...I was hopeful, but not expecting to share this story so soon. A lot of you heard me talk about how I'd announce this - with a card, well, the card didn't get made....I wasn't expecting it.
As most of you know, Mike and I went to Virginia this weekend - we're still here. It's a special place for us. I fell in love with Mike just about a year ago on this same trip. When we were looking at my stamping schedule about a month or so ago, we realized that there were no stamping events planned for this weekend. So, we decided to make one last trip to Virginia this year over Columbus Day weekend. We are members of a case club at our favorite winery - Marterella. As members of the case club, we get to enjoy wine and pizza out on their patio every Friday and Saturday night under the stars. After much traffic, we arrived. I needed a drink! We took advantage of our complimentary tastings since they've released a lot of new wine since our last trip in June. We ordered our pizza and took seats outside by the fire. Mike ran to the car to get his cell phone because the Phillies were playing game two of the NCLS championship. About 20 minutes later I looked over at the expression on Mike's face and realized last night was the night! I saw him fumbling inside his coat pocket and knew my ring was in there. The next few moments are a blur - probably because I was crying so much. But, he specifically wanted to here because he knew this is where I fell in love with him a year ago. It was perfectly romantic out there - under the stars....eating our pepperoni pizza! I cried for awhile...maybe I'll stop crying next week. But, one of the winery's workers noticed I was crying and asked if I was okay. I explained that we'd just gotten engaged. Well, it didn't take long for word to spread. Kate, the owner of the winery brought us a bottle of champagne a friend of hers makes. It was delicious - of course I've been carting the bottle around ever since. I want it at our wedding! We also know we want Marterlla Wines at our wedding. The next hour or so we called (and texted) friends and family to spread the word. I could have been on the phone for hours, but wanted to spend time with my finace! So, we cuddled up around the fire, visited with new friends, and enjoyed an absolutely glorious evening.
I was surprised. I had almost ruled out this weekend. But, if it was going to happen this weekend, I expected it tonight. He was so determined to go out to a nice dinner tonight. But, now I look back and realize he was pretty determined to look nice last night. Apparently getting the phone out of the car was a ploy - he had to get the ring which had been sitting in my map pocket since arriving at the hotel a few hours earlier. But, the box was too big and he thought I'd notice the bulge in his coat. I had no clue until I saw the expression on his face. So, stay tuned...we don't know any of the details, but are considering Hawaii as a honeymoon.
Oh, and my ring? It's perfect! He listened to exactly what I described. It's gorgeous - I cannot stop staring at it.
Hi Kristin,
I love your story thanks for sharing.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend together.
Natalie
Posted by: Natalie Meyer | October 11, 2008 at 04:05 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!! what a wonderful story!
Posted by: Nancy E | October 11, 2008 at 05:14 PM
I'm a regular lurker, but wanted to come out of hiding to say Congratulations!!! Sounds like he got it just right!
Posted by: Liz | October 11, 2008 at 08:08 PM
Oh, HOORAY!!! I thought I'd check in on you and see what you were up to, and as soon as I saw the headline, I knew!!! I'm so happy for you guys! What wonderful news, and such a romantic story. Hawaii, huh? Not cruise time, right? LOL!
Best wishes to you, and all the happiness in the world!
Posted by: Lisa Trombitas | October 11, 2008 at 09:31 PM
Congratulations!!!! I am so happy for you!
Posted by: Stasia Sloma | October 11, 2008 at 10:21 PM
How romantic! Congrats!
:-)
Posted by: Sue | October 12, 2008 at 12:02 AM
Congratulations!! What a great story--you gotta have a good story! :)
Posted by: Melissa S | October 12, 2008 at 09:24 AM
I love your story, how romantic! Congratulations!
Posted by: Kathy | October 12, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Great job, Mike! Kristin, I know you've been waiting for this for a long time but, enjoy this time. Things go so quickly - don't forget to enjoy it! I'm really happy for you both!
Posted by: Julie | October 12, 2008 at 04:11 PM
WOO HOO! Congratulations! I am so happy for you both!
Posted by: Dawn Kifer | October 12, 2008 at 05:38 PM