The Engagement Story

Okay, time for the details!! I'm still floating on Cloud 9 thinking about the fact that I'M ENGAGED!!!!!!! It's been a whirlwind 48 hours of pure bliss.

So, the morning of the engagement, it was a gorgeous, crisp Saturday - no rain clouds in sight, but a touch of wind. He and I went to my favorite French bakery for a late breakfast and picked up some croissants to take later for a picnic at the park. We drove to Carkeek Park (for those of you who aren't familiar - this is a beautiful park in North Seattle that has a little bit of everything, wooded trails through the forest, beach access to Puget Sound, and stunning bluffs that overlook the mountains all in one).

First we took a stroll down to the beach, but the windy was blowing so crazy, I felt like we were going to blow away. (I later found out, he had wanted to propose on the beach, but the wind had kind of "blown" that plan - haha, pun intended).

So we continued back up through the picturesque trails, chatting and walking hand in hand with our coffees. We walked up this steep trail to a beautiful clearing that overlooked the sea, the mountains - and it was in a protected nook so we were sheltered from the blustery wind. We sat down on one of the picnic benches and ate our croissants and talked, and just as we were about to leave, he stopped and said, "Before we go, I need to ask you a question." Now he says my eyes went WIDE and I froze, as he got down on one knee and told me all these wonderful lovey-dovey things and then popped the big question, "Will you marry me?"

Of course I said yes, and he took my glove off and put the gorgeous ring on my finger. It was so exciting and overwhelming, I started smiling and don't think I've stopped since. I surprisingly didn't cry, but I think I was just so stunned and excited I didn't even think of it! We hugged and kissed and hugged some more, and then ran to the warm car to call everyone.

The best part was after we shared our big news, we came back to our house where he had flowers and champagne waiting, and we just got to kick back and enjoy our new status as "engaged fiances," for a few hours all to ourselves. Later, we went out to a romantic dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and then met up with friends to celebrate at another friend's birthday party.

It truly was the best day, and I'm so excited for what lies ahead!! Thanks for all the kind wishes and excited reactions - we am so lucky in love and couldn't be happier!!

image/maryruffle