The Story

Hello! Lot's have changed since I last blogged... and I am sure many of you already know, but some of you may not know the entire story...

so.... the news.... Jonathan and I are engaged! Wow to be honest I really never thought I would say that.

Well this is how it happened and I am sorry if this is way too long, but you know me... I have to give all the details...

A few months ago Jonathan's mom wanted us all to go on a trip to the mountains just to get away and be together, so after a few decisions on different places and rental houses were made we finally all decided to go to the "Tree House" in Gatlinburg, TN. We left early Friday morning because we wanted to make the most of our time there. To be honest in my little brain I had thought... how wonderful it would be if Jonathan popped the question on this trip... but then like always I quickly negated the whole idea.

Once we made it to Tennessee on Friday we did some of those crazy tourist things while in Gatlinburg and then Jonathan and I were dying to go to our favorite eatery, The Smoky Mountain Brewery... well let's just say it was amazing and we savored every bite of our favorite pizza! That night we made a stop at the grocery store to pick up some foodies for the next few days and once we got back to the house it was a pretty lazy evening.

The next day Jonathan and I decided to go on a hike up to Gregory's Bald. The bald overlooks Cade's Cove, which is where Jonathan and I really started our relationship and got to know each other when he worked there the first summer we were together. Looking back on those days I knew there was something special in our relationship, but little did I know what wonderful things it would lead to.

Beautiful Cade's Cove

View from top of Gregory's Bald and you can see Cade's Cove on the left.

Okay, back to the story. So we began the hike with much confidence... we had all intentions to rock that hike without a single huff... but let's say as it began to incline there were many, many breaks along the way. As we finally reached the top of the bald I was amazed at the view and how beautiful it was... and of course I thought... come on Jonathan this is the perfect spot to whip out a ring... but then of course I threw out the idea.

Almost to the top... little did I know what was about to happen!

As Jonathan and I were resting at the top I began to ramble like I always do about how cool it would be to get married at the top... obviously that would be very difficult, but I was rambling... anyway time passed and eventually we decided that we needed to get started with the journey back down (it took us 3 hours to get up!) as I was heading to gather our things Jonathan grabbed my arm and said, "hold on a minute, I have to ask you something..." my heart stopped, he then said, "I know that we could never get married here, but I can ask you to marry me up here..." okay, now my heart had really stopped and I thought he was kidding until he started the journey down on one knee.. and then he asked that beautiful question, "will you marry me?" At that moment I just started crying... tears fell and fell and fell... I think I cried gallons because I was so happy. I finally said a tearful, joyful yes and we hugged for what felt like hours. God was definitely present in the entire moment and I think he stopped time for us just for a moment so we could savor it. It was magical and overwhelmingly perfect. I couldn't stop smiling or looking at my hand. After a while we then realized we had to head back down the mountain, before Jonathan's mom called out the search team.. haha (you see we had no cell phone service in the park... so we went four hours without telling a single soul...) To be honest those four hours were perfect in every way, but we were very anxious.

All smiles... :)

He did an amazing job... I absolutely love it!

Right where I was standing when he asked!

The rest of the evening was filled with smiles, laughter, phone calls, and many congratulations. Everyone we talked to was so happy for us and that only made the moment more precious. Jonathan and I really love our family and friends and their support made our night. I loved hearing Jonathan talk to his family... it was priceless...

Well there it is... all of it... of course I will keep adding updates and excitement as it happens!

Have a wonderful night!