A Proposal Story

So I'm FINALLY getting around to sharing our proposal story with you all. But before that, I wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your sweet words, messages, calls, texts….it means the world to us to have so many people genuinely happy for us. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Also my apologies for the lack of blogging, but I've been running on the engagement high so my computer has been the last thing I on my to-do list! We finally got picks back from our secret photographer (10 million points D!) so here they are in all their glory, along with all the imperfectly, perfect details.

{The Story}

So originally I didn't suspect a thing. I knew our parents were coming to visit because we were celebrating my dad's birthday/father's day. We had plans to go out to lunch and just enjoy the beautiful day. I went to get my hair blown out in the morning (one of my personal treats to myself and now so happy I did!) and when I got back from the salon my parents were already at our place. Granted I had my hair done, but I was in comfy gym clothes, no makeup on -- not at all ready. I don't know about you, but I HATE when people come over and I'm not ready yet. I feel rushed and flustered, and automatically puts me in a bad mood. Wonderful! And then I take one good look at my parents. My mom has her hair colored and done, and my dad is wearing a crisp new polo shirt and brand new shorts  I've never seen before. Why are they so dressed up? Why are they acting so nice to me right now? Why are they here so early?? My annoyance level is rising…..

***

Then it's off to lunch at a restaurant down by the water. Me, I'm still in a pissy mood for no reason other than waking up on the wrong side of the bed. Everyone else; they have perma-smiles on their face and it seems like everyone is staring at me. Why are they looking at me like that? I look over at D and my dad sitting next to each other. My dad is rubbing D's back in that "you got this boy, you can do it" kinda way. What? Why is he doing that? Oh my God……he's going to propose today isn't he? For some reason, despite the fact that I've been waiting for this moment for a solid 3.5 years - I panic. For people who know me well, they know I tend to be a high strung individual prone to anxiety, panic and overreacting. So of course I'm going to panic. He can't propose to me today….I'm in a bad mood, I'm not wearing the right outfit, I wasn't mentally prepared for this!! I turn to D over lunch and whisper, "I think I'm having a panic attack right now, don't do it today." I know guys, I am certifiably crazy. But I've been told that's part of my charm so I'm learning to just go with it and own it. D, probably having a moment of "what the hell is wrong with the girl?" says to me, "what are you talking about? Proposing? Sorry to burst your bubble but that's definitely not happening today. Just relax, lets get you a drink!" God love him for rolling with the punches. If I were him I would have flipped out and thrown the ring box in the river. But he kept his cool. So I sucked down two long island ice teas and that sustained me for time being.

***

After lunch we had no real plans, or so I thought. Then D's mom goes, "Why don't we take a walk down to the river next to that pavilion….right over there!!" She points to the location. Why are we walking all the way over there? Why does she want to see some stupid pavilion? She doesn't even like going for walks. Dear God…..this is happening. I could literally feel the energy and the pink elephant in the room. So we walk. And we're walking and I see my parents whispering and I see D secretly texting on his phone and continue to check his phone. Something is happening and no one is telling me anything. Then we see a group of people sitting in the park, playing guitars and signing. Not at all out of the ordinary because that's what people in Hoboken do in the park. And then I hear them singing one of our songs "I Won't Give Up On Us" by Jason Mraz. And then I spot some man with a camera taking pictures. And then I feel my heartbeat in my throat and freeze. We sit down on the steps of the park to listen and I am frozen. The moment I've been waiting for, which seems like forever, is happening RIGHT NOW. What am I supposed to be doing? Then I spot D's keyboard set up next to the group. What the? It was all such a blur. D's mom puts her arm around me saying, "hunny do you know what's happening right now?" I think I do! Then D gets on the keyboard to play and sing "This Years Love" by David Gray, followed by "Marry You" by Bruno Mars. It was all such a surreal moment. Afterwards he gets down on one knee….says some words which I can barely remember other than "I'm sorry for making you wait so long, will you marry me?" and my response is "Thank you"…..followed by the obvious YES!

