Sunday, February 28, 2010

Our engagement story

    where Hank proposed- for my blog :)

    Three years ago today, February 28, 2007, my husband (then boyfriend), got down on one knee and proposed to me, in that very spot marked by the heart in the photo above. Looking back, it's amazing how quickly time has marched on, but at the same time, it feels like we've been together our entire lives. Back then, I remember thinking how long it would be until we were actually married, and now we're finishing up our second year of being husband and wife.

    We had been talking about getting married for some time, and he had even given me a promise ring during Christmas of 2005. It was a gorgeous pink sapphire and diamond ring that Hank had wrapped up and put under the tree. At that point we had been dating for about a year and a couple of months, and I already knew I wanted to marry him. Hank was still touring very heavily with his then-band, Life in Pictures, so it made me especially happy to be able to look down at my finger and think about him, and our commitment, while he was off gallivanting around the country.

    December 25, 2005


    2005


    Fast forward to February of 2007, and we'd been together for about two and a half years or so. Even though I had always known I wanted to marry Hank, it wasn't until this point that it started to become "real." We talked a lot about wanting to tie the knot, and even about how I didn't want a big "to-do" when he asked- just something simple and sweet. More importantly, I wasn't too sure how he was going to afford a ring, because at that point in our lives were were in a totally different financial situation, and diamonds are expensive! Silly me, I didn't notice when suddenly all of Hank's records (ones he'd collected for years and years), and all of his KAWS Companion figures went missing. It didn't occur to me that he's be selling these things to help pay for my ring...that sneaky guy.

    2007


    The night he proposed it was freezing. We had just gotten through a large winter storm, but the cold had lingered and it was almost uncomfortable to be outside. Throughout the previous week Hank had asked me to go out to dinner numerous times, but being me, I wanted to stay in and cook, or go to the gym, or go to bed early. So I consistently turned him down. Looking back, this is hilarious because I couldn't figure out why he was so insistent on going out to dinner. Luckily, I eventually agreed and we headed out to Thai House, which is where we had our "first Prescott date." We both got the House Special D with tofu, and sat and talked for a long time. I can recall that although it was freezing outside, it was a beautiful night- I can still remember looking at the window at the street lights, and hearing the wind howling through the downtown.

    After dinner, Hank insisted that we walk around the square. Again, being the difficult (and clueless) girl that I am, I said that I was too cold, but if he really wanted to walk around he could drive us down the street (literally one block) and we could get out and walk. So that's what we did. We got out of the car and began to walk around the square. At this point, not only was it really, really freezing, but it was super late. Not a soul was around. I didn't think anything of our strange impromptu walk until Hank said, "So, uh, how are you?" That's when I knew something was up. When you live with someone, when you've been with them for years, when you just spent two hours talking over dinner...you don't ask the person how they are! My stomach immediately did a flip and my mind started running wild. Was he breaking up with me? Why is he being so weird? Is he okay? Am I ok? Are WE okay? AHH!

    As I was zoning out, lost in my barrage of self-questioning, I didn't notice that we had stopped walking and were just standing there. I snapped out of it, and looked at Hank. I can remember his words exactly: "I can't wait any longer, there's something I need to ask you," he said while dropping to one knee. At this point, I was in shock. Was this really happening? I looked down into the kindest eyes I've ever known, and my heart melted, right then and there. Yes, this was really happening. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a little black box, opened it, and proceeded to say the sweetest things anyone had ever said to me. Or, at least I think he did. Let the truth be told, when he opened up that ring box, I was literally blinded by what was inside. I had no idea a ring like that was in the cards, and I was absolutely shocked. I blanked on everything Hank was saying, including the "will you marry me?" so I stopped, and asked him to REPEAT it! haha. He repeated every word, I took it all in, and then said "Yes! Yes! Yes!" and we cried and hugged and kissed and danced around in the empty downtown, streetlights casting shadows across the lawn, lost in our own little world, together.

    0285

    The entire rest of the night is a daze- I know we went to his Mom's, then to his Dad's, and I called my family and best friends to break the news. I was blown away that he had designed the ring himself, and had done such a good job. It was perfect.

