The Proposal
For these two, getting married one day was a question of “when” not “if”, but James wanted to make sure that it was a special proposal fit for his glamorous girlfriend. For the better part of a season he prepared by colluding with her hula sisters and coach, learning Tahitian choreography — he even had a not-so-secret dinner with her parents.

The day was quickly approaching, but there was one thing James forgot to account for - sometimes, Amanda likes to party. On the eve of the proposal, James received a phone call to come pick up his fiancee. Was he exasperated? A bit. But sure enough, James being the amazing partner he is, picks Amanda up and feeds her McDonald’s chicken nuggets at 2AM. Saturday morning was rough, but they (along with their dog, Loki) made it to their Barkada’s reunion at Rosie’s Dog Beach… or so Amanda thought. 

While the proposal’s success looked unpredictable due to the previous night, all was forgiven when the results forced Amanda into an afternoon slumber that she would not awaken from until it was time. Beyond her closed eyelids, James coordinated the surprise at the neighboring lifeguard tower. 

Gently roused awake by the now setting sun, James led Amanda to a lifeguard tower where her hula sisters, coach, family, and closest friends, were awaiting their arrival. Groggy but aware that something was happening, Amanda watched familiar faces dance in unison amongst the backdrop of the ocean in intense curiosity with James by her side.

But the surprise was not over. Pleasant and overwhelming emotion washed over Amanda when James jumped in to perform. With dogs running amuck, and the wind blowing with fervor, James performed the dance he so diligently learned, alongside Aloha Hula. When the music stopped, James got down on bended knee and asked, “Will you marry me?” 

View what transpired in the video below!

Taimane (Aloha Hula)
For coaching me through the whole choreography from beginner to slightly less beginner and organizing the performance crew for practices and rehearsals.

Crystal, Jossy, Alina, Kayla, Maureen, and Adam for being a part of the performance crew.

Taimane, again, for coming out of retirement to dance. I know it took a lot of time out of your schedules to travel, practice, and rehearse.

Angie for planning Barkada Alum's Doggie Beach day the same day so we could use it as a cover. Barkada Alum for making the day seem like any other day.

Everyone who made it out--you know who you are. Those that couldn't, we understand. We love you!

Video: Myko (Michael Nguyen)
Performance by: James M. ft. Aloha Hula
Music:
Mahealani Uchiyama - Ori Puhi
SefaDrums - Ro'a
SefaDrums - Horo'a
Te Vaka - Tutuki