The News…finally
So remember when I said something really exciting happened on my birthday like, oh I don’t know…two weeks ago? Well I have been waiting to share it because I had to depend on someone else to give me the pictures and they took a little longer than I expected. Fun stuff. So now that I finally have them, I can go ahead and tell you what happened! Eeek!
Back in May, Brandon’s dad sent him tickets to an Aggie game for his birthday. Since we would have to travel back to College Station for the game, he also booked us a room at Messina Hof which is a quaint little vineyard in Bryan, Texas with a nice restaurant and bed & breakfast on site.
Messina Hof was one of the first places in Texas that Brandon took me after he moved there to start graduate school {we lived apart for one year} and the picture below is from our first trip there in September of 2008.
Five years later…the Aggie game happened to fall on the same weekend as my birthday and although I was suspicious about the Messina Hof part of our trip {a little romantic for Pop’s taste}, Brandon said that his dad knew it was my birthday so he planned accordingly. Hmmm… {tapping finger on chin}
Then, about a month ago, I got a text from one of my friends in College Station telling me her husband won a spa day at work and that she wanted to take me along as a treat for my birthday. Of course, I didn’t want to believe that she would lie to me but the whole thing sounded a little fishy. As time went on, I decided that all of this might be Brandon’s plan to treat me for my birthday. However, what I couldn’t figure out was why he wouldn’t just tell me it was his idea to plan all of this. Hmmm…
After landing in Austin Thursday afternoon, we drove to College Station through a heavy downpour and arrived at Messina Hof. I had already looked up the forecast for the weekend and saw that it was going to rain almost the entire time we were there so I immediately set out to take pictures of the grounds while the sun was somewhat shining. Sigh…a blogger never rests. ;)
Meanwhile, Brandon went to check us into the B&B which turned out to be very homey and inviting.
Fast forward to Friday {my birthday}, we had a relaxing breakfast together before I went to lunch and the spa with my friend and Brandon went to catch up with a few of his former colleagues. Later in the day, we met back at the B&B to get cleaned up for dinner at Messina Hof’s restaurant.
The entire time we were getting ready, Brandon was acting very strange. He seemed extremely jittery and was sweating profusely, although he was sweet enough to shut of the AC because I was cold…always a gentlemen. Of course, I asked him if anything was wrong and questioned if he had too many espressos at lunch which he replied with a no and assured me that everything was fine. Eventually we made our way down to the wine tasting room for a complimentary glass of wine that the B&B offers their guests. They also offered us a free cheese tasting which Brandon promptly and politely declined.
This was when I really started to suspect something was off…Brandon never turns down cheese. I thought to myself, I don’t know what the heck is wrong with you but we’re getting our free cheese and asked the waitress to please bring it anyway.
After she brought us our wine, she handed me a photographer’s business card and explained that they were also offering complimentary photos to their guests and that we could go to the website listed on the card to view them at a later date. Brandon suggested we go right away so we made our way into the back dining room where the photographer was waiting.
As I was thinking to myself that it was a little strange that we were the only two people in there, Brandon started to get down on one knee and stick his hand into his pocket.
Although my hair was in the way, I can assure you I had tears in my eyes and a huge smile on my face. I had been waiting for this moment for eight and a half years and it felt so good to finally have my dream come become a reality.
I remember feeling so happy and excited that I was literally shaking in these pictures. Looking back, I’m surprised I didn’t put my wine glass down but I guess I was too wrapped up in the moment to even notice.
Brandon told me that we still had dinner reservations to get to so, unfortunately, we had to leave the cheese behind and head over to the restaurant.
On top of the surprise proposal, he also arranged for all of our friends to come out and celebrate with us at dinner.
It was so good to see all of them and I barely ate anything that night because of all the excitement.
After we said our goodbyes and thanked everyone for coming, Brandon and I went back to the room and he explained to me that he had been planning this for over a year. He said that his original plan was to propose under the gazebo that they have outside in the vineyards but that it was completely ruined by the bad weather.
Then he gave me an incredibly touching card {that he had printed himself} which explained that he chose this spot because it was somewhere special from our past and also somewhere he hopes to bring our children in the future. {For a football game, of course!}
It finally stopped raining on the last morning we were there so we took a walk back to the vineyards together. He told me that for the past six months he had dreamt of how special it was going to be and that he imagined it happening with the sun setting behind us.
