Friday, November 25, 2011

He got down on one knee and I said...

YES!!!

Well, actually, I didn't say yes until he said for the second or third time, "So is that a yes??" -I was too busy crying like a baby.

Oh. my. goodness... I am an engaged woman!  
I have seriously been thinking about this day since we were kids in high school.  When Brandon and I started dating, I knew my heart would never be able to love anyone more.  Sure, many high school sweethearts may think that, but I knew it.  

Brandon and I started dating when I was 14 years old.  At that time, he might brush his arm against mine and my heart would feel like it was going to jump out of my chest.  It was electrifying.  If you're a new reader and would like to see old photos and learn about our dating journey, you can do that in a 
needs-to-be-updated post here.  
I tried to find a high school yearbook to see what he wrote in the back, but couldn't. 
But I did find this note that Brandon wrote in a card he made for me on our first anniversary back then...

Ok, so I know you all just want to know about the proposal! 

Brandon knew the one element I absolutely wanted when he popped the question.  I have always told him that I want our families to be there.  No, not right there, but off in the distance watching or nearby somewhere.   --but of course, I couldn't know they were there beforehand! 

This is the our story.

We both went home to be with our families for Thanksgiving on Tuesday.  Since our families only live 30 miles apart, he asked if he could come get me on Wednesday and bring me back to Beaufort with him for a date, just like "old times." Of course I agreed.

Then, Wednesday came and he scooped me up at around 2:30pm.  Once in downtown Beaufort, we got coffee and browsed the little shops on Bay Street.  Brandon made early dinner reservations at 5:30 so that he could have me back in time to see my brother, who was planning on getting to my parent's house at around 9pm (B is always thinking of others like that).
We decided that we'd like to watch the sun go down on the waterfront, so we picked out a swing and admired the gorgeous views.  We talked about ordinary things ...I had no idea what was coming next.

At 5pm, Brandon suggested that we get off the swing and walk down the waterfront some more.  
We took about twenty steps and he said, "You know how I had that business meeting in Rock Hill last week?"  I said, "Yes," quite slowly and with lots of curiosity.
Then, Brandon's voice started quivering as he told me that his meeting never happened.  He said that instead, he drove from Charleston to Ridgeland to speak to my dad, my mom, and to call my brother.
...all because he wanted permission to spend the rest of his life with me.


He said a few more things, but at this time, I was crying and in shock -it was all a blur. I hate that I can't remember what he said! All I know is that Brandon gave the sweetest proposal speech, which was absolutely no surprise.
I was finally able to utter the word, "YES" out of my mouth!
By this time, we had gathered quite the crowd in the Waterfront Park, so we turned to thank them as they clapped and shouted their congratulatory wishes.
He instantly made me the happiest girl in the world.
We will be hopeless on our wedding day -neither one of us could control the tears!
As if it couldn't get any better... well, it did.
Then Brandon pointed out that our families were off in the distance.
Here we are hugging our moms...
...and my dad.

It was perfect.
After taking more photos, we all celebrated during dinner at Saltus, a wonderful restaurant right there on the waterfront.
Oh yes, did you notice that my brother was there? He drove straight there from the Myrtle Beach area to be there!
Both of our families...


I mean... I'm seriously floating on a cloud right now.  It was so hard not to tell you all yesterday, but I didn't want any distractions from Thanksgiving! And my, what an amazing Thanksgiving it has been.  I cannot even articulate the feelings of thanks I have in my heart right now.

We are two happy souls.
Xo.

104 comments:

  1. I had a feeling this was your BIG news! Congratulations and enjoy this blissful time before all the planning begins! So happy for you! :)
    -Sara @ SocialSara.net

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  2. I may or may not have just teared up! haha :) How precious! Great story- Congrats!!

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  3. Congratulations! Every time I read one of your posts I think "this is going to be the one where he proposes!" I had a feeling after your last post that you might have gotten engaged. What a thoughtful and romantic proposal! Happy planning (:

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  4. CONGRATULATIONS!!! I have been reading your blog for almost a year and I KNEW this had to be the news! Let the fun begin :-)

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  5. Reading this on FB was SOO exciting I am so happy for you and can't wait to hopefully read your future wedding ideas! From dresses, to make up, to decor and hair! :) Wish you and your man the best!!!! hugs friend~

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  6. Congratulations!! This is so wonderful! You´ll be such a gourgeous bride :)
    I´m so happy for you!!

