There are fires blazing in California right now and it's really, really scary how close it is getting and how far it's spreading. So I thought today I would get a little personal with you and share a happy story instead. It's a little bit long, so I hope you don't mind. Three years ago today, my husband got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. And he did so in song, no less! So in the spirit of How He Asked, let me tell you how it all went down...
Garrett and I had been dating for about a year and a half. In comparison to past relationships, this one felt very different. For the first time, I was with someone who was on the same page as I was. We wanted the same things in life. We were always open with each other and worked hard on our communication. Almost from the beginning, everyone around us could sense we had something special. Things were good, really good.
So one Saturday in July, we were spending some time with my Dad and Stepmom who were visiting. Then without any provocation, they pulled me aside to talk. They told me that they could tell that Garrett and I were "serious", and they couldn't be happier about it. That's great, I thought, so why are you being so ominous? My parents then went on to explain that they understood starting out as a couple could be a huge challenge, and a lot of couples put off getting married for financial reasons, so they wanted to help in what way they could. My Stepmom then presented me with a small velvet ring box. Inside was a beautiful yellow gold diamond ring! It had been hers, and she was gifting it to me. I could resize it for myself, or use the diamonds to put towards my future wedding. They explained that it was my ring now, I could do what I pleased with it, and I didn't need to show it to Garrett until I was ready to have "that conversation". I was completely FLOORED. Without even confirming it with Garrett, my parents were banking on the idea that we were definitely getting married, and they were so sure of it that they wanted to help with the wedding before it was even started! It was quite a lot to take in! My heart was so full!
After my parents left, Garrett of course wanted to know what we had talked about. I debated keeping the news to myself for only about half a second. Then I showed him the ring and explained. His face got very serious for a moment, he was just as in awe as I was of such a generous gift. He took the ring box and said he would put it away for safe keeping. Then he cheerily suggested we go for a walk. We changed into more casual clothes and set out for the nearest park. But Garrett was being way too quiet.
It was starting to make me nervous that something was clearly up with him. To break the awkward silence a little, he started singing. This was normal for Garrett, he was always breaking into song at home. He was singing a cheesy pop love song that we considered to be our song. As he was finishing up the chorus, he got down on one knee and changed the last line of the song to "will you marry me?" (making sure it rhymed of course). He had pulled out that same velvet ring box that I had showed him earlier. My mind was racing. Is this really happening? I can't believe this is happening! Is he proposing to me with the ring my parents just gave me? Aaahhhh he's proposing! But when he opened the box, I could see a different ring inside. This one was white gold and very different in style. My style, actually. I stared at it in shock for what felt like a very long time. Suddenly I realized I couldn't just leave him hanging there (down in the grass), so of course I said "Yes!" and immediately started crying uncontrollably as he put the ring on my finger.
We weren't dressed up, there was no incredible view or romantic setting, no friends to witness it. Just the two of us on a windy day at the park. It wasn't fancy, but it was us. I found out that Garrett had had the ring for about a month or so, and was just trying to figure out when to ask. He'd spent quite a bit of time memorizing the song and trying to figure out if he wanted his brother there to play the guitar. But when my parents dropped such an amazing bomb on us that day, he knew the time had come and he couldn't wait any longer. Later we were able to incorporate the diamond from the ring my parents gave me into the ring that Garrett had picked out. Now it's a special and unique piece with a family history. It makes me happy whenever I look at it.
So one Saturday in July, we were spending some time with my Dad and Stepmom who were visiting. Then without any provocation, they pulled me aside to talk. They told me that they could tell that Garrett and I were "serious", and they couldn't be happier about it. That's great, I thought, so why are you being so ominous? My parents then went on to explain that they understood starting out as a couple could be a huge challenge, and a lot of couples put off getting married for financial reasons, so they wanted to help in what way they could. My Stepmom then presented me with a small velvet ring box. Inside was a beautiful yellow gold diamond ring! It had been hers, and she was gifting it to me. I could resize it for myself, or use the diamonds to put towards my future wedding. They explained that it was my ring now, I could do what I pleased with it, and I didn't need to show it to Garrett until I was ready to have "that conversation". I was completely FLOORED. Without even confirming it with Garrett, my parents were banking on the idea that we were definitely getting married, and they were so sure of it that they wanted to help with the wedding before it was even started! It was quite a lot to take in! My heart was so full!
After my parents left, Garrett of course wanted to know what we had talked about. I debated keeping the news to myself for only about half a second. Then I showed him the ring and explained. His face got very serious for a moment, he was just as in awe as I was of such a generous gift. He took the ring box and said he would put it away for safe keeping. Then he cheerily suggested we go for a walk. We changed into more casual clothes and set out for the nearest park. But Garrett was being way too quiet.
It was starting to make me nervous that something was clearly up with him. To break the awkward silence a little, he started singing. This was normal for Garrett, he was always breaking into song at home. He was singing a cheesy pop love song that we considered to be our song. As he was finishing up the chorus, he got down on one knee and changed the last line of the song to "will you marry me?" (making sure it rhymed of course). He had pulled out that same velvet ring box that I had showed him earlier. My mind was racing. Is this really happening? I can't believe this is happening! Is he proposing to me with the ring my parents just gave me? Aaahhhh he's proposing! But when he opened the box, I could see a different ring inside. This one was white gold and very different in style. My style, actually. I stared at it in shock for what felt like a very long time. Suddenly I realized I couldn't just leave him hanging there (down in the grass), so of course I said "Yes!" and immediately started crying uncontrollably as he put the ring on my finger.
We weren't dressed up, there was no incredible view or romantic setting, no friends to witness it. Just the two of us on a windy day at the park. It wasn't fancy, but it was us. I found out that Garrett had had the ring for about a month or so, and was just trying to figure out when to ask. He'd spent quite a bit of time memorizing the song and trying to figure out if he wanted his brother there to play the guitar. But when my parents dropped such an amazing bomb on us that day, he knew the time had come and he couldn't wait any longer. Later we were able to incorporate the diamond from the ring my parents gave me into the ring that Garrett had picked out. Now it's a special and unique piece with a family history. It makes me happy whenever I look at it.
People get engaged and married every day. There are lots of creative, romantic and even playful ways to do it, from flash mobs on YouTube, to breathtaking views, to Pinterest-perfect settings. Whatever you choose, it's going to be a day you always remember. While there's a part of me that wishes I could have had a photographer there to capture such an amazing moment in my life, I remind myself that I wouldn't change a single detail about that day for the world. Maybe on one of our next anniversaries I'll have a photographer help us reenact it. And I'd love to do the same for someone else! Message me if you want to capture or recreate one of your most exciting moments. For now, let's keep the theme of love and promises going. What's your engagement story?
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