We're Engaged!

When major life events - good or bad - happen, it takes awhile for them to sink in and really seem real. Milestone birthdays, deaths, graduations, new jobs, new babies, etc. It seems like we take on the new role long before we see ourselves as older, missing our loved-one, or having a real job.


Two months into my engagement and wedding planning and it finally seems real! I have a fiancée, not a boyfriend; we've booked our honeymoon; and I'm finally, after all these years, going to have a sister, as he conveniently comes with a twin that I love!

When Nathan planned a surprise 10 day trip for our week off in February, I hoped that something would happen. However, I'm an eternal optimist, and I had hoped something would happen on our last trip to Hawai'i...and, it didn't. 

While I had a very good feeling this time and was hoping for the best, I was also already mentally preparing myself for the "worst"...and telling myself it was okay if he did not pop the question.

He managed to keep our destination a complete surprise; the only clue I received was a weather report, and I knew we needed a passport. My friends had fun joking that we were most likely going to either Canada or Mexico.

When we boarded the plane at Los Angeles International Airport, I only knew that they were flying to Philadelphia! It wasn't until we were in the first class lounge (I've never flown first class!) in Philly that I found out: Rome and then Madrid! I was so elated that I actually cried a little bit, and then promptly updated my facebook status.

We're going to Rome and Madrid!

We arrived in Rome Sunday morning, checked in at our hotel which was right across from the Vatican walls Then, we headed to St. Peter's Bascillica where we were actually able to receive a blessing from the Pope and attend Mass.



Later that night, we set out to explore the Eternal City on foot. Around every corner, there seemed to be something amazing. Bundled up and holding hands, we passed Castel Sant'Angelo and the Spanish Steps before ducking into a sidewalk cafe for some lasagna.



At this dinner, he asked me if I would like to see the Trevi Fountain at night. "Sure!" I exclaimed. As we rounded the corner, I started snapping pictures from the side because it was so beautiful, and I just couldn't wait. We walked down to the front and marveled at the size and scope of it. I handed my camera to a fellow tourist, and asked for a picture of us. But when viewed, I noticed two people in the picture. We sat down on the marble bench and waited for just the right opportunity.

When the crowd cleared a little, he gave my camera to someone, and asked them to "please take a few pictures." I giggled, figuring that this was an inside joke on the fact that I sure do like taking pictures, especially on vacation! As we were posing for the photograph, he got down on one knee, and I instantly started crying. While I had dreamed about this moment for my whole life, and imagined him doing this at least one hundred times, I was still in complete and utter shock. Tears were falling as I repeated "Oh my gosh!" 

Mouth agape, I shook my head in disbelief and needed a hug to even stand.

I have no idea what he said...or, what I said in response! When he stood up to hug me, I think he asked "Is that a yes?" and, still crying, I said yes. We kissed, and everyone applauded. 

But, our proposal story doesn't end there! A nice man with an Australian accent approached us and told us that he had the entire proposal captured on video! He was there on his honeymoon, and retrieved his iPhone as soon as he saw Nathan on bended knee. It's wonderful to watch, and we hope to preserve for future generations.
You can view the actual proposal, and my tearful reaction, HERE.