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  7. Congrats! I'm so happy for you two! I love that he did the proposal in Beaufort, that is my absolute most favorite place in the world..

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  8. Congratulations!! I got chills reading this!
    That is the cutest thing ever and I love the fact that he made sure he did it how you always dreamed :) what a fairy tale story!

    ps. your ring is gorgeous!

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  9. ohmygoodness GRACIOUS! this story just made my day! I am SO SO happy for you and Brandon. so excited to see how your wedding comes together--you know I'm here if you want or need any advice...I love that stuff. congratulations again! all my love! xoxo {av}

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  10. That's fantastic!! What a sweet story and a beautiful couple. Best wishes for a fabulous engagement - let the fun begin!

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  11. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! The story made me tear up. =)

    xoxo,
    megs [at] Shine On

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  12. Congratulations!! Looks like it was a beautiful moment!

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  13. Congrats! How awesome to have pics of him proposing to you-and to have your family watching!!! So happy for you both! -e

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  14. many, many congratulations! i loved reading your story - & your ring is beautiful! all the best & happy planning! :)

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  15. Awww he did SO good! Love when boys are s thoughtful. Congratulations to you two. What a Happy holiday season this will be!

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  16. Congratulations!! Beautiful pictures!!

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  17. Oh congratulations!!!! I don't remember what my husband said when he proposed either, I think that's pretty normal :) you are going to make a beautiful bride!

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  18. Wow, what a perfect story! Congratulations and best of luck with all the planning! This is such an exciting time.

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  19. Congratulations!!! Great news- can't wait to see the wedding planning!

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  20. How cool that you have those pictures!!! I think those pictures would be so neat to have. Congratulations!

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  21. YAY. Love this story. So special to have photos and your parents there! :) Beautiful.

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  22. Aww congrats! Great pictures and your ring is super pretty.

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  23. Congratulations! The setting and scenery looked perfect! So happy for you both!

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  24. Congratulations!!! Having pictures is such a wonderful way to capture that moment!! So excited to watch you plan your wedding!

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  25. OMG!!! So exciting! I'm insanely happy for you and I can't wait to follow along in your wedding planning journey!

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  26. Congrats!!! He did a great job planning that out :) enjoy the wedding planning!

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  27. oh my gosh!! I knew this was coming but I'm so so so excited. and the pictures? You're so lucky to have those!! They even made me cry!! So happy for you! I can't wait for all the wedding planning details. I know you'll be the most gorgeous bride ever.

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  28. Congratulations!! You deserve all the best! Your ring is absolutely gorgeous!!

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  29. Oh my goodness I LOVED this post. Congrats girl I am so happy for you and you look amazing in the pics. What a great guy you have!

    xx Emily @ laughliveandshop.blogspot.com

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  30. Congratulations! That is an amazing proposal! I hope you all enjoy this amazing time together!

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  31. Congratulations!!! Oh my gosh, so excited for you!!!! :-)

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  32. Congratulations!! He did a good job planning and picked such a pretty ring!

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  33. Congratulations!! The proposal was SO sweet! You both look so happy :)

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  34. YAY CONGRATS!!!!! best wishes to you and brandon!!!

    xoxo

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  35. That is SUCH great news! I think he did a really, really good job with everything; he's definitely a keeper!

    I love that you wanted your families there--I did too. They were actually hiding in the bushes near where my hubby proposed to me, and seeing their faces made the entire thing that much better! CONGRATS!

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  36. CONGRATULATIONS!!! that is the cutest thing ever! i love how there are spy pictures :) so precious! can't wait to read more about the upcoming wedding plans!! <3

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  37. OMGosh!!! Congratulations to you and Brandon! You are going to be a beautiful bride! I think it's so special that your family was there for the big moment :-)

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  38. Congratulations!!! So exciting for you two and your families! I started dating my now husband when we were in 10th grade and we got married 10.5 years later when he finished law school. Happy wedding planning - you will be a beautiful bride!

