Our Engagement Story

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Ahh!! I’m engaged!

The Proposal Story

We’re starting the New Year out with a bang…and a ROCK!!

A quick little backstory about the day…I had a photo shoot booked in the city (in Chicago), with a photographer that reached out to me through the blog.  He was in town for the weekend, and asked if I was up to collaborate on a shoot.  I get a lot of random inquiries from people reaching out to me on IG or the blog…but this photographer had some really nice shots, and the timing worked out, so I decided to do a collab with him.  I thought it would be an awesome opportunity to get some nice shots of Bart and I in the city before he moves to California.  So we set it up for January 1st, which was the only day we could actually make it out to the city, since Bart had to work the next couple days.

So, I got all ready for this shoot, but when I had talked to the photographer weeks ago about the shoot, it was estimated to be about 14 degrees that day.  Turned out, it was -1º… (“feels like -15º”!!!)  As Bart and I were walking to the meeting spot, Chicago’s River Walk, I kept thinking “what is this photographer thinking shooting in this weather?!”  I couldn’t feel my face…actually, I could…it just hurt so bad!

We got to the River Walk, and it was so beautiful.  The river was frozen…which is something I had never seen before.  We met the photographer, and he got right to it…thank God, cause it was freeeeeezing!! He had already scouted the location and knew exactly where he wanted me to stand, and what type of shots, etc.

He started getting some shots in, of me with the city behind me, had me turn around and look out at the city, had Bart come step in for a couple, and shot a few more of me.

I looked out over the city for some more shots, and then the photographer said “ok, now, turn around…”

I turned around, and there was Bart…on his knee…holding a beautiful red box, with something super shiny in it…I couldn’t see specifics…just Bart.

I went through about 100 different thoughts and emotions in seconds.
“This was a set up!!” 

“How did I fall for that?!”  

“OMG is this really happening?!”
I just stared at Bart, with a huge smile on my face…and then the tears came.

“This is really happening!!”

I couldn’t believe what was happening in that moment.  I stood frozen for a minute, then, realizing what was happening, I started inching my way closer to Bart.  “What are you doing?!”  I asked him with the most joyful tears in my eyes…

“Look how handsome he looks!”

“I can’t believe this is happening!”

I finally made my way to him, and leaned down a bit.  And he said “Will you marry me?”
I started nodding, I think even before he started talking…and said “Yes!!!”

“YES!!”

We stood up, I took my gloves off, and finally got a good look at the ring.  A 6-prong gorgeous diamond solitaire on a beautiful white gold band. Exactly what I would’ve picked myself!
He slipped the ring on my finger, and I remembered we were in the middle of a “photo shoot”.

Bart had hired the photographer (his friend) to fly out to Chicago, and set up a fake photo shoot, to capture this perfect surprise moment.

In doing this, he was able to have me dress nicely (as nice as you can dress in “feels like -15º weather), have my makeup and hair done, get the proposal moment on camera, and make it all a total surprise.

I am still in shock, and cannot believe that I get to spend the rest of my life with this man who constantly surprises me (which is kind of hard to do…although Bart will disagree), and loves me so unconditionally.
But this is the proposal story, not our love story…so I’ll save that one for a later day! <3

Engagement (ahh!!) Pictures will be up soon…But here’s a teaser!
*Photos by Taylor

 TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read): The short version

I had a photoshoot for my blog set up in the city (Chicago)…in the freezing cold.  While we were shooting, I was looking out over the city for a cool looking shot, then the photographer said “ok, now…turn around…”
And there was Bart…on one knee…

He had set up this whole “photo shoot” and hired his friend to come capture the best moment of my life!
I started crying…asked him “what are you doing?!”, (at least a couple times)…he asked me to marry him…and I said YES!!

If you need a surprise engagement photographer, check out Taylor Mickal.  He travels too…obvi!

Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.

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