the perfect proposal
12.15.2016
My now husband, Jamie, and I had been dating for about three years by the time he proposed. I had always heard that I would know when it was going to happen and RARELY was there ever an actual surprise to the whole ordeal. Well, I’m here to say that is absolutely false!
It was a Thursday in December, and his mom was in town visiting for an early Christmas. She had made plans that night to see her sister, so it was just the two of us for dinner. I am a lover of going to happy hour, not sure if it’s because I’m old and now like to be home before it gets dark, or if it’s the fun of drinking during working hours, but either way, count me in. So we decided to head to Jackson’s Bar and Oven for a drink or two and then Chevys for dinner.
It was raining off and on all day, so I was in no mood to get ready by any sense of the word. My jeans had a hole in the crotch (I know, I don’t know why I even still own them), my hair was on the top of my head, I had zero make-up on, AND my nails hadn't been done for the last three months. Apparently, his mom even asked him if he was going to tell me to get ready, but he knew it would tip me off since he never says anything like that to me. Looking back – would have been nice, but the surprise was way worth it.
So we get to Jackson’s and as we sat at a bar table, devouring truffle fries and red wine, he shows me a text from his Stepmom of a photo of an old Coor’s cooler he wants to get his dad for Christmas. She had said it was available at the antique store close by so we decided to stop in on the way to dinner to see if we could find it.
We walk in, take a scan of the store, and I look to Jamie and tell him that we should just have them find it for us. It was going to be like finding a needle in a haystack. But no, he didn’t care. “Let’s just look around” he says. Rolling my eyes a little we start glancing at other things in the store – old records, vintage postcards, jewelry, etc. We’re standing in front of a display for a few seconds too long – I cannot figure out why he cares so much about it, he’s never been one to shop, let alone meander through a store. I turn to him to tell him just that and there he goes...down on one knee!
“Will you spend the rest of your life with me?” he says.
I was in such shock I said to him “Are you f***ing kidding me?” I know, I’m such a lady. And then said “HECK YES!!!”
After hugging and kissing and being overwhelmed with emotion, he points over to the other side of the store where I see a photographer! I was so oblivious to not only what this whole trip to the store was about but also that there was someone taking pictures of us the entire time!
So for the next few minutes we walk around taking photos in the store. I was still in so much shock I could barely pose.
After that we still went to dinner – he had arranged for both of our families to meet us to celebrate! I still cannot believe he pulled all of it off without me even getting the slightest idea. I was (and still am!) very impressed with him.
ps: no, there isn't any history behind the antique shop. he had originally planned to do the proposal outside in the railroad square, but it was raining so he had to a make last minute adjustment. so cute if you ask me
Photos by Vera Frances Photography
