Moments

There are moments throughout all of our lives that we will never forget. Moments of joy, moments of hope. Moments of sorrow, moments of fear, moments of freedom. We are all unique in our own way, but we all have moments. There are moments we share with others and moments we encounter on our own, but together those moments unite us.

Some moments fill you with so much joy and happiness that you just can't control it. You don't have words to describe your emotions. You are overly excited, and even that doesn't do your emotion justice. These are the moments that put our mundane life into existence. These are the reasons we remember the moments and not what we were doing days before these moments occurred.

This weekend was one such moment: my brother, Travis, proposed to his girlfriend, Shanel, and I was overcome with a happiness that brought tears to my eyes. Being able to share the experience, this moment, with them, family, and friends meant so much to me and everyone around me. It was in that moment that I just couldn't be happier. I was brimming with love and happiness and excitement, and you could easily sense that many of the people there were also feeling the same. Not only are we connected because we are family, but sharing in this moment together made it unforgettable. (Not that Travis or Shanel would ever forget this day! I'm just saying it was monumental to all of us being there as well.)

Congratulations, Travis and Shanel! We are so excited for you!

(Click to view all photos.)

Marry Me?

Every girl dreams of her wedding. Every girl dreams of her engagement. Every girl dreams of her future husband, and kids, and life, but until we meet that one person that we know deep down inside is the one for us we can't see any of our dreams clearly. I can see as clear as day right now.

Brian and I met in March of 2008, and it wasn't long after that that we both knew we were right for each other. I still feel so fortunate and lucky to have met the man of my dreams and to have fallen head over heels for him gives life a new light. Everything is more beautiful when we are by each others side.

So, when we planned a lovely vacation to Jamaica a few months ago a proposal crossed my mind, but I had convinced myself before we left that it wasn't going to happen there. (I knew it would happen, but I just figured it'd be...later.) We flew from Columbus, OH to Miami, FL, and then from Miami, FL to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Once we arrived in Montego Bay, we had an hour and 15 minute car ride to our resort - Couples Swept Away - in Negril. We were delayed a bit because of Florida's notorious thunderstorms on the way to Jamaica, but we made it safe and sound, and SO excited!!

We had just gotten to our room, and since we were just so thrilled to be in Jamaica we couldn't wait to hit the beach! We didn't even unpack or change into our bathing suits! As soon as our bags were dropped off we decided to take a walk on the beach. And off we went...
We walked to the end of the resort property and found we had to sign out to continue walking. We decided to save that adventure for another day! So we turned around and walked the other way towards the other end of the resort which was right on 7-mile beach, by the way! Paradise, I tell ya!

Before too long, we stopped and were just watching the sunset and the waves and taking it all in. I noticed Brian was acting weird, and it was making me nervous! I didn't know what was going on! I almost asked him what was up, but I just couldn't get it out. He kissed me, and for a moment I was settled, and then my mind started racing again: 'he's not going to do it now. No way. Yeah, not now. We just need to relax...Ohmygod, he's doing it now...right now. Ohmygod...' And after he told me how much he loved me and cared for me and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me, I found him down on one knee with the most beautiful ring in his hand asking me if I would marry him. I said, 'Of course! Of course I will!' And as he slipped the ring on my finger, both of us shaking, we kissed and hugged (that's how we seal the deal around these here parts) and smiled and kissed and hugged again!

Afterwards, we laid in a hammock and shared some tears of joy talking about our love, our future, our life, each other and everything leading up to this moment. (These tears of joy, which are pretty common these days, are forming again as I write this and reminisce...) I found out that Brian had sent a video to my Dad in Germany introducing himself and asking his permission for my hand in marriage. And further, had flown into Baltimore, MD (on a very early flight before he flew to Chicago, IL for a business trip) to meet with Scott, my stepdad, to ask his permission as well. (Thankfully, both said yes!) I was speechless and fell even more in love with him.

I found out that he had booked a private dinner on the beach for us as well that night. It was incredible. There were small tea light candles lining a path in the sand which led to a white linen table and chairs surrounded by five or so tiki torches about ten feet from where the waves were breaking. We had a private server that really took care of us, and as we sat at dinner we again got teary eyed talking about everything and thoroughly enjoying each others company. I was still in shock at this point, and when I look down at my ring now, typing away, I get the same sort of butterflies that I had on our first date.

It was beautiful. So beautiful, and perfect. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.