Next weekend, Dave and I will celebrate our 7-year wedding anniversary!
However, since I’ve already shared our 5th and 6th anniversaries with you, I thought that this year, it would be more fun to share our engagement story… especially since it all took place 8 years ago tomorrow.
It’s such a fun story — probably the only time in my entire life that I’ve actually been 100% surprised! I still smile and get goosebumps EVERY single time I reminisce about our engagement story…
.
A Little History:
Dave and I went on our first date in October of 2004 — I was 19, he was 23. By December of 2004, I think we both knew we would get married.
We went ring shopping in May of 2005 (yes, I was still 19).
Dave was adamant that I pick out my ring… and thanks to my practical nature, I found the ring I wanted after about 20 minutes. Dave wrote the check that day, but we couldn’t take the ring with us because it had to be sized.
Dave’s sister was getting married on July 1, and we had both decided not to “steal their thunder” by getting engaged right before their wedding… so I prepared to wait. I didn’t know when the ring would be ready, but I knew we wouldn’t get engaged until after July 1.
One More Piece of the Puzzle:
Dave and I met via our college employment — we were both custodians for the college’s field house (gym) and our boss actually set us up.
After talking with both of us at different times, our boss realized that we both liked the other person and she FINALLY convinced Dave to ask me out (after an entire summer of working full-time together — and I was definitely dropping lots of hints!)
Our boss was also taking some photography classes at that time, and she frequently needed to take photos of people, things, etc. for her class projects and her portfolio (this is a really important piece of the puzzle).
One day at work, our boss told me about an upcoming project she had for her photography class. She asked if she could photograph Dave and I for that project — she also said she would give us a CD with all the images in case we wanted to print any of them!
You know how much I love free stuff, so you can just about imagine how excited I was. I knew Dave didn’t love having his picture taken, so I explained that I really wanted some nice pictures of us and I would try to keep the photo-shoot really short.
After some initial hesitation, Dave agreed (little did I know this was all part of his plan) and I picked the time, date, and location for the photo-shoot.
Our Engagement Story:
Although I knew we weren’t going to get engaged before July 1, I still wondered if Dave might propose on my birthday (June 16); however, my birthday came and went with nothing more than some cheesecake and sparkling cider (still not 21 yet). I was disappointed… but at least we had a fun photo shoot to look forward to the following week!
June 22, 2005 — I was taking summer classes during the day and then working in the afternoon and evening. So after my classes were done for the day, I met Dave at the gym, we found our boss, and we headed out to the location I chose for our photo shoot (just a nicely landscaped area on our college campus).
Looking back, I can’t even imagine how nervous Dave must have been. He didn’t want to have the ring box in his pocket so he just put the ring in his big, bulky pockets. He later told me that he checked his pocket every 10 seconds to make sure the ring was still there — I never noticed!
We started posing for pictures — listening to our boss to try and replicate the exact poses she needed for “her project”. She would tell us to stand a certain way, move to a specific location, do certain things, etc. etc. — because after all, this was a very important project.
I was trying to make sure Dave didn’t get overwhelmed with all these pictures, so I kept things moving along. Finally, our boss asked us to go over to a bench next to a little waterfall because she needed some pictures of us sitting down.
Then, she told Dave that she needed a picture of him acting like he was proposing…
SIDE NOTE: I knew Dave would not want to do this, so I immediately protested. There were other people around this area and I didn’t want Dave to feel self-conscious or like people were staring at us (and you can bet they were staring!)
Since Dave is so nice, he agreed to do the “FAKE” proposal pose.
After the fake proposal photo was taken, I turned to my boss and said, “Dave really needs a ring to make this look official.”
.
She just smiled and continued taking photos — because as I turned back around to face Dave, he had the ring in his hand and said, “How about this one?”
As you can see by the look on my face, I was 100% completely shocked!
After all, Dave didn’t even want to do this photo shoot (or so I thought) and how did he magically have the ring in his pocket?
Was this really happening?
.
Dave continued on with his REAL proposal.
I have no idea what he said, but I do know I said, “yes!”
And then I started putting ALL the pieces of the puzzle together, realizing that Dave was behind this little photo shoot idea the entire time.
So sneaky!
The rest of the story…
After I had a few minutes to process the entire situation, after our boss stopped snapping photos, and after Dave FINALLY stopped gloating about how he pulled off such a fabulous surprise, we drove to my parent’s house to share our good news.
Then, we got on the phone calling the rest of our family and friends (this was before Facebook!)
Dave’s parents were living in Washington at the time, but his mom happened to be flying in that night in preparation for his sister’s wedding, so we surprised her with our news when she flew in.
His sister was actually glad we got engaged before her wedding because it made it an easy decision to “allow” me into their family pictures at the wedding 🙂
So not only did Dave pull off an amazing surprise proposal (seriously, I never saw it coming at that point), he also managed to get the entire thing photographed — which means we now have almost 100 candid, real life photos from that moment!
I told you it was a good story!
Suzanne Shepherd says
What a fabulous and happy story. I absolutely loved reading this, and the photos are priceless!! Happy anniversary to the two of you, with wishes for many more years of joy together.
