When I started this blog, it was to share my announcement of being engaged! It was a great way to send out mass e-mails to friends and family so they could see a picture of the ring. I continued blogging details and dreams about our wedding! I loved every minute. The coolest thing is that one day I can print of this blog in book format to keep for our children and grandchildren someday! So when I went through my archives, I realized I never shared our engagement story...so, today I shall indulge!
It was actually this time last year, when I began wondering how much longer we would actually wait to get married. We had been dating a little over three months. But keep in mind we had known each other for years, and had been very close friends. Months before we were officially 'dating' we were together all the time. So when we became an official couple, I knew right away
he was the one. There was no doubt in my mind. He had every characteristic quality I had hoped for. I had never learned to trust or love anyone as much as I did him. Truly, he was my soul mate!
One evening in late November of 2008, I was visiting with my friend,
Meg, at my duplex. She was already planning her wedding for the following spring. I listened wistfully to her details, all the while thinking that I wouldn't be getting married for a long time. I remember telling her that, but she disagreed, lol! Josh insisted that he needed more time to save up for my ring. I kept arguing that he could give me a
cracker jacks "out of the box" ring...I just wanted to be his WIFE! He wouldn't listen (HA!). So I sat back and realized it was going to a long while before we took the march down the aisle.
Fast forward to Thanksgiving. Josh starts asking me questions about what kind of ring I wanted. He wanted to know where I wanted my ring from, what kind, and so on. He kept asking me over and over about the kind of ring I desired. My answer was simple, I wanted him to pick it out. That is what would make it so special to me! Although secretly, I had longed for a large diamond set with two smaller diamonds framing it. But, I never, ever once uttered a word about it. I knew that whatever he chose would be special, and that I would adore it!
I went home one afternoon early in December to visit with my mom. I told her that I was suspicious that Josh would be asking for my hand in marriage before too long. I shared that he had been asking all kinds of questions lately. My mom gave me a sad look and told me she needed to talk to me. She shared that he had been telling them when he would propose and why he was going to wait for a long time. She said that is was going to be a while, and the only reason she wanted me to know was so that I would not get my hopes up.
Needless to say I was pretty sad. Okay, no...I was crushed. I knew better than to let myself hope for it, but I couldn't help it. I'd already been thinking and hoping!! I mean come on what girl DOESN'T dream and dream about that day? ;-)
Fast forward to December 12th. Josh hand arranged an elegant dinner out with his twin brother and sister in-law. We were going to exchange ornaments and gifts a little early. He claimed that he couldn't wait for me to see what he got me! Originally when he had planned the dinner I got suspicious. But those hopes were dashed when mom informed me of his plans to wait a while before popping the question!
On the way to the Restaurant, Josh seemed in a good mood. He was talkative, and kept squeezing my hand. Nothing out of the ordinary! However, his brother kept calling saying they were going to be late. I thought that was odd, but didn't say anything.
When we arrived at the Restaurant, Ashly's, I was amazed at the place! It was a five star chef's restaurant, and so beautiful! I'd never been anywhere quite that gorgeous before! As we were seated, I noted that we had several servers waiting on us beck and call! It was quite fun.
Josh announced that he wanted to open the gifts before we ate. I argued that we should wait until his brother showed up. As we were arguing back and forth, his brother DID show up. I was wondering how he made it so fast, after calling to say he was going to be so late. But, whatever, I figured he was giving us a hard time. When he walked in, he was holding his video camera! I have to admit this didn't surprise me...he carries it around a lot! When he sat down at the table, he said that his wife was in the bathroom. He encouraged us to go ahead and open the gifts, they would exchange theirs later. I finally agreed, I knew I'd lost the battle, haha!
Josh opened his gifts as fast as he could! He quickly put them away saying he liked them, but now he wanted me to open my gifts! The first gift was a gorgeous silver bracelet with a cross charm on it! I loved it! Next I opened my ornament. It was an adorable little set of Charlie Brown & Snoopy Ornaments. As I pulled the box apart, out dropped my ring from a chord tide to the ornaments!!!! When I looked up Josh was on one knee....
Heather, I love you! (he got pretty emotional before he continued on, I got the video to prove it... ;-))
Will you Marry Me??I can honestly say I was so shocked! I was shaking, and trying very hard to restrain the tears...but of course as you know my answer was
YES!
At Ashly's Restaurant, shortly after the proposal. The ring was GORGEOUS. I mean total knockout! Above and beyond what I'd ever dreamed of!!! The largest diamond was a gorgeous cut, each diamond on the side of it was actually his grandmonther's, which made it very special. The only request that I had made to him was that it was White Gold or Silver...he chose White Gold!
Bling, Bling...I got the ring!We then enjoyed one of the most amazing dinners that I've ever had to date. They brought out a lovely dessert, in which they had wrote congratulations in chocolate! After dinner, one of the servers took pictures of us in the foyer.
For dessert, I had fried bananas with coffee ice cream...!It was a magical Christmas memory that I'll never forget! I wish I could live that day over and over...
The most special thing to me, is that we hope to carry on the traditions every December 12th of exchanging ornament to celebrate that special day. :) And I think he's sweet to want to do that...
I love you baby! Thank you for choosing me to be your bride...I hope I make you the happiest man in the world!!!!
