We're Getting Married!

Last week, Justin and I announced to our family, friends, and the facebook world that we are officially planning to spend the rest of our life together.  Together we announced to the world that we're getting married!  There is nothing more amazing than making that decision to spend forever with someone.  Because let's face it, forever is a long time and you better make sure the person you say "yes" to is the most important thing in your life. 

Many of you asked for the details, and I am happy to share this special day with everyone.  I want to put words to paper (or keys to screen) so I can remember how I felt more love that day than any other day of my life.  I want to remember every detail and each second of that night for the rest of forever.

You might want to get yourself a cup of tea and a comfy chair.  It's a long one. 

So yes, this story is very romantic and it's a beautiful memory that I will cherish forever.  Yet, it's only one day.  And the year we plan our wedding is only one year.  How Justin and I treat each other every other second of everyday of the rest of our lives is way more important.  If our forever is anything like the last two years, I'm pretty sure we'll rock at it.

The day started out as any other day. I was getting more phone calls than usual - my mom calling to see how my day was, girlfriends checking in, and...Justin even called me (he never does during the work day unless it's important).  Nothing too unusual... maybe they just all wanted to chat today!
 
5:15 pm - I walked up the steps to my front door and I see a note taped to it.  The first thought through my head was that it was either from an upset neighbor or from the solicitors who had stopped by the night before looking for a donation. Luckily, it was neither.  Scrawled in Justin's handwriting read this note...

"Mary,

There is a note for you on the kitchen island

Love, Justin"

I stepped through the front door and was greeted by two very happy pups - who quickly greeted me and reminded me that it was time to eat! Straight ahead in the kitchen though, it immediately caught my eye.  A white envelope and a single rose - the dogs would have to wait a moment.  It was at this very moment that I knew something very special was about to happen.  I smiled, shook my head and thought...'This is so Justin... of course he would do this on a weekday to throw me off.' I opened up the envelope and read the first typed letter: 

"Mary,

Welcome home.  I have some surprises for you today that I need you to get ready for.  I have picked out a dress for you to wear and it is lying on the bed.  I know I'm not giving you much time, but I need you to be ready by 5:25!  This is VERY IMPORTANT, time is of the essence.

At 5:25 exactly, I need you to use the Ipad and Facetime the phone number (xxx) xxx-xxxx.  When you are done with that, there will be a car coming to pick you up.  The driver knows where to go, just trust him.  Make sure to wear a coat because you will be outside during some of the trip.

Have fun babe and I will see you shortly.

Love, Justin"

My thoughts start to race and I look down at the dogs who remind me how anxious they are to eat.  The clock on the stove reads "5:15" and I had exactly 10 minutes to get ready. 10 minutes. I have never gotten ready in 10 minutes.

I feed the dogs to calm them down and noticed a black dress lying on the bed with the IPad resting on top. In no time at all I had changed into the dress on the bed, touched up my makeup, and threw on my black coat.

I still had 2 minutes to spare.  Those 120 seconds felt like an hour as they passed.  I sat on the bed and took in a deep breathe of fresh air - realizing I had practically held my breath since I saw the first note.  I sat there and reminded myself to take it all in; to remember every moment of whatever was about to happen.  And maybe try not to cry.  Yeah, try not to cry.  Try not to cry... try not to.. oh boy, this makeup isn't going to stay in place. I was thankful Justin hadn't given me enough time to stress over what to wear.  I would still be in front of the closet trying on every outfit I own...

5:24 pm - I grabbed the IPad and fumbled around to find the Facetime app.  The number I was told to call was the most recent number dialed. I hit the number and waited as it rang. The IPad connected after only two rings and I see Justin's mom and dad come onto the screen. I was already starting to tear up and I nervously said "hello." They explained that Justin sent them a letter in a sealed envelope and that they were instructed to read it to me. I could tell they were just as nervous as I was!

I sat there on a cloud and listened to Justin's parents read the words Justin wrote to me.  I don't have this first letter, but it included words about family and love, and all kinds of mushy stuff.  Words that melted together to create a beautiful note about how I fit so well in his family and how important that was to him.

