On November 29th, of last year, I was in for quite the surprise. Josh's 30th birthday was quickly approaching and as I, naturally, had my gift well planned out, apparently my father did not. My day had called me a few days prior and said we needed to go pick out a gift for Josh that Saturday. As Saturday rolled around I had planned on heading out shopping with my dad right after a sudden change for breakfast plans. My dad showed up at our house and explained that we were going to my favorite little breakfast place and that we had reservations. If you know Jim Evans, you know that he is not your typical reservations kind of man. As we finished up our breakfast, i was presented with an envelope from the waitress. The envelope had a small note inside which its letters began with a fairytale font.
The note read, "Hello Beautiful. Let me just start by saying that as much as I try, I'll never truly be able to show you just how much I love you... BUT I figured that today I would give it a shot anyway. It was important to me that my Princess got her fairytale on her birthday, so I've made some plans for us. Enjoy your breakfast, you have a big day ahead of you! I love you!"
As Dad and I finished our meal and he paid, I walked outside and there was my sister and now my Maid Of Honor! Samantha, after takes a few candids, handed me another envelope with a note inside.
The note read, "Such an important day shouldn't be celebrated alone, so I got some friends to join you. And just to make sure you can sit back and enjoy every minute with your friends, I figured you could skip the driving and take a limo. A princess should obviously be dolled up for her birthday. Let's start by getting your nails done. The driver knows where to go."
As I looked to my left, a Limo was waiting and inside the limo sat my two best friends and beautiful Bridesmaids, Kristen and Danielle. Inside Samantha and I went and off we were to get out nails done. As we reached my favorite nail salon, my prince charming had prepaid for both my best friends, sister, and I to get out nails done. As our time was wrapping up, Kristen handed me my third envelope containing another note.
The note read, " I hope that a little pampering and some girl time was a good start to such a special day. Speaking of special... there's somebody very special that would like to join the party. They're waiting for you in the limo. I love you!"
As we left the salon and headed back to the limo, inside was my wonderful momma. Danielle handed me my fourth envelope.
The note inside read, " Although I'm sure your nails look amazing, what's a princess without a dress... and maybe some shoes? Head over to the commons & find yourself something for tonight. The limo will take you to your next destination at 2:30pm. P.S.- Black, Silver, & Purple are nice colors ;)"
The limo took us to an outside shopping mall were i found a dress, 2 pairs of shoes (hehe), and jewelry. As we were wrapping up at the last store and quickly approaching 2:30, we returned to the limo and my mom handed me my fifth envelope.
The note inside read, " I absolutely can't wait to see what you bought... honestly, I can't wait to see you! But first there's a few other people that wanted to say hi. The driver knows where to go."
Whether my entourage knew where we were going our not, they sure acted unsure. We we drove into downtown Geneva and came to a stop at a very cute cupcake shop (cupcakes make my world go round). As the limo driver opened the door, i noticed my future mother in-law, Karen, and my two sister in-laws and Bridesmaids, Lindsay and Lexie. The eight of us ventured into the small cupcake shop and enjoyed cupcakes that Josh had special ordered. As we finished up there, an idea was brought up to step next door to The Little Owl Tavern for quick appetizers and drinks. As we enjoyed small talk and drinks, the anticipation began to set in on my next stop and where Josh's was, who mind you, was next answering my texts. Soon Momma Banke handed me my sixth envelope.
The note inside read, "I hope you've had a great day so far but it's getting late and you should probably start getting ready. I'm sure everyone would be happy to walk you to your next destination. Once there, go in alone and give the next note to the person at the door. Don't worry about everyone else, they will have rides."
At this point it is quarter to 4 and we begin to wrap up at the restaurant. My entourage walk with me to my next stop, the beautiful Herrington Hotel in downtown Geneva. Lexie handed me the note I was to pass off once inside. I said my goodbyes and walked inside. I was greeted and walked up to my suite. As I walked around, I noticed that there was an envelope on the bed, candles around the bathtub, and a CD ready to be played.
The note inside read, " I love you. I know that today has been really busy & maybe even a little overwhelming, so take some time to unwind. Maybe a nice bath? (I left candles). I truly hope that today will be a day you'll remember forever. I want nothing more than to give my princess her fairytale... & that got me thinking. Although the limo was nice, it wasn't very "princess- like". Hmm... be ready by 6pm, someone will be to your door to get you!"
As i took a bubble bath, I listened to the sweetest CD that Josh had made and when track 3 came on... it really hit me and I had a little feeling this wasn't just for my 24th birthday. I made sure to give myself plenty of time to get ready ( Josh brought all my things to the room prior) and was actually ready at 6. At 6:15 there was a knock at the door. I opened it to the best looking man I've ever laid my eyes on who came with yellow roses in hand (my favorite flower). Josh walked me down and attempted small take, yet being easily overwhelmed, I was quite. As we walked outside there were a horse and carriage waiting for us. I was told that due to advertisement, our photo would be taken. With my nerves on edge, Josh tried to calm me and we enjoyed a ride around downtown Geneva looking at beautiful holiday lights. We returned to our hotel and josh explained that we would have private dining waiting for us in a gazebo off the water. As we entered the gazebo, a small box rested on the table. Eyeing the box and almost being positive that a beautiful ring sat inside, we enjoyed dinner. Josh kept watching out the window and I was unsure at what. As we finished our meal, Josh asked me to step outside and grabbed the small box. Inside was a mini speaker and as he relieved it, he asked if I would dance with him. As we began dancing, Josh started to tell me how important I was to him and how he could not imagine life without me. My eyes began to water and Josh got down on once knee. Josh asked me to marry him and, as I cried, I said yes. He then whispered, "There is one more surprise... our families and friends are watching.." As I looked away, above the courtyard stood immediate family and my two best friends. They all cheered and Josh and I walked inside. The carriage photographer would turn out to be the person taking multiple pictures of our engagement with family and friends.
As our night ended, I could not have imagined a more amazing proposal. My amazing fiance pulled everything off almost as perfect as he is. There has never been a time that I felt more love or more special. |