Playing one of our songs "This Years Love" by David Gray followed by Bruno Mars "Marry You"

Guys, I was so done at this point. I always secretly wished that song would make it's way into the proposal so he really knocked it out of the park!!

I spotted the secret photographer…and I just sat there in shock and smiled!

Oh my gosh, look how handsome he is singing and playing piano. Who know he had this kind of talent??

My most favorite moment. I LOVE how this moment will be captured in time forever.

Seeing him down on one knee asking me to marry him still makes me melt.

and here come the happy tears…..

another one of my favorite pics that captures the moment so perfectly.

 it was so special to have our parents there to share in the moment and congratulate us.

 this shot was completely posed but I think it says it all…

FINALLY, we're getting married!!

Afterwards, because D thinks of everything, he planned a surprise engagement-moon to Atlantic City! I couldn't believe it! So he whisked me away to stay in the most AMAZING ocean side suite at Revel Resort. He really had thought of everything!

Are you serious with this view? And the rose petals :)

Also to tone down on the romance we also have the world cup on ;)

cheers!

The view from our room where we got to see the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the Atlantic.

It was the most perfect ending to the perfect weekend.

I can't wait to continue sharing details about the engagement and wedding planning process with you all, but I promise not to turn this into a wedding blog! And I don't know the first thing about wedding planning so I might need your help, advice, and encouragement along the way :)

Again thank you all soooooo much for your love and support during this exciting time - I appreciate each and every message :)

xo Steph

I'm still in shock…..but I said YES!!

Well actually I said, thank you. Yup, D finally asked, "will you marry me?" and my answer was "thank you!" Talk about nerves really getting the best of you! Ahhhhh you guys I'm still in so much shock and it all happened on Saturday afternoon with our parents there and it was just……perfect.

 And I'm sorry, maybe I'm a little partial, but this is just the prettiest ring I've ever seen. 

I'm so in love with it, and it makes me love it even more knowing D designed it all on his own.

 A moment I'll never forget. Both our hands were shaking. I was still in so much shock it all felt surreal. The proposal story is even better that I promise to share more of the story in detail soon. Right now I'm just soaking it all in. 

Cloud 9 I tell you :)

 He also got a secret photographer to take photos (how did he know I always wanted this??) so we will forever have these beautiful moments captured in time.

Can we please look at my cheesy grin and puffy red eyes? I just can't help it though. You guys, I'm getting MARRIED!! I'm so excited I feel like a silly little school girl who finally got asked out by her long time crush. But I guess that is kind of what happened. My long time crush finally asked me to marry him……and I cried and said "thank you."

xo Steph

A Few Snapshots from DC

A few weeks ago I visited Washington DC for the first time ever in my 30 years of living! That's pretty ridiculous considering I only live about 3.5 hours away. How could I have never been there? I know my parents are reading this right now and feeling terrible, considering they've both told me how bad they feel for never taking my brother and I there (don't worry mom and dad, I'm not scarred for life…it's really ok!!) So D and I decided to make a long weekend out of it and take it on like tourists. Plus, my dear friend Sharon just moved down there a little almost a year ago, and it was her birthday so it was double the fun! I took so many more pictures than the ones I have here, but just wanted to share a few snippets….enjoy!

For Sharon's bday we hit up an authentic Russian restaurant to celebrate her Russian heritage.

Food was amazing. Vodka was even better ;)

These were my go-to girls when I used to live in Philly. Miss them all so much!

Martini with strawberry infused vodka. Don't mind if I do!

#lincolnmemorialselfie

It was the kick off to the Annual Cherry Blossom festival, but because of the tundra like winter we've had, there wasn't a blossom or bud in sight. And it was much colder that D and I had anticipated, so we were crazy underdressed for the bitter cold winds. Packing fail.

See…..I'm not that short!

Taking time for reflection.

It really does make you respect all the men and women who have lost their lives for our freedom.

"I'm glad we're here together in our nation's capital…."

Name that quote! 10 points to anyone who gets it!!

 xo Steph

love lately.