I dabbed at the corner of my eyes and told them I loved them.  They reminded me that there would be a car coming so we had to quickly hang up. We said our good-byes and there was a knock on the door.

5:35 pm - A black vehicle sat outside in the driveway and the driver had met me at the door.  He escorted me into the back of the car and we drove for only a minute before we came to a stop behind a building.

5:45 pm - Shortly after we arrive at Amici's I spotted my friend, Anna and her new hubby, Peter.  Anna was in a pretty dress and coat and she walked over to open up my car door and lead me out of the car to the garden behind Amici's (the same garden we've sat in dozens of time over the summer).  Peter met us in the garden and pulled out a sealed envelope scrawled with a familiar handwritten message and time.  The tears had started to form in my eyes and I choked up some words asking if Justin was inside the restaurant.  They ignore the question and go on with their explanation. They explain that Justin gave them this letter to read and they couldn't open it until I was with them.  Peter opened up the seal and began to read the note:

"Mary - I don't think I need to tell you why your first stop on this trip is Amici's.  This is where we had our first date...where I was so scared to kiss you by my car across the street.  I was so nervous before our first date that Tyler and I had to have a couple of vodka and cranberry's before I even showed up.  Had I known you were going to have me drinking stout beers all night I would have laid off the pre-date drinks.  The thing I was most scared of after our date was the amount of beer you were able to drink; you literally drank me under the table that night.  Thankfully, that was just a ploy and I now know your real alcohol tolerance.

You were the person that chose Amici's because I was new and didn't know any good date spots.  You brought me into your life on our FIRST DATE and took me to your favorite restaurant.  After our first night here, you invited me to the Romeo Peach Festival for our second date...I don't know what I did right on that first date, but I am glad I did it. 

You were quick to introduce me to your friends, like Peter (at the OCYR Christmas Party) shortly after we started dating, and then Anna, when she finally made the move from Indiana.  We shared so many great times and had a great relationship begin because you were willing to bring me into your life."

NOTE: Justin mentions that he's not sure what "he did right" to earn a second date.. but I can tell you that he did everything right.  I had walked to the restaurant to meet him because it was only 3 blocks from my house. At the end of the night he asked if he could give me a ride home and I declined - telling him I was happy to walk.  He didn't even TRY to convince me that he wanted to drive me home.  He got in his car and left.  As I walked home, I remember debating whether he was a gentleman or a jerk.  I settled on him being a gentleman...and it's a good thing I did :)

Peter led me back through the garden to the black car and told me that I had a few more visits throughout the evening.  He gave no indication of when or where I would meet Justin.  (Anna was busy coaching the driver on what to do - out of earshot - because the driver was completely clueless).  Before Peter closed the door, I told him to "enjoy dinner."  I spoke with Anna earlier in the day and she said that her and Peter had dinner plans that evening.

6:10pm - The black car pulled up to our next stop in Birmingham.  The car came to a stop in front of an empty building with no lights on.  I know this place well, but the building was clearly closed.  I looked down the street and saw some familiar faces.  Our friends Dana and Dan shook from the cold as they stood on the steps in front of the dark building.  I got out of the car and gave them each a hug. Dana opened up the sealed letter she had been holding and read the typed words on the paper inside:

"Mary, this is the spot where it all began.  Who would've thought buying shots for a random group of girls at Dana's Bachelorette Party would score me the girl of my dreams.  It's crazy to think of all the different variables that had to happen in order for us to meet that night.  And just think, if any one of them would not have happened, we wouldn't be where we are today.

If Dave didn't throw my drink away and literally push me over to where you girls were standing...If one of the girls wouldn't have taken the last drink out of my hand...If I wouldn't have pretended that I've never had a pickle shot before (which I have had, I just wanted the chance to talk to you)...If I wouldn't have lied about my age...If I didn't text the phone number you wrote on a napkin...all of those factors had to happen in order for us to be here today.

After all of that, it's impossible to say that we weren't meant to be together.

You brought me into your life, you introduced me to your close group of friends.  We got along great and had amazing vacations and moments that we will never forget...and there are many more great times to come.

Thank you for buying me that shot two and half years ago.  It was the best thing that ever happened to me...it got me the girl that I was searching 25 years for..."

