We're Engaged! // The Proposal Story

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

If you read my last post, or follow me on Insta, you already know that Antonio and I are ENGAGED 💍! Last week I promised the proposal story, so here we go — in all its magical glory...I’ll try not to get TOO sappy! 
To be completely 100, I had a VERY strong feeling Antonio would propose on May 25th. After eight years, we know each other extremely well, and over the last four or five months, I had been picking up on subtleties that all seemed to add up to an engagement on our anniversary — aka 5/25. 

In fact, I was so convinced it was going down on May 25th that I even told my hairdresser I’d be engaged next time he saw me (lol), and I picked a light pink shellac polish during my regular manicure appointment — because you know, pink nails are a must, JUST IN CASE. But! After Antonio insisted we go to D.C. for Memorial Day Weekend, and that we leave on the morning of May 25, I was totally caught off guard...Is it NOT happening? 
I was having major doubts up until 9.14 pm on May 24th when I found an elegant-looking envelope sitting on top of my toothbrush. THIS IS IT — and it was! The card read: “Please set your alarm for a 7:00 AM wakeup call. Do not ask any questions. I ask that you trust me and play along. Love, Antonio.” 
Per the card’s request, I set my alarm for 7 am sharp and did not ask questions. Unsurprisingly, I barely slept that night. When my alarm *finally* went off, I jumped out of bed and discovered Antonio was no where to be found. At 7:02, I received the following text from him: “Wake up. Get up. Get dressed. And look nice." He also sent a cute meme and a "Happy anniversary!" message followed by instructions with my first clue (which, by the way, were color-coded according to how close I was to the end of the hunt).
I got super excited and started actually doing the scavenger hunt...But I soon realized I needed to get dressed first. So once I looked engagement-ready, I started hunting for the cards and following the riddles — including watching a video he had made for me, finding flowers, and reading a super sweet card.

My favorite clue read, "I'm occupied six days a week, but if you don't own me, you can't take a peek." It lead me to our mailbox, which is where I found a note that read, "Congrats! You are one step closer to finding me. Use the address above for your next destination." 
Needless to say, I was getting giddier by the minute, and by this time, I was shaking with excitement. Antonio told me to bring my suitcase for our D.C. trip along with me, so I quickly finished packing, and by 8:20, I was in a car en route to the address he provided. 

Said location was Central Park Conservatory Garden — a gorgeous, gated garden that I didn't even know existed. I walked up to the iron gates and felt like I was in a fairytale — that or The Bachelorette! The space was completely empty except for, off in the distance, I spied Antonio all dressed up and waiting for me by the fountain. (Can you spot him in the below photo off to the right?).
After I made my way over to him, and he looked super dapper if I do say so myself, he handed me one last card. When I looked up after reading it, he was standing by the fountain, where he proceeded to go into his heartwarming engagement speech. As soon as he got down on one knee, the tears started to flow (from me, ha!), and I heard a camera clicking away. 
And now, what you're all waiting for — THE RING! Let's get into it... You guys, this ring Blew. Me. Away. Not only is it the sparkliest, most gorgeous thing I've ever seen, but Antonio designed it himself and had it custom made in Chicago. And no, I did not help him at all. I didn't even know what I wanted in a ring to begin with, but he designed the most perfect piece that's SO me. It's truly special, and I've been staring at it nonstop! 
After THE moment, we had a mini photo shoot in the park with the very talented Tom Therkildsen. Antonio proposed at 9 am, and by 9:45, we were on a bus heading to D.C. It was such a beautiful, magical whirlwind — a true storybook engagement that we're still riding high on! 
 Our "engagement-moon" in D.C. was fabulous as well, and we're so appreciative of all the love and support we've received since announcing the news. Right now it's looking like our wedding will be in early July 2021, so for now, we're taking our time planning, saving, and enjoying ❤️.

2 comments:

  1. I am so in love with this story. Congrats you two!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AMAZING - congrats! This is such an adorable story, and I LOVE your ring!
    Jenna ♥
    Follow me back? The Chic Cupcake - A Sustainable Lifestyle Blog

    ReplyDelete