At a Glance
- Hipolito Cisneros re-proposed to wife Liz with a new ring after her original melted in the 2024 L.A. fires
- He saved money during home rebuilding to craft a three-diamond band representing their children
- The couple plans to renew vows in their new Altadena home
- Why it matters: Their story shows how families reclaim love and identity after disaster
A California couple who lost everything-including their wedding rings-in the January 2024 Los Angeles fires has turned tragedy into a fresh start. Hipolito Cisneros surprised his wife Liz with a second proposal and a custom-made ring, symbolizing their family’s resilience.
A Ring Lost-and Found
The Cisneros’ Eton home burned to the ground during the wildfires. Among the losses: Liz’s wedding ring, which had melted into the rubble. A good Samaritan helped the family dig through debris weeks later, uncovering “half our melted wedding rings,” Hipolito told KABC.
The discovery triggered a decision. “I saw her face when we found the rings-it’s something that I didn’t want to see,” he said. “From that point on, I knew I had to put money aside a little bit from rebuilding the home, and I was able to do it.”
Saving for a Surprise
While juggling contractors, insurance paperwork, and temporary housing, Hipolito quietly funneled portions of their rebuilding budget into a separate fund. His goal: craft a new ring that would honor the past and celebrate the future.
The finished piece features three diamonds. Each stone represents one of the couple’s children, embedding family history into the band.
The Second Proposal
Hipolito chose Universal Studios Hollywood for the big moment. Video obtained by KABC shows him dropping to one knee in front of a Grinch-themed backdrop. Liz’s shock turns to laughter before she says yes.
“Way back when he proposed to me, actually he didn’t bend the knee the first time, so this was the first time bending the knee,” Liz told the outlet.
Plans to Rebuild-and Re-Wed
The couple now lives in Altadena, where they’re rebuilding not just a house but their sense of home. They intend to host a vow-renewal ceremony once construction finishes.
“We’re going to remarry each other-can’t wait for that,” Liz said. Hipolito added, “I feel after the fire, after everything we’ve been through, coming back to the original place that started our family-it’s just something that we have to do.”
Progress and Hope
Besides the ring, the family is:
- Replacing their car, which Hipolito hopes to pass down to their son
- Finalizing architectural plans for the new house
- Sharing their story to encourage other fire survivors
Their message to others facing loss: “Keep going. We know it’s a big hurdle we have to go through. Just lean on each other. Lean on your community. Reach out to each other. We will get there. We will eventually get there.”
Hipolito summarized their outlook: “We take advantage of every glimmer of hope we can get.”
Key Takeaways
- The Cisneros family transformed a devastating loss into a symbol of renewal
- Small, deliberate savings allowed Hipolito to create a meaningful replacement ring
- Their upcoming vow renewal underscores the power of place and memory in healing
