The Proposal

On Saturday, July 18, 2009 at approximately 5:00 p.m., my best friend asked me to be his wife. (I said yes.)

Philip and I had been talking about marriage for quite some time – particularly after my Dad started dropping some hints to me about it earlier this year. After several trips with Philip to the jewelry store, we finally found “the” setting. I chose a Verragio design and mentioned that I would like a cushion cut diamond.

Fast forward to July 10, 2009. Philip tells me to not make any plans for July 18.

“Why?” I asked.

“Because you tend to plan things a week in advance and I need you to keep that afternoon open,” he said.

The following Wednesday, he told me we were having some pictures taken on Saturday at The Factory in Franklin and that I had to be ready by 3 p.m. for him to retrieve me for our photography session. Needless to say, I was somewhat suspicious and suspecting this could be “the day”.

At 3 p.m. on said Saturday, Philip picked me up and drove us to The Factory. I asked him who was taking our pictures, but he wouldn’t tell.

Shortly after we arrived, a black Mini sped past us. Sure enough. I knew it. Our friend (and co-worker) Tony Matula was Philip’s partner in crime and the photographer responsible for our photo shoot.

After taking a bunch of funny, sweet, silly and romantic photos, Philip said there was one more photo he would like to take. (Here’s where Philip gets down on his knee and you see me making the face in the above photo.)

Down on one knee with my hand in his, the man of my dreams looked in my eyes (which were welling up with tears at this point), told me he loved me and asked me to make him the happiest man in the world by becoming his wife.

We lunged into each other’s arms and I remember telling myself to remember every little detail of this moment. Fortunately, with Tony there capturing each moment, that was taken care of.

After wiping away the tears of happiness, I touched up my makeup and we took photos with the ring. Philip was definitely thinking ahead when he planned this. These are now our engagement photos!

I’m very excited to be starting this journey “down the aisle” and look forward to sharing all of our experiences here leading up to and beyond the big day.

Thank you in advance for reading and for sharing your tips, ideas, suggestions and stories.