    Before Hank came along, I was a fan of dating as much as possible, but never settling down. Although I knew I always wanted to get married and have kids, the idea seemed so far from where I was that it became unreal. As more and more time passed with Hank by my side, that dream became more of a reality and when it finally happened, it was almost shocking. Three years later I can still remember what it felt like to say "yes" to the idea of forever. I can still see the tears in Hank's eyes as he smiled and told me I was his soulmate, that he would always take care of me, and never let me down. I can recall the way everything around up stopped for a brief moment, how we were the only two living people in the entire world.

    I'm so thankful.

    I love you Hank, and as always, thank you for keeping your "promise." :)

    loveSource URL: http://sweettattooforgirls.blogspot.com/2010/02/
    Visit sweet tattoo for girls wallpaper for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection
Thursday, February 25, 2010

Lexy and Jason's wedding, 2/24/10 (image heavy!)

    Tonight I had the privilege of attending the wedding of two of my friends, Lexy and Jason. Unfortunately Hank had to work, so it was just me, but I still had a great night hanging out with our friends. The event was held at the Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens in Phoenix, and I was totally blown away with how beautiful the venue was! When I was searching for wedding venues three years ago, I remember hearing about this place but I didn't end up looking into it. I highly recommend it after spending an evening there, and it really is the ideal spot for a wedding. The entire night was picture perfect.

    The ceremony began at 4pm, and it was wonderful to see so many friends I haven't seen in some time. When Lexy began her descent down the aisle, the looks on Jason's face just about killed me- the love in the air at that moment was so intoxicating and just so beautiful. Lexy looked absolutely gorgeous, in a shorter length dress and traditional veil. The entire ceremony was full of laughter and tears, and their vows were perfect. I feel so lucky I was able to witness it.

    The rest of the night was filled with dancing, yummy food, and delicious cupcakes. The photographs I took can tell a much better story than I can, so enjoy!

    And again, congratulations to the newlyweds, Jason and Lexy! Love you guys.

    what I wore (it's a Rebecca Taylor dress)
    before heading down to Phoenix

    guest book
    guest book!

    Boojum Hidden Gardens, Phoenix

    one of my best friends Erin and one of my long, long time friends Beth. Love these ladies.
    some of my best ladies

    baby Jack! He is so, so, so sweet. I held him for a little bit and fell in love. You may recognize Rachel and Jeff (and Jack!) from their Valentine's feature the other week!
    baby Jack!

    Dustin!
    Dustin

    wedding feet :)
    wedding feet

    so many friends and family
    lots of friends and family

    Lexy had a "Man of Honor," Tom! I love that he has a bouquet. Isn't that adorable?
    <3

    so sweet
    so sweet

    1st kiss!
    1st kiss as Mr. and Mrs.!

    oh heey!

    walk down the aisle together

    stoked! :)
    STOKED!

    the grand exit

    I loved this guy :)
    no idea...

    Zoe and Aaron
    Zoe and Aaron

    the beautiful, beautiful bride and me
    Lexy and me!

    perfect dress
    gorgeous dress

    my favorite photo of the entire night:
    the happy newlyweds!

    ladies, hanging out
    hanging

    Elisa and her boots...too cute
    these boots were made for walkin'...

    cutie

    walking through the awesome plant life, into the dining area!
    the venue- heading into dinner

    CUPCAKES! A wonderful gal named Colleen made these, and they are so, so delicious. If you are having an event, let me know if you'd like her information.
    cupcake tower

    yummy cupcakes

    Lego lovers! SO AWESOME.
    Legos!

    the entrance!

    PBR

    looking suave, guys! ;)
    Kevin and Scott

    the dining area- so pretty.
    pretty lights

    I love this photo- Lexy and Scott :)
    Lexy and Scott

    JP looking good!
    JP looking suave

    our table
    our table

    beautiful Erin
    pretty Erin

    hi, I'm tired!
    hi! I'm tired.

    night lights
    night lights

    1st dance to Lucero
    1st dance to Lucero

    best girl

    I love her

    at the bar 1

    on the dancefloor
    happy!

    Jason dancing

    love it

    SO fun!

    cuties

    so cute

    our "annual wedding photo"...I love her :)
    our annual wedding photo, I love her :)

    Janaay!

    D+E
    D + E

    Dan and Jan!
    Dan and Jan

    O'Hagans
    O'Hagans

    Jason getting cupcakes

    lemon cupcake! so good.
    lemon cupcake!Source URL: http://sweettattooforgirls.blogspot.com/2010/02/
    Visit sweet tattoo for girls wallpaper for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Popular Posts

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

My Blog List