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  39. Oh my goodness! Congratulations!!!! That is such exciting news! I'm recently engaged too and there is no better feeling in the world! Your ring is absolutely gorgeous and it is so precious that you have pictures of "the moment!" So happy for you!

    I host a wedding planning linkup on Tuesdays for engaged ladies - if you'd ever like to join in once you've started planning, just hop on over Life with Elizabeth

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  40. Aww! Such a perfect proposal!! Congratulations!!!

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  41. yay!!! soooo exciting and i am so happy for the two of you. cant wait to read every detail about wedding planning and the big day. and that ring is STUNNING! boyfran has good taste.

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  42. OMG! I thought something was up once I started seeing all of these wedding "pins" from you! How exciting! I've always wanted there to be a hidden photographer when I get engaged so I can have some candid photos of that special moment like you have. So, so sweet and the ring is absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations!

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  43. Congratulations!!! Your proposal story put tears in my eyes! Your ring is gorgeous, I also have a hearts & arrows diamond. If you ever get the chance see if a jeweler can show you a lose one under the microscope, it's pretty neat! Enjoy planning your big day!

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  44. ahh!! congratulations! how exciting! i cannot wait to read all about your plans:) best wishes, xo!

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  45. Congrats! The ring is gorgeous! When you did your vlog about changing the name I thought to myself, "she's going to announce that she got engaged!". Every time you have "had an announcement" I always read with baited breath, thinking this will be the one where she announces that she is engaged! Congratulations again, and happy wedding planning. I can't wait to read all about it.

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  46. That is awesome! Congrats to you, and what a more than beautiful (if that's possible) ring!

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  47. What an awesome story and engagement - CONGRATS! I love that it was documented and photographed! CONGRATS AGAIN and ENJOY this time!

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  48. I am so obsessed with this post. Absolutely beautiful. I had tears in my eyes. Your story is so amazing and lovely and I wish you two all the best!! :) You're the most beautiful couple ever and it sounds like there is so much love there. Congrats!!!:)

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  49. CONGRATULATIONS HONEY!!!! I'm so happy for you! What an exciting time, perfect for the holidays! Kori xoxo

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  50. Congrats girl!!! What an amazing proposal story to tell!!!!

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  51. Congrats! What a beautiful proposal and that ring is gorgeous! I am so happy for you! Y'all are quite possibly the cutest couple ever. Let the fun begin- I loved planning my wedding, enjoy every minute because it flies by fast!

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  52. omg i love everything about this post girl :) CONGRATS! what a story and a lovely ring you have! so lucky! can't wait to hear all your wedding plans as they unfold!

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  53. Congratulations!!! So so so exciting! This gave me goosebumps and reminded me of how I felt when my fiancé proposed. Can't wait to see more details and such as your plan =)

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  54. congrats :) that was an amazing proposal! can't wait to follow along on all your wedding planning!

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  55. Congrats, pretty girl! So happy for you two! I've loved learning about your "love story" via your blog. Gives me hope there are more good guys out there. :) Can't wait to see how your wedding turns out!

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  56. Congratulations! My eyes are watery right now just reading this- such a sweet proposal!! Wishing you two an entire life of happiness!

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  57. Congratulations, hun! It's about time :)

    Can't wait to see what y'all decide to do for the wedding!

    xx

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  58. I was hoping this was your "big news" you wrote about!!!Congratulations girl, yall are so cute together! And tell him good job on that rock!

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  59. Yay yay yay! That's so wonderful! Great story - how cool your family was there! Congratulations! Please update all of us on the wedding plans! I'm sure it will all be gorgeous! :)

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  60. congratulations!!!!!! your story is very sweet and i have no doubt you two will be very happy together...forever :)

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  61. OMG Congrats!!!!! I know you'll have a blast planning your wedding! :)

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  62. Congratulations! I cried while reading your post-and I don't even know you! Have fun!

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  63. I'm in tears.. This is so sweet! Congratulations!

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  64. Oh my Gosh, this is amazing! I'm certain you will never forget this Thanksgiving! This is beautiful engagement story! Congratulations!

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  65. Congratulations! I can't wait to hear about your wedding plans. I am sure it will be fabulous!! Your story sounds similar to me and my husband. 10 years of dating, 3 years of marriage and we couldn't be any happier.

