It’s official…I’m enGAYged!
Ok, with that said…a brief introduction before the proposal story. ME: (Elphaba) Corinne, 31, Account Manager for global research solutions company…FL native…self proclaimed comedic-genius, social butterfly, trivia champ, balanced, tomboy. MY FIANCEE: (Glenda) Lisa, 25, Case Manager for local non-profit…my very own California girl…eco-friendly, kind-hearted, crafty, mush-pot, beautiful! We have two, 4-legged feline roommates…Macy Gray & Sweet Potato (Tatie)…a great circle of friends, and an equally wonderful family.
Corinne & Lisa
On to the proposal story – Yes, this past weekend…on Sat., 3/21, I proposed to my now fiancee at Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel Island, on Florida’s west coast. It was casual and sweet…and what we describe as perfect! We (along with some friends) went over to the west coast to catch a show in Ft. Myers and to spend some time on the beach relaxing. I wasn’t 100% sure I was going to propose, but, I brought the ring just to be safe. I didn’t think that Lisa would suspect anything because we were on the weekend getaway with friends, so, there was potential for a great surprise. So, on Friday when I was at home, I was sure to pack the ring in my bag, stuffed between my flip flops. We drove over that night, checked into our cute little motel, relaxed under the stars with friends and welcomed the weekend. Saturday morning rolls around, and we decide we are going to head over to the island to visit Sanibel & Captiva. Lisa hops in the shower and I take the opportunity to grab the ring out of the ridiculously large box it was in (seriously, there was no way that thing was going to hide in my pocket) and put it in my pocket. My best friend “TP” was aware that my popping the question was a possibility, so, we were in cahoots on capturing the perfect moment. So, at this point, we are sitting on the front porch of our motel room quietly talking about the plans…where, when, how? TP also managed to terrify me with the simple statement “you better make sure there aren’t any holes in your pockets!”. HOLES IN MY POCKETS…that phrase stuck with me all morning…no joke…my hand was in my pocket for probably 2 straight hours. So, we all hop in the car and head over to the island, we decide to have breakfast first. Now, if you know me, you know that I LOVE me a good hearty breakfast…so, I find it funny that Lisa didn’t pick up on the fact that I barely touched my meal…TOO NERVOUS!
So, we drive for a while and stumble upon a nice little beach. It was a gorgeous day, sun was shining yet not too hot, nor cold. We all walked down to the beach amidst beautiful foliage and a nice boardwalk…. surrounded by ideal Florida scenery. The beach itself was gorgeous…the water was bright blue and the sand soft & cool beneath our feet. IT was PERFECT! Now, earlier, I told TP that if I ask Lisa to go for a walk than that was the clue that I was going to ask…so, you can imagine her expression when I jumped up and suggested my lady and I take a relaxing stroll down the beach. So, Lisa and I go on our way…kicking the water, chatting, laughing…savoring the moment…
SOOOOOOOO…a short ways down, when we weren’t completely surrounded by people, I think to myself, this is it…do it!
Me: I love you
Lisa: I love you too.
Me: I want to marry you. (we say this often, so, she didn’t think anything of it)
Lisa: I want to marry you too.
Me: You do? Good…(pause) then come here… (I pull her close to me) I love you so much, and I want nothing more than to marry you…so…(pull out the ring) Will you marry me?
Lisa: (through tears) Yes! (nervous laughter, tears, nervous laughter, tears)
At this point, I stumble through putting the ring on her finger…THE WRONG HAND…Lisa giggles, corrects my mistake and we kiss & hug for maybe 2 minutes. It was amazing! Even though we had people walking around us, at that exact moment, it was just us. Perfect. Now, TP knew what was happening so she was down the beach with her camera zoomed as much as possible capturing the moment, see below:
Popping the question.
She said YES
We eventually made our way back to our friends on the beach, who were excited and congratulated us immediately. Then it happened, reality set in, we began calling our families sharing the news. Everyone was thrilled! Lisa just kept looking down at her hand in amazement, as did I, we were engaged…wow. She loved the ring, so we snapped a few pics of it to share via email with her long distance family (and you guys, of course):
It’s funny, I played out so many ideas in my head…many which were very elaborate (I tend to go “all in” when I plan something, borderline over the top)…but for some reason, the simplicity of the beach on a gorgeous spring day just seemed right. I think Lisa agrees!
Now, on to planning the wedding…stay tuned!!!
- Corinne (the blogger formerly known as Elphaba)
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Congratulations! What a fabulous story. I LOVE that you captured photos of the moment. Here’s to you two!
I’m telling you, there’s nothing like spending the rest of your life with a comedic-genius! I found one myself, but of the opposite sex. :-) I can tell by looking at the photos that you are a great person to be around. I think you’ll find that a sense of humor can get you through most problems that come up in life. Congratulations! Since you obviously live close by Sanibel, I’ll run across the two of you walking on the beach, one of these days. Be happy!
That is a truly gorgeous ring and a truly laid-back proposal. Good job!
Congrats, Corinne! What a beautiful ring, and I loved reading the story of your proposal. I just may have one to tell *you* soon. ;)
All my best,
Raven
Great site this soyoureengayged.com and I am really pleased to see you have what I am actually looking for here and this this post is exactly what I am interested in. I shall be pleased to become a regular visitor :)
I can finally say I’m engaged too! Check out this video a friend took of us just after we arrived at the surprise engagement party:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1je9P3cBM9w
Congrats Corinne! I loved reading your story, and the jewelry is just out of this world beautiful!
Also congrats to Raven! You too are soooo cute, I loved watching your video. What a great story! I think I am going to have to post our engagement story next week!