Here we are - this time has come! I truly did not believe that 2012 was going to be my year, that Brad was going to ask me that big important question and that I would be on this crazy roller coaster of a ride called wedding planning. It was never going to happen to me, never going to be my turn, right? All those frustrations and thoughts, nagging and pressure, all so silly now that we are here. It really is amazing how quickly that cloud of insecurity, doubt, worries and fears were lifted and I immediately felt a sense of "It's all going to be ok. this will be my life." And what a happy life it will be. I am going to marry the man of my dreams, my best friend, my guy. He came into my life so unexpectedly and swept me off my feet. I can't imagine a life without him and know that life will be more fun with him by my side.Brad completely surprised me on Friday, February 3rd. The day had started off hectic when I reset the time on my alarm rather than hitting snooze. Instead of getting just that extra five minutes, I ended up getting about 45 minutes more. I frantically got ready for work and the day didn't slow down after that. Heading to Brad's for, what I thought was a quiet night in, I called to ask about going to the store to grab the items for our weekend social events (Duke Mansion reunion and Super Bowl Sunday). I thought it was weird when he said to come on to his place instead of going on by the store to grab the food items as well as dinner and a bottle of pinot for the evening. Not thinking too much of it, I headed on to 8448 Big Creek Court where he had snacks and wine waiting (happy girl I was!). We sat down and I turned on the TV and he said "Oh, I have some gifts for you!" To which I responded, "Gifts? I like gifts but what's the occasion?" He said, "Well, you know I've been a bit bored at work this week so I decided to start planning our trip to Napa."[We had discussed a trip to Napa and possibly getting married there one day.] He brought over a beautiful black and white photo album. I opened the cover to a note saying, "Our trip to Napa..." The book was filled with photos he had photo shopped of us in Napa Valley scenes. He mentioned that he had emailed 40 or so vineyards out in wine country and they had sent all kinds of items...thumbing through further there were free VIP tickets, tasting packets, chocolate and wine paring coupons. I was so impressed! But...still not thinking anything more of this than that we were taking a trip to California! The end of the book said, "To be continued..." and he then brought me over to the table where there was a basket full of more goodies..he said, "we have tshirts, hats, corkscrews, coasters, brochures, engagement rings..." and it was at that moment I froze wanting to rewind and hear that over again to make sure that was really what was said! He took the small box from the basket, knelt on one knee and asked me to marry him. I could barely say a word and must've said "Are you serious??" several times. He put that sparkly diamond on my finger and made me the happiest girl in the world. We made all of our fun phone calls to family and friends and had a beautiful dinner at Sante, the restaurant we had dinner at the night we decided to "go steady!" We hadn't been back since that date. It was perfect. What a fabulous story. I'm a lucky girl! Needless to say, a trip to Napa is in our future.
Many people are eager to give me advice and opinions. Whether it is from their weddings or the latest trends they have seen or heard. The most beneficial piece of advice I have received thus far was to blog about the wedding planning experience. There will be highs and lows (and many decisions!!) but it is a process and you will want to remember your steps along the way. This blog will be my personal journal (third time is hopefully the charm with my blogging efforts!) to capturing all of my feelings, progress, excitement and hope for what I believe will be the best day of my life.
In engagement bliss,
Emily
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