Life Update: I’m Engaged!
After one-month of post engagement bliss – I thought I’d share our engagement story with all of you! I’ve shared so much of my dating history over the years, the good and bad, and today I’m sharing the best. Grab a cup of coffee, this may be a long post!
How We Met
To understand the significance of our engagement, I’ll back up to the beginning of our relationship. Zach and I met by circumstances I can only describe as fate. My family was looking for a puppy at the beginning of the pandemic. Puppies were being adopted at unprecedented rates. We would find a litter and by the time we contacted the seller – they would be sold out. This is exactly what happened when my mom, brother and I met with a dog who had just given birth to the most gorgeous puppies. We fell in love instantly, but before we could fill out the adoption papers the entire litter had sold. I remember crying when I found out – there was something so special about that momma dog and her sweet, gentle demeanor. A few weeks later, scrolling through Bumble I swiped right on a cute guy. When we matched, I looked through his Bumble profile photos where I saw a new puppy that looked very familiar. It couldn’t be a puppy from that same litter, could it? It sure was. Zach had adopted the last little girl from that very litter. She had the exact same markings as the puppy we wanted. I remember telling my mom and she told me I had to go on the date – it had to be a sign! Our first date was a dog walk and Zach (and Bailey!) turned out to be exactly what I was looking for, and more. Seeing Zach father a young Bailey was more than my heart could take. I knew he was special and we were meant to be together.
How We Grew Together
Three months into our relationship, Zach and I went on our first trip as a couple to Estérel Resort– the most amazing resort in Quebec! We had the best time just the two of us – kayaking, paddle boarding, cuddling by the fireplace and eating the most amazing cuisine (seriously, that place has some great food). During that trip, Zach kissed my forehead and told me he would marry me one day. I swooned, but my history of dating made me eye roll inside. Three months in this guy knows he wants to marry me? Cute. But Zach proved to be different than anyone I’ve dated before. His patience, love and time devoted to parenting Bailey gave me a glimpse into the future. He taught me the importance of a friendship and true partnership within a relationship. He showed me love and grace with my bouts of anxiety and depression – and never once made me feel ashamed. He always gave me time and space I needed and reminded me of unconditional love in hard times. He taught me patience and the art of letting go of things not in my control. His emotional intelligence is a level so rare in men. The greatest strength in our relationship lies in our communication. No relationship is perfect and in times of difficulty we communicate our feelings, our needs while the other listens. This relationship is a treasure and something we both continue to protect and most importantly, have fun with.
How He Proposed
Almost exactly two years after our first visit to Estérel Resort we booked another couples getaway. We had been talking about marriage and I had gone ring shopping (woo!) so I figured it could be an opportunity to get engaged. Just incase, I stocked up on a couple white dresses and got my nails done. Over the top? Maybe. But I was just so, so excited! My best friend told me she was keeping her phone on loud the whole weekend, anticipating a FaceTime call. In my head, I figure *if* he proposed it would be after dinner, while all dolled up and looking cute as ever. The true surprise came when a couple moments after checking into the room and unpacking, he told me to come sit on the couch as he had something to tell me. I was barefoot, in a my lulus, my hair in a frantic mess from the drive over – what could be possibly have to say? He told me he couldn’t wait any longer – and this was my moment. He talked about our love and what he loved about me. He then got on a knee and asked me to marry him. I was in such shock I just looked at him wide eyed and said yes – grabbed him close and gave him the biggest hug. Afterwards, I admired the most beautiful ring he had created for me and put it on my finger. It was so surreal and magical and special. I spent a good amount of time swooning over the ring and then we got ready for dinner – in my beautiful white dress and heels. He somehow still managed to surprise me even though I knew in my heart this would be the weekend. And what a magical weekend it was!
What’s Next?
Lots and lots of wedding planning! We’re planning to get married in 2023 and I’ve gone straight type A bride mode. As someone who has never been a wedding girl I have surprised myself at my level of interest and excitement in planning a wedding. Is it stressful? Absolutely. Am I exited to have a wedding? Yes! I’ve always dreamed of getting married in Florida, my second home, and my dream is coming true. So for now, you’ll find me deep into wedding planning, mood boarding and coffee binging. And I wouldn’t have it any other way!
