One week ago tonight my daughter Hannah got engaged to her long time boyfriend, Mikey. It was the culmination of weeks of planning (plus years of dating and living together!) that started at the beginning of June when Mikey came to see Dale and I seeking our permission to ask Hannah to marry him. He brought us chocolate mousse and chocolate covered strawberries and biscotti but we would have said yes and given him our blessing even without the bribe.
While chatting with us that night Mikey laid out his plan: he wanted to propose in the center of our town on July 3rd. I was perplexed and asked him why there and why on that date and he explained that the first time they ever saw each other was in the center on July 3rd 8 years ago. On that night Hannah was riding in Dale’s truck and Mikey was walking home from working his job at a local restaurant and Mikey wanted to recreate that moment in time. He told us that after proposing he wanted to bring Hannah to our house and have a little celebration with us and a few other close family members and friends.
So that’s what he (and we) did. And it all came together perfectly! Hannah had absolutely no idea this was all in the works and he completely surprised her. I’m told that when he got down on one knee she asked him if it was a joke. (Mikey said at least one car drove by while he was on his knee and the guy started beeping the horn like crazy and giving them the thumb’s up!) Eventually Hannah realized he was serious and she said yes and then said she needed to sit down – I think she was pretty overwhelmed – so they sat on the stone wall in the center for a few minutes and then they came to us.
My little girlie was shaking like a leaf when she looked at me and said, “Momma, I’m engaged!” And then she looked around at everyone assembled and said, “wait – what are you all doing here? did you all know?!”
And then we celebrated! We had wine and beer, some champagne that Mikey’s mom brought, plenty of good food and really great fellowship.
We took photos, of course!
This is my favorite.
And this is my other favorite just because of the way she’s looking at him.
Here’s the ring.
And here’s our dinner under the pergola.
And the awesome cake that my friend Caroline baked because nothing says best wishes like four layers of chocolate with vanilla buttercream and sprinkles!
It was a really special and beautiful evening and Dale and I feel so fortunate to have been included in this moment in our daughter’s life.
And now we have a wedding to plan!
Congratulations! How exciting for all of you.
How wonderful! Congrats to Hannah, Mikey and the proud parents! Let the wedding planning begin!
aw …. weddings make me cry. and beautiful engagement stories like this one do, too – best wishes all around!!
Congratulations to everyone involved! It warms my heart to hear that Mikey involved you and Dale, but I would have had a tough time keeping the secret for that long! I hope Hannah and Mikey always look at each other that way.
What a great story! Wishing you all many moments of joy along the way as the story continues.
Congratulations to Hannah and Mikey! What a beautiful story – my heart overflows. Planning a wedding is the most fun ever! XO
This is just the best! And boy that’s a beautiful ring…go Mikey! You’ve got some wonderful times ahead.
Hooray! And congratulations.
SO exciting!!!!! I’m all teary eyed after reading the story. What a great proposal. Ya did good Mikey! Best of luck to him and Hannah <3
Oh wow! What fun!!! Beautiful pictures, beautiful couple, beautiful story. So sweet that Mikey involved you and Dale in the planning.
Mikey fits into your family perfectly! The planning, the partying, the fun and surprise. That’s the right combo to be part of the Julius family. Congratulations to you all! And Best Wishes to Hannah!!!
Congratulations all around! He’s clearly a good guy if he not only came to ask permission (and brought treats) but also planned out the surprise.
Best wishes to all involved, especially Hannah. Just another life adventure at Carole’s! They always seem to keep coming.
Oh my goodness, I didn’t realize people still PLAN things like that. Congratulations and best wishes to all.
What delightful memories you will all cherish! How wonderful! Mazel!
Congratulations to all, and best wishes for the happy couple! How wonderful that he planned for y’all to be included.
Congratulations & best wishes to the bride!
Such wonderful, beautiful, happy news! Congratulations to everyone. There’s nothing better than seeing your child happy.
So. Dang. Romantic!
XOXOXO
I cannot WAIT to hear about the wedding!
(So much love to all of you.)
Congratulations to everyone! Hannah looks so excited.
Congratulations to all of you. Such wonderful photos. I’d say that prospective son-in-law is a keeper to include parents in the celebration.
Awwwwwww. I’m all teary with happiness! Congratulations to everyone!
What a beautiful proposal.congratulations
So happy for you all!! I can’t wait to see you all next month!
So exciting! Congratulations to the happy couple, and to you all. <3