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  66. Such an awesome proposal and beautiful ring!! You two are a gorgeous couple. Congratulations :) I cannot wait to read about your wedding plans!

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  67. Congrats!!!! I got engage last thanksgiving and we just got married two weeks ago! It is such a fun and special time planning a wedding to spend the rest of your life with your soul mate!!! I wish you two nothing but love and happiness!

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  68. Okay... wonderful proposal! I'm sitting here wiping the tears from my eyes. CONGRATS!

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  69. oh my goodness congrats! so happy for you! And the ring is beautiful he did a great job!!!

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  70. I definitely teared up! I'm so so happy for you!! This sounds perfect, and the ring is BRILLIANT! :)

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  71. this brought tears to my eyes! what a PERFECT proposal.and those pictures are amazing- you'll cherish them forever!!
    Congratulations and good luck with wedding planning!

    oh and your ring...to.die.for! he def did a good job!

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  72. Congratulations! What a romantic story :)

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  73. congratulations!! what a sweet proposal, and your ring is abslutely stunning!! you will be such a gorgeous bride -- have fun with all the planning!! xoxo

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  74. Congrats girl! I'm not gonna lie, that definitely brought a few tears to my eyes! You guys are too cute together!! :)

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  75. Congrats!!! That's so exciting! Being married is the best! :)

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  76. OMG CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm a new reader, but I was wondering how far off this was when I started reading the blog. So happy for you-- you will be such a stunning bride!

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  77. Congratulations! I love this so much! :) Your ring is stunning, and I love the photos!

    I'm so excited for you!

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  78. Congratulations!! What an exciting proposal and I love that both of your families were there! Wishing you Many more happy years together.

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  79. CONGRATULATIONS!!! I was seriously so excited reading this post. I love your love story it gives me chills and makes me remember how I felt about Billy way back then :) butterflies! I'm so happy for you and he did a great job with the ring! xoxo

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  80. Love the photos and what a perfect moment! So excited for you! Cheers to a happy forever for you two!

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  81. What a wonderful proposal! Congrats!!!

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  82. Oh my goodness!!! It's so special that you have pictures of him proposing and that your family was there! I've been reading your blog for a while and I was wondering when this would happen! Congratulations to you both!

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  83. How sweet! I hope my proposal is that amazing one day! Congrats! He did great!!!

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  84. congrats!!!! your ring is s ooo pretty!!!!!!

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  85. Oh my goodness, I am so excited for you!! Such a sweet story that I teared up reading it. Your ring is beautiful!! Best wishes to you both!! Xoxo

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  86. Congratulations! Love that you have pictures!!

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  87. MAZEL TOV! (as they say in my neck of the woods :) Such a sweet story.

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  88. Congratulations to you both! Such a sweet proposal and your ring is stunning.

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  89. I am clearly behind on my blogging... CONGRATULATIONS!! So happy for you! Very sweet proposal and your ring is BEAUTIFUL! :) Enjoy all of the planning!

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  90. I can't believe I missed this. That is so adorable and you two will have the most beautiful wedding and babies ever!! Congrats!

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  91. This is just precious!! Congrats you guys!! ;)

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  92. And I am the one with the comment No. 100!
    I am so happy for you and loved the idea he did brought someone to take pictures!
    I read blogs from all over the world.. and get a salary for that.. but yours is one of those few I do remember :)

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  93. Congratulations, your ring is gorgeous and your story made me misty! I absolutely love that the whole moment was captured!!

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  94. This is so sweet! I catch up on your blog almost daily, but forgot to tell you a BIG congrats!! You all are precious!

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  95. Awww congratulations! How exciting!

    I haven't been around in a while, and when I was looking at a recent post I noticed a ring on THAT finger! I knew I had to back track and find THE post! ha! Beautiful ring, and what a sweet proposal! So sweet of him to have your families there for your special moment. The picturs are priceless! I love that y'all have dated for a while, and were high school sweethearts! My husband and I were too! We got engaged after almost 9 years of dating and in about 5 months we'll celebrate one year of being married.

    Enjoy your engagement!!

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  96. Such a fabulous story--so happy for both of you!

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