It's been such a busy, busy week and it's only Wednesday!! I hate when that happens. Can we just fast forward to the weekend please? But until then I'll just share some of the things I'm loving lately, in my new love lately posts where I'll be sharing some of my favorite things. Take a look!

1. Pumpkins. And my mantle. I haven't had much time for anything, let alone decorating, so my mantle has been pretty bare. LAME. I picked up some cute mini pumpkins and lined them up for a simple minimalist look. I love how the results came out!

these would also look nice on a mantle // or these for a different look

2. Fall candles and scents. I may have a slight obsession with these yummy scented candles from Bath and Body Works, so much so that I came home with a large bag of treats the other day! D probably wishes I would spend less money on candles but hey, they make the whole place so warm and cozy. I know deep down he really appreciates it! These are some of my favorites along with Pumpkin Hayride and Pumpkin Apple. Sooooo good! My store actually just sold out of Pumpkin Apple but I found a similar candle here which is just as yummy!

3. My obsession of fall-ness comes to work with me. Did you really think my office wouldn't get a fall makeover too? Yup, I got sweet cinnamon pumpkin hand sanitizer for my desk (which is crucial working in a school with kids), a lipgloss in the same flavor, and a pumpkin pecan waffle plug-in. Everyone loves visiting my office because the smells are so delightful! Who wouldn't like a waffle scented office? So very festive : )

4. This guy. I just love him all the time. Not just lately : )

 5. Seasonal K-cups. These are in constant rotation right now because, Tis the season! I actually just bought some nice pumpkin liquor too and I'm looking forward to experimenting with a pumpkin version of irish coffee! Also thinking the hot apple cider might be pretty tasty with some caramel flavored vodka!

pumpkin spice k-cups // apple cider k-cups

 6. French hens. Well this french hen print to be exact.  I was obsessed with this print ever since I saw this adorable sweater (in it's cashmere version) from J.Crew last year. It was too expensive for my last year, but when the same print hit J.Crew Factory I was all over it! When I like something, I like it a lot!

The blouse, scarf and iphone case are already sold out but they still have these tops if you're loving this print like I am:

sweater // cardigan 

7. Respect and an arm party. As a school counselor, we recognize this week as the week of respect in which we help students understand the importance of respect. We got these snazzy blue rubber bracelets which I've been rocking all week, and I think it's a pretty sweet addition to my arm party!

alex and ani bracelets here // here // here // Old Navy Chambray polka dot top // similar here

Well that's all for now -- What are you loving lately??

Happy Hump dayyyyyyyy everyone!

xo Steph

also linking up with Because Shanna Said So

My 30th Birthday | Part 2

 For my actual birthday, it was dinner with my parents, D's mom and aunt, and my girlfriends from grad school. The celebrations the night before had taken a toll on this 30 something, and as a result, a hangover and migraine headache ensued for most of the day. UGH. Hence the hair up, and the puffy eyes in most of these pics. Luckily, it didn't effect my appetite because we went to the most amazing seafood restaurant on the water called The Chart House -- so I could still enjoy a platter of crunchy coconut shrimp....mmmmmm.

seafood followed by birthday creme brulee : )

 silliness with spoons. haha my mom makes me laugh.

 I've lived here for 5 years now and this view has never gotten old : )

surrounded by people I love makes me one happy girl!!

 all the pretty ladies.

 I love this picture of me and D in the glowy time of night called dusk. so romantic!

 and sometimes candids make for great shots too!

 my girls : )

 more candids.

 nice one of me and the parentals. except it looks like my dad was in the middle of talking!

 photo fail! but black and white can make anything look artistic and editorial right?

 D and all his ladies!

If you look at it really fast, it looks like I have man hands! hahaha

 and of course, the typical faces.....

D loves my stink face ; )

So that rounds up my birthday in photos. I truly had the most wonderful 30th birthday and am so grateful and blessed to have so many people who care about me. 

I feel so LOVED, and that is the best gift a girl could ever ask for!

Cheers!

xo Steph