We’re engaged! Still just as excited as when I first saw his knee hit the ground! This post is all about our engagement story.
My boyfriend(now fiancé…still getting used to it) Jon and I got engaged on January 13th, 2023. We’ve been together for six years and I’ve been patiently waiting for what feels like a lifetime.
Engagement Story
The story of our engagement is a long one. This wasn’t a easy, quick or picture perfect proposal. We had a rough 2022 but starting the new year off with an engagement was the best way we could have imagined. A complete fresh start.
When I say rough, I don’t mean between Jon and I. Yes, we have little arguments here and there but what couple doesn’t? What we’re having for dinner, our weekend plans, who’s driving, shutting off the bedroom light.. those kinds of arguments.
Our “rough” was starting our first home buying process in the beginning of 2022. We have been saving and dreaming and saving and dreaming… and we could not catch a break. We were crushed by the extreme market rates, low inventory, and inflation on anything tangible. We spent an entire year with pre-approvals, open-houses and pouring our heart and soul into letters that barely made a dent into consideration. Needless to say, we’re still looking.
Attempt 1
Our budget was tight in 2022 but after COVID we were ready to get back to life and not take anymore time for granted. We still have plenty to experience and memories we want to make. SO, we went to concerts, took weekends away, and spent time with friends and family often. We limited vacation so had planned on taking just one week at the end of the year to Sanibel, Florida. This was a family trip to celebrate a 40th birthday and we were counting down the days. November came along with the Hurricane season in full force. Hurricane Ian wiped out Sanibel, ruining homes and peoples lives. A lot was lost and it was completely devastating.
Later, I found out that a sunset in Sanibel was the original plan for the proposal.
Attempt 2
Coming into the holiday season was chaotic for us. We both are extremely busy with work and overwhelmed with the gift buying and holiday parties. We try to fit in time together wherever we can but mostly we’re running around trying to see both sides of our families and all of our friends while still getting a good night sleep to be back in for work.
Toward the end of November, we got news that my Nana was not feeling well and had several visits to the hospital where they found brain tumors. This was absolutely shocking to hear since my Nana was a spit fire, center of attention, voice of reason and full of independence at the age of 95. Yes, the age may be a no brainer here but she did not act or seem that way. To put in perspective, she lived alone in Florida in her own house and traveled back and forth to visit family completely on her own. She would stay with my Mom every time she was “home” to visit, which was always months at a time. After, the sudden and repeated heath scares the doctor’s told us we had 6 months left with her…
For Nana, the only symptom showing was loss of speech and dizziness. I remember sitting with her on the couch and talking about a football game, she was a BIG football fan. Halfway through her rant about Tom Brady, she started to stutter and rolled her eyes in aggravation. She was so mad about her situation and tried to brush it off rather than give it any attention. We of course ignored the slurred speech and kept the conversation going, not to miss a beat. We all played it off as if we weren’t bothered by it but we’d sometimes sneak a minute or two and cry it off where she couldn’t see us. I think she did the same.
On December 15th, a typical Wednesday Jon was suggesting a night out in Newburyport by the water for a friends dinner. I kept thinking why on a Wednesday? It seemed very out of the ordinary. He came home with a haircut and I worked from home that day so I was just starting to get ready for the night. As I was curling my hair, he told me last minute change of plans and we had to get to my mom’s. I didn’t say a word and walked out with my head half curled. My mom’s house was full of all my cousins, aunts, uncles, and my nana laying in a hospice bed. She was in an out of conscience but was still in front of the T.V with a football game on. College ball, her new love.
We got to sit with her and say our goodbyes but there was not much communication back. Lots of tears and hand holding. I don’t remember much of what was said but I did catch a glimpse of a moment with Jon kneeled down next to her. He was on one knee holding her hand and nodding his head wearing a winter green button down. This image is so clear in my head, I can see it even now. I think it stood out most to me because it was so special to see just him and her in the room alone, smiling and keeping her conversation.
She passed away the following day.
Later, I found out that our families planned a night in Newburyport where Jon envisoned yet another proposal for underneath the city Christmas tree.
Attempt 3:
We got through the New Year finally after an exhausting and unfamiliar Christmas that didn’t feel the same. Jon and I desperately needed a night out and decided to go on a double date with Jon’s brother and his girlfriend out in Boston. We planned on a nice dinner along the water followed by an indoor mini golf/bar.
As we parked in the city, we walked along a construction filled street that Jon so desperately wanted to cross. He said there was a “short cut” on the water side leading to the restaurant. We crossed over and of course Boston weather in the Winter is not ideal, so I’m strictly focused on getting to the restaurant quickly for warmth.
I thought to myself, why are they all being extremely slow? I kept turning around and everyones pace was snail level until I couldn’t see anyone but Jon. I kept leading the way hoping I was going in right direction when Jon stopped me by the water to take in the views…in the dark LOL. I was honestly very confused and just looked at him sensing something was wrong since his face went completely white. I asked him what was wrong as he was fidgeitng with his jacket and he slowly dropped to a knee. I heard him say “Alexandra”… but I could not tell you what was said next. I was completely blinded by the most perfect ring that was and is everything I could have asked for. A single oval shaped diamond on a thin gold band.
I was shaking with excitement and full of so many emotions but overjoyed would put it best. I remember my cheeks hurting from smiling so much. We celebrated over dinner and a night out in the city followed by a local dive bar with hometown friends, our typical scene. The night was definitely one to remember. Little did I know at the time about all the planning and failed attempts on the proposal with a ring he’s kept since October. Four months in the making but we’re Finally Engaged!
I’m so grateful for the family and friends that shared in our excitement and that kept patiently waiting knowing that even through all of the chaos we would soon be heading towards forever. I am so incredibly happy and looking forward to our future together.
~A