Sharon says
Omgosh Andrea!!! You were not kidding!! That is such a great story!!! I was going to say when I saw those cute pics…how in the world were you two able to take pics of the proposal in real time!?! Then I read the story and was blown away!!! He is such a sweetheart!! I absolutely loooove all the pics!!! Such a clever and creative way to capture those moments forever!!! And both of you look so young and adorable!! 17 years later, you both still look fantastic and have such a beautiful family!! Awww this really warmed my heart!! Congrats on your 17 years of marriage and here’s to many more!!
Andrea says
Thanks Sharon! It was a fun day and lots of good memories to look back on, that’s for sure ๐
Andrea says
Thanks Suzanne! It was fun to relive those memories this week ๐
Ruthie Wilkes says
That was the best engagement story ever & I can’t believe I am just now reading it! Love your blog so much, Andrea. Thank you for all of your inspiring posts. They have truly changed my family’s lives.
Andrea says
Thanks ๐ I think it’s a pretty good story too — but obviously I’m somewhat biased!
And thanks so much for your kind words too Ruthie!
Jeanine says
I just read this and loved it! June 22, 2005 was my 25th anniversary, so a great day all around!
Ann says
This IS a great story! Thanks for sharing it! Happy Anniversary!
Charmaine says
Hi Andrea,
That was a beautiful engagement story thank you for sharing and congratulations on your upcoming 7 year engagement.
Charmaine says
I meant anniversary but I had engagement on the brain.
Vanessa Scott says
OH MY GOODNESS! AMAZING story! I love it!!!!!
Rebecca says
THAT is a GREAT story!!! Good job, Dave. What a true romantic gesture and so well thought out!!!
I feel bad for whatever Nice boy proposes to Nora! How is he going to top “My Dad proposed to my mom…” ๐
Christy Galba says
I love that story! So sweet!! Thank you for sharing!!
Belinda says
Thanks for sharing your story, I am an avid follower from Australia of your blog and have recently taken on board your organisational techniques… We recently moved and have implemented some of the things you do.. Like closets, linen etc and love it…. I only have the pantry, paperwork and shed to go. Thank you once again and your little Nora is beautiful xxx
Anne Bailey says
Ahh I had tears in my eyes !! Beautiful fun story and great pictures !!
Meeka says
Congrads…that’s awesume…My prayer is God continue to bless you guys because you have truly been a blessing to me. Thank you for all you share because you keep me encouraged on my journey…
ItsDicey says
Hubs and I have been married 26 years, and it’s been (mostly) wonderful. It’s taken a lot of growth and hard work, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. For us, there was never a “Plan B” and I think that made all the difference. Marriage really can be beautiful. I love it.
Theresa M. says
That is so cute and clever! Happy Anniversary!!
Tamara Flick-Parker says
Andrea, that is such a great story. You should celebrate this beautiful day! We don’t celebrate the day we got engaged cuz there wasn’t anything very formal about it, we just aren’t that way. But, we do celebrate the day we first met and both of our wedding anniversaries (long story). We don’t do a big celebration for the legal one, but we acknowledge it and maybe hang out together if we can. Our son’s birthday is the day before (5 years later) but our actual wedding when we got all gussied up we certainly celebrate that one, cuz that’s the one everyone knows about. There are only a select few who know about the legal one. Have a great day! Really enjoy your blog. Nora is such a cutie.
Guisela says
Hi! You make me cry! What a beauty story… How special was your boyfriend to propose! I always have thought that to choose our own engagement ring takes away all the surprise element, but you show us the opposite! ๐
Vanessa says
Very sweet story — thank you for sharing. How wonderful to have photos of that moment.
Tina says
Great story! My husband and I had our first date in October 04, too! I think we also knew we would get married by the end of that year, but that’s where our stories differ…he waited until July 2010(!!!!!) to propose. Then things went into warp speed-we got married 3 months later, got pregnant on the honeymoon, and had our son the end of July, 2011. ๐
JD says
Beautiful pictures and a wonderful story.
Brooke says
Andrea, don’t answer if it’s TMI, but did you go to Calvin College??? The term “field house” made me wonder. I became engaged as a 20-year-old Calvin student, so it’d be funny if you did, too (not that it’s overly rare on that campus!).
JoDi says
That’s adorable, and how amazing to have it all photographed! What a clever guy!
Kalyn Brooke says
Love this! Gave me goosebumps reading it. ๐
Gina Kukura says
Thank you for sharing! That was so sweet!
Lisa says
Rarely do I comment on this type of thing I have to tell you your story felt so honest that I loved it. Your daughter will cherish is when she is older and your husband set the bar for her future husband. Hard to think about it’s so far away but as a Mother of a daughter growing up faster that can explain. Nothing is too far away! Good luck to all your precious family members and thank you for your honesty.
karen davis says
Thank you for sharing this…..it is so sweet! Karen
katie says
I totally remember this! Sandy and Dave, so proud of their deception ๐ Congrats Andrea, happy anniversary!