He was pretty upset that it didn’t work out as planned but I tried to assure him it didn’t matter to me. I was happy just knowing that he put so much thought into it and that I could finally call him my fiancé!
So that’s it. That’s the big news I’ve been waiting to share!
I think some of you may have assumed we were married because we live together and have been dating for so long but clearly that wasn’t the case. For the past several years, I had been patiently waiting for Brandon to finish graduate school so that we could open the next chapter in our lives and it feels amazing to have made it this far together. It was well worth the wait. Oh, and I almost forgot. Some of you ladies might want to see the ring!
For some reason my camera doesn’t like to focus on it.
I even tried taking a few pictures of it on the grapes at Kendall Jackson last weekend but I still couldn’t get it to come out clear.
Anyway, he picked it out all on his own and I couldn’t be happier!
We haven’t set an official date yet but we’re shooting for April since that is the time of year it is least likely to rain or be sweltering hot in Florida, where all of our family lives. It will be interesting trying to plan a wedding from across the country in six months so we’ll see how things go.
Do you think six months is long enough to plan a wedding?
If you’re engaged or married, tell me your proposal story!
Wow, how awesome and exciting!! I am so happy for you :). Beautiful ring, too!!
Congrats!!! Beautiful ring!! Exciting times ahead! )
Congratulations! What a sweet/thoughtful engagement. I totally thought you were already married though ;)
Oh my gosh, congrats!!!!! This is such an amazing story and I know how much you were wanting this :) And to answer your question, yes 6 months is not too short of time! Just find your dress first and express it because that is what takes the longest ;)
Ahhhh AMAZING!!! Congratulations!! What an incredible proposal story. I can only imagine how beautiful your wedding is going to be, can’t wait to hear more about the planning process. I’ve never planned a wedding but I watch copious amounts of TLC so I think 6 months is plenty of time :) congrats again girly!
Congratulations, Sarah! Such a sweet proposal, and such a beautiful ring :) You two make a lovely couple, and I’m looking forward to reading about your planning — 6 months is definitely enough time to get it done.
Congratulations!! So so so happy for you!! Can’t wait to see the wedding pics :-)
Congrats! What a sweet story! Very happy for you – enjoy every minute of your engagement.
I don’t think it’s possible for me to be more excited for you!!!!! This is actually the best news ever. And the story warms my heart :) Congrats to both of you. You make a beautiful couple and that ring is absolutely stunning. You better be giving us wedding prep recaps!
If my experience watching Say Yes to the Dress means anything, you should have no trouble planning a wedding in 6 months!
Gosh, I feel like an id! I totally thought you guys were married. But Congratulations! It’s sweet he put so much thought into it. It totally doesn’t even matter that it didn’t work out the way he planned, because in the end, I’m sure you were super happy! :)
David proposed to me 1 week before our 10 year anniversary! SO, it was a somewhat surprise but it was the next step I had been waiting for for a while! He did it while we were on a weekend getaway in Truckee. We went on a hike, and he did it at the top of a hill with a cute little tree. My parents now call the spot “Proposal Hill”.
6 months is enough time, but you’ll probably be working on wedding stuff all.the.time! I have no idea how you’d plan a wedding across the country! Are you going to hire a wedding planner or someone to help you? I’m very excited for you!
I told Brandon if we made it 10 years without an engagement, I would be upset! Haha.
Your sounds like it was beautiful. I love Truckee.
I’m not planning on hiring anyone but some of the venues offer coordinators so we’ll see how it goes. I’m trying not to freak out.
That’s pretty much what I’d told David about the 10 year mark! He sure cut it close!
I didn’t hire anyone either. Our venue came w/ a day of coordinator. She was very sweet and helpful before hand but when it came down to it, she really wasn’t that helpful. Somewhat of a disappointment, but everything worked out in the end. I’m sure friends & family will be totally willing to help you in anyway you let them. :)
Congratulations you two!!! What a beautiful story and beautiful ring!
Aww, congrats lady!! Seriously a gorgeous couple, with a sweet proposal story to match. So happy for you guys!! <3
Congratulations!!! What a beautiful and thoughtful proposal! Love that he did it in TX! :)
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I love how much thought and effort he put into the proposal. So, so sweet!!
