienced it with each and everyone who worked on the show.
Rapid Q&A:
Didn't you propose already?
Yes, I knew I wanted a more intimate proposal for her. And so I also proposed when we were at a destination wedding in Mexico, December '21 (shout out to Ried & Lindsey). She was also surprised then.
Did Kahanu know? When did you tell her?
No, Kahanu was never made aware of the Vegas proposal build. She watched with me for the first time like everyone else, on the big screen.
Did you know what her answer was gonna be?
Kinda. We already talked about marriage and how strong our relationship was so I was 99.9% sure of the answer.
Did you keep it a secret from her? Did you tell anyone?
Yes, for the last year, few people knew of the proposal build. So it's been a tough secret to keep this long, 11+ months. But I've been dropping hints here and there for her :)
Did you guys eventually go to Vegas?
Yes, in Feb '22 we went to Vegas and spent time exploring the Grand Canyon and contemplated eloping :)
When's the wedding?
TBD but we're aiming for summer '23
Am I invited?
Hahaha who knows but thanks for asking 😁
I hope that answers most, if not all, of your questions.