Andrea says
Thanks Katie — as I wrote this post, I was thinking how you and Mark Tig were the first people we shared our good news with! I’m happy you’re a part of our story too ๐
Ginny says
So sweet! What a guy!
Chalyse Meiklejohn says
This story is adorable! Sound similar to mine. My husband and I met on his 20th birthday in February of 2010. I turned 17 just 12 days later. Since I was only 17, my dad didn’t love the idea of me dating a 20 year old so he said we couldn’t go on “alone” dates until I was 18 in March of 2011. Well, we fell in love that summer and talked about marriage in August of 2010. Things moved quickly! Since we weren’t technically allowed to “date” until I was 18 (although he was over at my house often) my dad said no engagement until I was 18. We agreed. But we knew we wanted to get married after I graduated high school, so summer of 2011. So we started “planning” the wedding by getting a guest list ready, booking a place for the reception (they only had 1 date left in the summer of 2011 which is when we got married – August 13), etc. Well on Sweetest Day (also my mom’s birthday) my dad decided we could go on a date alone and he took me an hour away to my favorite restaurant and then after we went to Lake Geneva to sit by the lake. Little did I know, he took me there to propose! We went out on a dock, and were facing the water. When I turned to look at him, he was down on one knee! I was in such shock and I’m pretty sure the first thing I asked was, “did you ask my father?!” He of course had. My parents agreed we could get engaged before I was 18. So I spent the rest of my senior year planning our wedding and we will celebrate 2 years this August! We’re as happy as can be and have an adorable 6 month old son. My parents also got married young (they were both 18) and have been married 23 years now. His parents got married at 19 and just celebrated 29 years. So I don’t think the “young” age of 17 (or 19 in your case) is too young to get engaged!
Loved reading your engagement story, it gave me chills. ๐
Maria says
Beautiful story and awesome keep sake photos. You are truly blessed with such a wonderful family. Thanks for sharing!
KimH says
Awwwww………… thats so sweet… and I love that look of ornery glee in the picture where hes looking right at the camera saying “We did it!!’ ๐ โฅ
Andrea says
That’s my favorite photo too Kim!
Brandi Clevinger says
So sweet! I was teary-eyed! That’s such a sweet, sweet story! My husband and I also had our first date in October 2004, the 17th to be exact, and were engaged in May 2005.
Thanks for sharing, Andrea!
Andrea says
Our first date was October 23 ๐
Wendy Jahns says
Beautiful Beautiful!!!! It was a beautiful and fun story ๐
Kimberley says
Great story and super sweet!!! Thanks for sharing!
Mama Murrey says
What a lovely story! And how sweet to have all those pictures from the big moment!
Sounds like you had a smoother proposal evening than I did. My boyfriend drove me blind-folded to the place we were going to eat supper. By the time we got there I was so carsick I could barely eat!
The big stinker–he’d made comments in the week before and that very day that made me think it would be quite a while till he proposed! I didn’t have a clue that was the big night until after supper. Near the end of him singing the song he’d written for me, he sang “I love you”! He’d never said that to me before, and I finally realized this was The Moment!
That was seven years ago on July 4. We don’t feel so much like we picked each other as much as we feel God said, “that’s the one for you.” The more years pass, the more we realize He chose way better than we could have.
Andrea says
Oh no — I get motion sick really bad so I feel your pain. At least you have a good story now ๐
Leanne Heern says
Love!! thanks for sharing!
Elizabeth says
I love reading engagement stories. My husband and I were engaged at 19 and married within 6 months, Everyone thought we were crazy (except for my parents). It hasn’t always been the easiest ( we started out with my hubby deploying to Iraq 2 weeks after our wedding) but it is has been such an awesome journey growing up with him by my side. I can definitely relate to the no sleeping at night. My firstborn son didn’t sleep through the night until he was 11 months old. We just transitioned my second son into his room and neither of them has slept through the night since (about 2 weeks ago). My now two year old ends up going to sleep with us, just so my 7 month old can go to sleep and not be woken up several times by his older brother. Sometimes I feel like our bed has a revolving door. Life is funny, sometimes I think I’m going mad at night and with so little sleep. But they are worth it! Thanks for sharing your ideas!
Shannon says
The story is wonderful and so are the pictures! What a great keepsake for your engagement!
Jamie says
Aww…that’s awesome! He did a great job!!
Jeanne says
Hi Andrea,
I just wanted to thank you for sharing this with your readers. It’s a really sweet glimpse into your life. What a guy you have in your husband and the pictures are wonderful. Lucky you!
I also wanted to say I have appreciated your honesty and overall positive nature on this blog. I know from reading that you’ve had some challenges with your sweet, non sleep needing Nora. You’ve handled the challenges so well. You’re a great wife, mom, blogger and business woman. I really enjoy your blog and philosophy. Keep up the great work! *ร*
Andrea says
Thanks Jeanne! Dave is definitely a good catch on my part ๐
stephanie says
I LOVE THIS!! Did he get your parents’ permission first?! Happy anniversary!
Amy says
It is a wonderful story! And those pictures are so beautiful! I love May & June with all the anniversaries and the stories of falling in love. Thanks for offering such a great window into your heart and life, Andrea!