WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!

The story goes a little something like this….. I never expected to get engaged on a random Saturday in June, on the top of a bluff with all of the most important people (and puppies) in attendance. But that was exactly when it happened- when I looked into Brandons eyes and knew that this moment was exactly how it was meant to be. My morning started off in Alma, our up north, the place where we found our sweet puppy, Zailey. Alma is special to us and our family, we spend a significant amount of time together there. This weekend in particular, my whole family was in Alma to see Eric Church in concert that evening, or so I thought. After waking up and eating a massive breakfast, my sister, Samantha arrived from college fully dressed and ready in her concert outfit (keep in mind it is literally 10 am). Immediately Samantha and Maddie began getting ready for the concert so I did the same! Over the course of the morning, my step dad, Joe, kept mentioning how we were going to go on a family hike to see the “newly built platform” at the top of the bluff. This overlook is just a couple miles away from our house, and has a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River. So we finished getting ready, and Joe pushed us all out of the door to head out on our family hike! We arrived at Buena Vista Park and I honestly thought nothing of it. I mean sure in hindsight- why are we hiking in cowboy boots and jean shorts? Why was Brandon's hand getting increasingly more clammy, grip tightening substantially as we approached the parking lot? Why was Joe SO adamant we go see this “new overlook” today of all the days? Hindsight is really 20-20 I guess. We got out of the car and Brandon grabbed my hand. We walked towards the overlook, Zailey in tow, following just a couple close steps behind the rest of my family. We got to the edge of the overlook and Brandon passed Zailey off to Joe, leading me towards the most stunning view of the Mississippi river. Brandon gave me a hug, and began telling me how much he loved me. His eyes began to fill with tears and in that moment- I connected the dots. After many sweet sentiments and what felt like eternity, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was shaking with excitement as I jumped into his arms and gave him a hug. I could not wait one more minute. My heart burst with gratitude as I finally glanced at the ring in the ring box, inside it was my Moms wedding ring from my Dad. Holding more value to me than anyone probably knows, he slipped the gorgeous ring onto my finger. I remember giving him a hug and kiss and taking just one singular moment to take everything in. Just him and I arm in arm, before we turned around to see my EXTREMELY happy (and teary eyed) family. I ran to my mom (who had absolutely no clue this was happening- she was quite literally in her pajamas) and gave her the biggest hug, tears streaming down her face. I flung myself into Joe's arms, I remember him saying “Anabelle you’re shaking”, which I was, like a leaf. We celebrated, together as a family, it was truly a moment I will never forget. My sister Maddie managed to get the most amazing photos, which we admired as we began calling the whole rest of the family to tell them the news. It was simply perfect and I had never been as happy as I was at that moment. Brandon managed to plan and pull off the engagement of my dreams and him knowing how important it would be to me to have my family there, was just the icing on the cake. I am so lucky to get to spend the rest of my life with the man who is truly my best friend.