An Engaged Milestone!
On Friday evening, overlooking the University of Arkansas's Old Main lawn, I was proposed to by the love of my life. I want to capture down every itty bitty detail, before I lose it to my memory forever. I wish I could capture in a bottle how I feel right now, and spritz it on every morning when I wake up. Saying that I'm on Cloud 9 is an understatement. We are both just beaming.
So, without further ado- the story of how I became an engaged woman, to a wonderful man.
Friday afternoon:
I have my last summer Friday of the year, off at 12 to meet Andrea and Emerson at Hammontree's for lunch. We chat for a few hours, catch up on her sweet baby girl...and just enjoy not having to look at each other and say- ugh, back to work! After lunch, I was hoping to continue the baby tour by visiting Molly and Winston. Molly's family came in town earlier than I thought, so I decided to wait my turn:). Next, I was off to see Michelle and the Trips! They literally doubled in size since I had seen them last. Typically, once I'm over at her house, I end up staying for hours- reading all her design and gossip magazines, feeding babies, and just catching up. At about 5:00, Matt called to see if I wanted to go to dinner when he got home from work. This is very typical- Friday date night, maybe a movie- home depot if we have the time. I told him I'd run home and get ready...little did I know, his plan was just set in motion.
Matt called at 6, which typically is longer than the normal commute to Fayetteville, to say that he was in pretty bad traffic. He claimed he was really hungry, and was just going to swing by, pick me up, and not worry about changing from his work clothes. This, my friends, instantly got me to change out of jeans and into a skirt, so that I would match him of course! (Smart Boy). When he finally arrived at the house, it was normal- Emily in the bathroom finishing up her makeup, Matt taking Wrigley on a spin around the block. He told me he called ahead to Ella's, because so many students and their parents are back in town. I might have raised an eyebrow at this, but didn't think much about it. We arrived to Ella's/Carnall Hall at 6:30- and the dining room was almost completely empty. When Matt told the Hostess, "Reservation for Curry", I rolled my eyes and laughed. May have even said- no worries, I think they have a table...To my surprise the Hostess said- "actually we are expecting a huge group and have two rehearsal dinners here tonight, we'd like to sit you on the porch if that is ok?" I made a comment about the heat, but followed her on outside. After we walk down the steps, she takes a right- which is odd. I comment that I didn't know people could book tables out here, I didn't know it was an option, how neat, oh I hope I don't get stuck in the grass- the whole while looking at my shoes and hopping from one brick to the next. When I think back now, nobody was responding to my comments...but at the time I didn't notice. When we got to the porch, I took my first glance up. I stop in my tracks. Rose petals cover the porch leading to our own table outside. We are the only table in sight, and it is covered with more flowers and bubbling champagne. I cry, immediately. I have seen way to many episodes of The Bachelor to know what this means. I didn't know, however, if I was suppose to walk towards the table, or what to do. Our hostess sort of shews us towards the table so she can throw our menu's down and get the heck outta there! At first, Matt said "oh! this is nice", but he knew he couldn't fool me any longer...then he said "I guess the rose petals gave it away..".
There I stood- ready for it. He immediately got down on one knee, and said the most wonderful things about us, our journey, and our future life together. I won't ever forget the look on his face, the excitement, his voice, and obvious love that he had for me at that very moment. I tried to listen hard, I was only shedding silent tears at that point. At the end of his proposal, he opened a little box- and BAM it had a light! We both laughed, we cried (or I did at least), and then toasted to our engagement! My new ring, and our future plans!
My first question after we sat down, was "who knew about all this?", and Matt claimed- nobody, only our parents. For some reason, it just put me at ease...it was just us! Enjoying that glow of excitement! At that point I told him that we should call our parents, but then just wait until after dinner to start calling people. I really wanted to relish this time with him. Just soak it all in. Our conversation for the next hour and a half was unforgettable, the meal and service was amazing, and we got to watch the sun set over Old Main. It was literally the best meal of our lives.
As the meal was winding down, and we were finished with everything, I told him I was ready to start calling people. I didn't get very far, because he was standing up telling me to hurry up- my mom was waiting inside! I had invited her up when I talked to her the first time, so I knew that much. I start complaining that I really want to call more people when he finally says- they aren't answering because THEY ARE INSIDE!! I cried, I squealed, and we RAN into the Lambeth Lounge. Matt had arranged that my family and friends were there, to start the celebrations! I was so overwhelmed, amazed, and delighted that he had gone to that step to make sure we could celebrate in person with everyone in town. We floated around that room till midnight, toasting, enjoying our engagement cake, taking pictures, and telling our story. It was the best night of my life, and one that I will remember forever. I even still had the ring on the next morning to prove it wasn't a dream.
My beautiful ring!
My flowers! You can see the rose petals in the background!
Our amazing meals...scallops for me, steak for Matt. Honestly, I could hardly eat!
MY SURPRISE ENGAGEMENT PARTY!
My Sister and Mom...I was so happy to have them there!
My amazing table! Cake, Cookies, Champagne- Oh My!
All my girls...I can't thank you enough for being there to celebrate with us!
Andrea and Josh...how she kept the secret during lunch, I'll never know!
Reed, Ben and Cam came to celebrate!
Tressa and Stephanie were so sweet to be there!
Michelle and Karrie, who KNEW the night before! Love y'all.
My sweet friends, Jo and Alison!!
Andddd here we go!!!! Future Mr. and Mrs. Curry!