I kept looking around thinking that Justin must be coming around the corner somewhere.  He's got to be here somewhere. I gave Dan and Dana one more hug, and they led me back to the vehicle I arrived in.

The driver was quiet as we drove.  This time we were in the car for about 30 minutes as we made it to the next destination.  I sat in the backseat looking out the window as we drove. I was happy and anxious - excited to see Justin finally, but also wanting time to slow down so I could soak in the moment.  I read and re-read the letters that were handed over to me.

Then I started to feel motion sick...and all I could think about was when I would finally see Justin.  It would probably ruin his whole plan if I got sick all over my dress.  So I stopped reading and tried to focus on the headrest in front of me.

6:40 pm - The driver stopped the vehicle finally.  We were in Downtown Rochester and in front of Home Bakery.  My friend Amy and her husband, Drew stood in front of the building.  I remember feeling so happy to see them together, and so thankful that they were a part of this.  Drew works the evening shift at his job so when I do get to see Amy I rarely see Drew.  I knew he worked evenings and had taken the time off work to be there for me.  Up to this point, I've done a pretty good job of trying to save my makeup.  Amy opened up the letter and began to read.  When she started fighting through tears as she read I couldn't hold back my emotions anymore.  Here are Justin's words that Amy read to me:

"Mary, I chose this spot because it reminds me so much of you and the stories you've shared with me over the past years...even if you told them to me 3 or 4 times already.  You always remind me that you are my Rochester Snob.

This town meant so much to you and especially the people in it.  The bakery that you are at is where you used to work; you always told me how much you enjoyed your time here.  A few blocks away is the apartment building you used to live in that had the walking path so you and Lucy could go on long walks.  You went to high school in this town and lived in this town even after you graduated college. 

This town is a big part of you.  And you have always enjoyed sharing it with me.  You have taken me here to make sure I experience the same things you loved while you lived in Rochester.  Whether it's the Cider Mill or Brewery, or the lights downtown...you have shared everything with me. 

You introduced me to your closest friends...friends like Amy (and Drew)...  I know that first trip to her house was a test to see how I would react around kids.  I wouldn't be surprised if you were looking for Amy's approval of me as well.  Needless to say, I'm sure I passed with flying colors.

You brought me into your life, and made me such a big part of it.  That is one of the many things I love about you.  I hope this place reminds you of the great times you have had and the close friends you've made.  We have an exciting journey ahead of us and I couldn't be happier that I will be spending it with you."

I hugged them both, said good-bye and got back in the car. 

On our drive north, I overheard the driver say that he was taking me to my parents house.  My parents house? Justin has to be there.  Where else would he be?

6:55 pm - We pulled into my parents driveway and I was shocked to see that the house was dark.  No cars lined the street and only their two vehicles sat outside.  I walked alone to the front door and knocked.  My dad met me behind the closed door and invited me inside.  I walked into their quiet house and sat down at the kitchen table. I knew they were in on the secret, but they were still acting like they were surprised to see me.  I started to get anxious and that's when they revealed the same envelope I had read several times before.  My mom pulled the letter out of the envelope and started to read Justin's words.  She got choked up after the first few sentences, so she handed the note to my dad to finish reading.

"Mary, I have already told you about my family.  About how much it meant to me that my family considers you one of their own and how important you are to them.  I chose this stop for you because I wanted to share with you how much your family means to me. 

From the first moment I met your mom and dad, they made me feel at home and welcome.  Every time we would see them, they make sure to catch me up on the latest stories and keep me up with how the rest of the family is doing.  Most people would say how much they dislike visiting the parents of their significant other, but I can truly say I look forward to every meeting with them.  You get your hard work and amazing "back seat driving" skills from your dad, and your kindness and excitement from your mom. 

Your family reminds me so much of mine.  I even joke around with your brothers as if they are my own.  I could only hope they enjoy having me around as much as I enjoy being around them.  I would be lying if I didn't say part of the reason I am with you is because of them.  I enjoy being around them so much and they always make me feel like I'm part of the family already.

Mary, family is everything to me.  I hope that one day we have a family as great as the one you have."

