Surprise! We eloped in Italy!

We first met through mutual friends, Denise and Jeff. Some time later, in October of 2009 they hosted a Halloween party at their Lewisville home. This was where we first said we liked each other. We began to date secretly from everyone and after a while friends figured out that things were way more than they seemed. They all began to call us out. We felt what better way to get married, than the way we began our relationship, being secretive and eloping in beautiful Italy.

We were walking down to the beach just outside the Atlantis Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas. We had a conversation several years prior that she would prefer to have a private proposal, because she doesn't want the public's attention. Angie placed a beach towel down on the sand and sat down, but there was people all around and I saw a less crowded area just a short distance to our right. I asked if we could please move over there? Angie said "No". I said, "I will carry all of our stuff myself and you can just walk over to that area." Again, she said "No". I said, "Please, this will be very quick, there's more shade over there, we're also closer to the guy that cuts coconuts and makes some cool looking drinks." Angie was very persistent in staying in this very spot and said "No, I am not going anywhere. I'm already sitting, so I'm staying here." I thought to myself, well this is going to be the spot. I told her I have a surprise and asked that she please close her eyes for a brief moment. I reached into my backpack and pulled out four river stones where I had written the words, "Will You Marry Me?" I laid them on the sand in front of us. I then pulled out rose pedals and created a heart shape around the stones, but the area was very windy (we should have moved, lol). The heart shaped pedals were continuously messing up, so I quickly place them back in the backpack. I got the ring out and hid it behind my back and knelt down on one knee. I asked Angie to open her eyes. She looked down, saw the stones, and said "Oh wow... oh wait... are those for me?" I said "yes", pulled out the ring box, opened it and said my proposal speech. I ended up proposing there on the beach in front of the crowds of people and she said "yes". We laughed later why I was trying to move over to a less crowded area.

The bible says the number 10 is known as a symbol of the authority of God and his government on Earth. This number can also symbolize responsibility, law, and completeness. During our relationship we unexpectedly would come across the number 10, such as: 1) We began our relationship in the month of October. 2) We found our way back into the Lord's house in the month of October. 3) We were engaged in the month of October. 4) We eloped on our 10th anniversary, in the month of October. 5) Our Celebration of Marriage will be held on 10/10/2020. As you can see the month of October and the number 10 are special for us. What better date than 10-10-2020 to celebrate our special day with our family and friends.

Due to COVID-19 we are limited with our capacity of guest. At this time we are NOT allowing children to attend our event, with exception of our immediate family only. Should you have a comment or question please feel free to contact us. Thank you, Angie and Ivan

Hey, just wanted to let you all know on Saturday there will be complimentary valet for our guests outside the Grand Hotel entrance. There is public parking behind the building and around the square, but sometimes it may be full. The address for The Grand Hotel & Ballroom is: 114 W Louisiana St, McKinney, TX 75069