You’re so right, as I was reading this I thought, “Wait, they aren’t married yet?!” Ha.
6 months is totally enough time. In my experience, you plan everything in the first few months, and then just patiently wait for the wedding to happen!
Oh my goodness! So exciting and what an awesome proposal story. I love it.
Congratulations to the two of you!!
I can’t wait to see the dress! You are going to be a beautiful bride. Thanks for sharing the moment. Very sweet :)
Awww! Congratulations!! Tis the season of love! My friend Lauren, who blogs over at Life as Lauren, just got engaged about a week ago! Congratulations! The ring is gorgeous and I love how much thought and effort he put into it. I’m not married anymore, but my ex proposed in the middle of the hallway in the house we lived in at the time! Ha! And for the record, I planned a wedding in 8 months WHILE finishing up my degree AND looking for a job…I think you can handle a 6 month engagement! ;)
Wow. You must have been one super busy lady!
AHHH I knew it!! Congrats girl that it so so exciting!! Wedding planning is so much fun. I’m planning mine from a city three hours away from where we are getting married. It’s really not that bad, you just have to do a little more research. Six months is doable just get the big things out of the way first so you know for sure they are booked (venue, caterer, dj, photographer, etc.). SO exciting :):)
CONGRATS!!! What a beautiful place to get engaged and so fun that he had your friends and family surprise you afterwards for dinner. Looking forward to hearing of wedding planning details :) I think 6 months is plenty of time to plan…I did it in 9 months and felt like there were a few months in the middle when I did absolutely nothing. Just enjoy it all…it’s so much fun!!!
Ahhhhh! Congratulations! Such exciting news : ) We were engaged for a little over a year … and at times there was absolutely nothing to do. Enjoy every second though – it all goes by so so fast!!
What an adorable proposal! Can’t be mad about waiting a year for the ring when he put so much effort into making it so nice. Six months is totally enough time to plan a wedding. Just stay relaxed and focus on the most important items first :) Congrats!
OH MY GOODNESS! I was on edge the entire time! I kept thinking, “What is going ON?!”;
“What is Brandons PROBLEM?! Turning down cheese?!”
Congrats, you two. I love it when guys take the time to plan out something so special that you’ll remember forever. I approve of the ring, too. :D
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HUGE CONGRATS!! I think that’s awesome that he picked a place that means a lot to the both of you. I can’t wait to hear about wedding planning!! :)
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Oh my gosh this was the cutest story and I am so happy for you!! The ring is beautiful and you two make such a gorgeous couple. Can’t wait to hear about your wedding plans :) Congratulations again, Sarah!
Oh my gosh, congratulations!! What an amazing job he did planning that whole proposal. I know you must be so excited! My husband proposed in our living room on X-mas day and I totally knew it was coming, haha. 6 months is super quick, but I figure as long as you get the major stuff locked in ASAP you’d be fine!
Unfortunately and fortunately, I was the friend that “lied” all weekend! BUT, it was for a good cause. I was so incredibly blessed to be a part of your proposal! I will remember it forever. I cherish our friendship more than you’ll ever know (i’m sure you kind of got a hint of it…since I cried like three times in that one day, what’s wrong with me?) But, I thank Brandon for dragging you to College Station those several years ago—he’s the reason that I have made a life long friend in you and him ;) To many more years of happiness and surprises! I love you- Stace
I should of known by all of those tears that something was up! ;) You made the day so special for me and I’ll never forget that. I love you too girly! xoxo
Oh my goodness! Congratulations girl! What a beautiful and exciting moment for you and your love! So happy for you; your ing is gorgeous and he did a great job! :)
Oh love, I am so so happy for you! Just incredible <3. The ring is gorgeous, as are you two lovebirds. Wishing you so much happiness!
And that ring! Good man.
OMG Congratulations!!!! How exciting, newly engaged is so much fun. Enjoy it!!
As for 6 months, it may be a little tight but it’s plenty do able! You will be one busy lady :)
This is amazing! Congrats!! What a beautiful place, beautiful event, and beautiful couple! I don’t mind that ring either ;) Enjoy your engagement!
Congrats! Beautiful ring!
