The Engagement

As most may already know (though some may not), me and the lovely miss Kimberly Walden became engaged June 26th, 2009. Many have asked us how the engagement went down and I thought it would be ideal to include the entire story (complete with pictures) on my blog so that everyone can feel apart of this special day that we will remember for the rest of our lives.

Believe it or not, I've known for about a year and half how I wanted to propose. I wanted it to be something very special and romantic. I knew that I wanted to propose at my house, having decorated it completely in rose petals and lit candles. I also thought that cooking us dinner instead of going out to eat would not only make it more romantic but I felt Kimberly would enjoy it more since I took the time and effort to make it especially for her.

Here's how it happened....

On the Friday of the proposal, Kimberly and I had planned to attend the youth service at Church of God Camp Meeting. I did this for several reasons. First off, I knew that Kimberly would be dressed nice for church and, since I wanted us to take some pictures right after the proposal, I could make sure she was in formal attire without giving her a hint that something was up. Secondly, I knew that she would not be expecting the proposal since we attend church every time the doors are open.

In order to give me enough time on Friday to get everything set up and dinner prepared, I pulled Kimberly's mom into the equation. Her mom suggested to Kimberly that they should go shopping that Friday afternoon to get school supplies for her future classroom. Problem solved.

I also got my mom's help with some of the decorations. I told her everything that I wanted, but she went a little overboard and had the whole house decorated when I got home from work Thursday evening. A special surprise indeed!

Every Surface Was Covered In Lace, Rose Petals, and Lit Candles

Kimberly arrived at my house right around five o'clock. When she opened the door she saw me standing there amidst the decorations.

She immediately dropped her purse, burst into tears and ran to hug me. We probably stood there embraced for a full three or four minutes -- and I haven't even said anything yet!

After she calmed down a little bit, I told her how much I loved her and that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. I got down on one knee and gave her the ring -- which she gladly accepted!

Take A Look At That Rock!

I then had another surprise for her. As part of my plan, I wanted to get her a dozen roses as sort of a proposal gift to go along with the ring. But, roses will die away and she can't keep them forever so I got her something a little more special...

A Build-A-Bear In A Wedding Dress. It's Name Is "Marry."

After all of the festivities, it was finally time to eat the lovely dinner I'd spent all afternoon preparing.

Putting The Final Touches On Our Dinner

We Are Eating Chicken Parmesan, Spaghetti, and Garlic Bread

Our Dessert Consisting Of Oreo Cookies, Cheesecake Ice Cream, and Cool Whip

After the tasty food, Kimberly and I decided to snap a few crazy and completely random pictures (like always).

All in all, it was a night that we will never forget. We are both so blessed and truly feel that God created us for each other.

I also want to extend a special "thanks" out to the 30 or so people who knew about the proposal and didn't spoil anything for Kimberly. She was completely taken by surprise.

God Bless,
Jonathan T.