My parents rush me back out the door and my mom hands me a case of makeup.  She said that I'll want it for the next stop. Whew, Justin must be at the next stop!

While in the car I take a few seconds and touch up my make-up.  There's not much to do since I can't do anything about heavy, swollen eyes.  So I close the mirror and hope there's no photography. 

7:25 pm - We turn into a drive for Oakland University and I think the driver must be lost.  Why would Justin take me to a place we've never been together? I'm racking my brain trying to figure out where Justin would be - this was my alma mater after all, but we hadn't visited together.  Then I overhear the driver say a familiar name.  He mentioned that we were meeting an friend of mine - one who is also the wedding planner for Meadowbrook Mansion.  The mansion is on the the grounds of the University.

At this time, it's completely dark on the campus and we are the only car around.  We pull up in front of Meadowbrook Mansion and I see Lindsay standing in the doorway.  As I step out of the car I can hardly contain myself - I love Meadowbrook (the owners share the same surname with me), but also because I've always wanted to get married in the gardens.  I mentioned my idea to Justin, but knew it was well out of our budget.  Lindsay opened the letter from Justin:

"Mary, this stop is about old friends and new places.  You are probably wondering why you are here.  This mansion is somewhere we have never been together before.  This is a new place, a place we have not shared any memories...yet, a place that I know is special to you.  The world holds a lot of unknown experiences that we have yet to share.  We never know what the next day is going to bring and that is what makes each day exciting.  I want to make every day with you special and keep you excited about what our future will bring us.

We have had an amazing adventure with so many great memories and moments.  There are still many more to come.  You have brought some great people from your childhood into our lives and they have a major part of where we are today.  You introduced me to Lindsay, someone you have known since you were kids.  Looking back to those days, did you ever think you were going to meet someone like me at a bachelorette party in a bar? I guess that just goes to show you can't predict the future.  As far as what our future holds, I don't know.  But I wouldn't want to spend it with anyone other than you."

As Lindsay finished the letter, we hug quickly in the cold and she led me through the massive wooden door of the mansion and into the hallway. She told me to keep walking.  I took a few more steps to enter the dark foyer. The room was dark and dimly lit by a fire.  I scan the room, and my eyes stop on a familiar shape standing in front of the fireplace.  It was probably only 15 steps to get to him, but it felt like a marathon.  Once I reached Justin, I hugged him and my emotions took over.  I had been waiting all night to see him.  And my whole life for this one moment.

Justin held me for a minute and then said a bunch of words that I would later have him repeat.  I don't remember this part, but he asked me if I had a good night.  I shook my head "yes" and then he spoke his own words to me and said:

"I hope this night reminded you of all the special moments we had in our past.  And now I want to ask you to be a part of my future." 

Then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. 

I remember him holding up a box, but my eyes were locked on him.  I couldn't believe everything that he planned, all of my friends that participated, all of the love that I had received... it was all overwhelming.   

He handed me the open box that he held.  I slipped out the ring and handed it back to him to plac eon my ring finger.  It was still took dark to see the light so I leaned down to the fireplace to get a glimpse of the ring. 

Thanks to Lindsay and her husband, Jason, we were able to document the proposal.  And we'll have these pictures to look at for the rest of our lives.

8:08 pm - I had said farewell to the limo driver before, so now we walk to Justin's car in the dark lot.  He said we were going to dinner together to celebrate. Lindsay and Jason went on their way, and we headed to a restaurant.  As we were led to our table in the back of the restaurant I kept my eyes on my hand.  I didn't notice the room full of people as we stepped in so I was taken back when everyone starting cheering and clapping. All of my family and friends that met me throughout my journey to Justin that evening had met us again to celebrate.  We ate and drank all  night, and that evening was unforgettable; I didn't want it to end.  But then, I have our whole lives to look forward to. 

And that, folks, is how the man of my dreams proposed.  He could've just told me that we were getting married over a meal at McDonald's and I would be happy.  Shhh.. don't tell him. Now I have this incredible journey to add to our love story.

On August 9th, 2014, I will marry the love of my life in Traverse City.  We couldn't think of a more perfect place to celebrate the beginning of the next chapter of our life together.

xoxo,

Mary