This is a really beautiful story! Congratulations!! :)
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! So happy and excited for you. What a beautiful story! The ring is gorgeous. Mine looks almost like it. My hubby asked me to marry him on a cruise ship somewhere between Florida and Cuba. :) Such an exciting time. Enjoy it
Oh my gosh Sarah…congratulations! What a wonderful proposal at such a gorgeous location. You definitely have a keeper there! The ring is beautiful! So excited for you too!
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG! This is what I was hoping the exciting news was! Sarah – I am so happy for the two of you. What a touching and beautiful weekend that your man planned for you. I always think it’s so funny how nervous the guys are (Ben was, too). It’s totally no surprise that we’re going to say yes, right? LOVE LOVE LOVE all of this. You two make an absolutely GORGEOUS couple and you are just too stunning for words!
Where in Florida are you planning to get married? I got married on South Beach and I am planning my sister’s wedding right now in Jupiter. I’m happy to share some of my favorite (and not so) vendors with you. Also have a BUNCH of friends who are/have gotten married in FL.
YAY!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many OMGs! LOL. Thank you Sara! You are so sweet, as always. We are getting married in central Florida. Either the Daytona Beach area or Orlando. I am trying to secure a venue by this week so we’ll see happens. Wish me luck!
Congratulations!!! How exciting, and that’s a wonderful story and such a thoughtful proposal/weekend that your fiancé planned!
Congratulations! I am sooo happy for you Sarah. It sounds/looks like such a beautiful proposal and Brandon really put a lot of thought into it.
I think you don’t need to worry about the whole wedding planning thing, I bet it works out just fine :). Also, I love your ring!
CONGRATS!!! To be honest, I swore you were already married! When you said you had news a few weeks ago, I thought maybe it was an engagement, pregnancy or something but brushed it off because I thought you were married and two, you went to a bar for drinks the next weekend. Well, that closes my detective skills!
Congrats again! My friend got engaged and married in four months and planned the New York wedding from San Francisco so I think it will work out really well for you. Maybe just a few more red eyes then you anticipate but it will be so worth it. :)
Yay!!
CONGRATS!! I’m SO so so excited for you!!! that ring is GORGEOUS!! and what a fantastic proposal :) Yay!!!
A HUGE congratulations to both of you!! What a sweet engagement story :) And a lovely location. So very thoughtful.
Even though we haven’t met, I wondered when he was going to pop the question and as soon as this post went up, I freaking squealed with joy. Yes, I am strange.
Don’t stress about doing everything yourself. If you need help from family and friends in Florida, ask for it. I’m sure they will be more than willing to help as it will make the bicoastal planning easier.
Eric proposed to me on a cliff in La Jolla. I had NO idea that he was planning on proposing (i never pushed or spoke for marriage, happy as is) but he was acting very odd and funny. Like taking his entire giant suitcase into the tiny bathroom (to dig out the box and ring to tape to his ankle under his sock).
Much love to you both!!
Haha, that’s such a funny story! Brandon hid the ring in his mouse to his computer because he was afraid airport security would take it. Silly boys. :)
Wahooooo congratulations, lady!! How exciting :) I loved reading your story! Can’t wait to hear more details!!!
I am so beyond excited for you and Brandon! What a great proposal story, it sounds like he made it very special!
Oh my gosh, sooo exciting! Congrats to you both and what a very special day/evening!! I think 6 months is possible for sure– thats when all of the planning begins anyway!
Oh! That is such exciting news. And what a beautiful ring. I loved how detailed he planned everything out, it was so sweet. I was just at Texas A&M this weekend for a nutrition conference. It was lovely and will hold a soft spot in my heart as I know it will in yours also.
CONGRATS! The ring is beautiful! I actually know a couple of people who planned a wedding in less than 6 months. It seemed like there was a lot for them to get done and decide FAST, but it was also less time for them to stress over minor details. Enjoy your engagement :)
Yayyyy congrats!! That is so so exciting! I love how much thought he put into the proposal, and that he got everyone else in on it, too. The ring is beautiful! Planning your wedding cross-country will be interesting… but I think 6 months is plenty of time (as long as you find your dress quickly) – no need to be one of those brides that drags out the planning stage to over a year! Eeek enjoy it!
Woohoo!! Omg congratulations what a beautiful beautiful story! It gave me chills down my spine. Such a wonderful surprise and great way for him to propose so happy for you both :D
No engagement story from me. My boyfriend and I have been together 4.5 years so you know still another 4 years to wait before a proposal ;) hehe
Your ring is gorgeous by the way! I can’t wait to hear all your wedding plans.
Oh. My. Stinking. Flipping. Goodness. Cuteness.
This is SO adorable and the pictures of you guys are beautiful! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I love this story – and your fiance is the sweetest and most thoughtful! He planned everything so wonderfully and it sounds like the best proposal ever! You two are going to have a stunning wedding, I can’t wait to stalk your blog! Congratulations you pretty lady, that ring is beautiful, you look gorgeous and your fiance is a sweetie! What a happy weekend you must have had! :)
Ahhh congratulations!! What a sweet guy :) Your ring is beautiful and so are all of the photos.
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you two and can’t wait to see all of the wedding planning! Where in Florida are you looking to get married?
Thanks Beth! We haven’t secured a venue yet but somewhere in the Daytona Beach area or Orlando area. I really like Highland Manor in Apopka but I’m not sure it will fit the budget so we’ll see. Have you heard of that one?
Oh yeah I’ve heard of Highland Manor! It’s about 25 minutes from my house. It looks like a beautiful property. I considered Dubsdread too when I was planning our wedding but it ended up being too small.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! YAYAY! I’m so happy for you! Your ring is gorgeous! Amazing! My husband and I had been dating for about 8 years when he finally proposed. We met when we were 22 so there was some necessary waiting time in there and then we wanted to wait until I was done with law school. He proposed when we were visiting his family in Australia. We had planned to go kayaking but he started driving the wrong way. We then ended up at this wharf and he took me on a seaplane. We flew to a private island and had a picnic where he popped the question. It was pretty romantic. Not to mention I have some great shots flying over Sydney Harbor! Congrats again. I’m so happy for you.
CONGRATS!!! That is so exciting! so sweet that he put so much effort into it. And I totally get the waiting for school to be over thing…We did the same and were married after TEN years of dating :-) I cant wait to follow along as you plan your wedding. You are going to make one GORGEOUS bride!
Congratulations Sarah!!!! So happy for you! The ring is beautiful!! :)
Thank you Tracey! I’m on cloud 9. :)
Love the pictures and the story. Rachel told me to read the blog and see the pictures. You will do just fine planning everything!! The ring looks the best on your finger–that’s the best picture of it! Love and miss you. Congrats.
Aw, thank you! I miss y’all so much. Love you! xoxo
What a sweet and thoughtful way of proposing! I’m sure he was disappointed about the weather, but the job got done either way! :)
Clearly I’m catching up… this is WAY more exciting than those cinnamon buns. Err, kinda. OMG congrats! So happy for you both. And that ring is gorgeous! Six months is totally fine. I dragged mine out for nearly a year and a half but really didn’t do anything until the 6 month mark came!
Sarah! This is soooooo exciting! I’m just really, really thrilled for you and totally enjoyed reading all about the incredibly intricate plan Brandon so carefully put together for the perfect proposal! What a story! Married life is the bestedy-bestest! What could be better than spending your life having adventures with the guy who always makes your heart skip a beat and is also your dearest friend in the world?!?!? It’s awesome! Congrats!!!!!
I have been the WORST blog friend ever and I can’t believe I missed this! CONGRATULATIONS Sarah! It may not show behind your lovely hair, but you can really tell through your words how happy this engagement makes you and I wish you all the happiness in the world! <3 <3 The ring is beautiful by the way ;)
No worries Katie! Thanks for the wishes, they are greatly appreciated. :)
I can’t believe I missed this post (I am catching up on all of my blog reading) but OMGOMGOM CONGRATS! This is the sweetest proposal ever. And the fact that he put that much thought and effort into it is beyond adorable. You two are adorable. Oh I’m so happy for you two! This is SUCH a special time in your life and I know you will soak up every moment of happiness of it. Congrats again!!
I know this is old news now, but I just have to say that you two are a ridiculously good-looking couple!! My hubby proposed to me on the beach, where he wrote ‘will you marry me?’ in the sand! I was for sure shocked!! And we actually got married on the same beach 10 months later! :)
Pingback: Baked Acorn Squash Bowls