"Go out with him, what's the worst that can happen..you meet him, its awful, he goes back to Fredericksburg and you don't see him again. Or you go, have a great time and it will be the first day with the man you will spend the rest of your life with."

 A family friend of ours decided to that she needed to play match-maker and set me up with a guy named Robert. I was hesitant and decided after several failed attempts at blind dating, I would politely decline the set-up. It took some persistence on her end and the words of a co-worker to finally make me cave and accept the invitation. Robert called me one day and we had a nice conversation, we made plans to meet up. Our first date had to be rescheduled and a few weeks later, we finally met up on March 7th, 2015 at the Botanical Gardens in San Antonio. We met for brunch and then spent quite a while strolling through the gardens. We talked about all kinds of things, and had a very enjoyable time. I left pleasantly surprised. Over the next few months we explored Central Texas, traveled to meet family in Georgia, went to Colorado and Florida, spent time getting to know each other, laughing, adventuring, and finally experiencing what "Real love" was all about. Robert and I had great individual lives going before we met, but having each other now, brings a whole new level of happiness and fullness we never expected. The last few months have been so amazing, I can't wait to see what the future holds!

A few months ago, I had the worst day of work ever. I had sent a text to Rob telling him about how bad it had been. After lunch, I had a surprise flower arrangement waiting for me at my desk and a note saying dinner was at 8pm. Rob drove in from Fredericksburg and picked me up for our surprise dinner. We drove quite a while and was headed toward the middle of nowhere, I was beginning to wonder where he was taking me, when we turned into the Grey Moss Inn. A small romantic restaurant in Helotes tucked away in stone house under some large beautiful old trees. We were sat at a small table in the corner, and were treated to a wonderful evening. The food was to die for, the waiter was excellent, and the company and conversation couldn't be beat.  We had the best time and between you and me, I can't remember why I had been having such a terrible day. We both agreed we wanted to go back when the weather was better and eat on their beautiful patio.

As our relationship progressed, we discussed when a proposal could take place. I had a few rules. First was, we had to date for at least six months. I had already met most of his family, and although he had met a good deal of mine, I told Rob he couldn't propose until he met both of my brothers (one of which was deployed) and the last item was asking my Dad for permission to ask me to marry him. Six months had passed, Rob met my Colorado brother, and the other was coming home from deployment. We all headed to Florida to welcome him home and two of the three requirements had been met. I started thinking the proposal would happen any day.  But to my surprise, nothing had happened. I tried to drop hints, but still nothing. I had dinner one night with one of my best girlfriends and she was asking about the relationship and if Rob was going to propose. We talked about rings and my ideas for a wedding and I went on and on about my "timeline" and how if things didn't happen soon Rob was going to mess it up. Little did I know she was in cahoots with Rob and was trying to get information for him. He had already bought the ring and talked to my parents and I had no clue! I had told him once before that I was looking for a box every time I saw him. I'm nosey and impatient and was going to figure him out!

On the night of November 20, 2015, Rob asked if I wanted to get dressed up and have dinner at our favorite restaurant on the patio. I thought,this is it. He is going to propose! So I went and bought a new dress. Robert came to pick me up and he looked so handsome, he was even wearing dress shoes. (another clue) I looked to see if I could spot that little square box, but saw nothing. He was cool and calm and we headed out to dinner. I noticed in the back of the Jeep was his jacket, I knew if he took that inside, the ring would be in the pocket. When we got to the restaurant, he got out and left his jacket in the car! I thought oh no, I guess this really is just dinner. We went in and had an amazing dinner and sat under the stars and talked and laughed. Our favorite waiter was there and remembered us from last time and made the night extra special. After dessert we were getting ready to leave and to my surprise Robert, got down on one knee and pulled a ring out of thin air. He proposed and made me the happiest girl in the world! I couldn't do anything but say yes and giggle for the next 20 minutes. It was the perfect night! I confessed that I had been searching for the box when he arrived and was disappointed when I didn't find one. He knew me all too well and figured I would do just that, and had the ring loose in his pocket the whole night so I would be surprised. We couldn't be happier, now we get to officially start our lives together! ( and all is right with the timeline too!)

"My colors are Blush and Bashful, I have chosen two shades of pink, one is much deeper than the other." -Shelby Steel Magnolias

 The wedding will be a blend of traditional and not so traditional. The goal is to surround ourselves with our closest friends and family for an afternoon of love and laughter and the joining of families. The wedding will be held at the lovely Oak Valley Vineyard near Natural Bridge Caverns off of FM 3009 on Sunday June 5th, 2015.  My niece, Melody, will be our adorable flower girl and although we love and cherish our friends, we have decided not to have a traditional bridal party. We want all to be able to sit back and enjoy the day. Following the ceremony we will have a brief time for photos, and passed cheese and fruit trays will occur in the main house. A brunch reception will follow, near the vineyard. The reception will conclude between 2:30 and 3:00pm. We are planning a separate Happy Hour for all that wish to continue celebrations early in the evening at a TBD location.  Our colors are deep navy and blush and bashful (of course). Dress for the day is Sunday best. We hope that everyone is able to join us for a fun, relaxed celebration of our love!

Robert and I will be spending a week in beautiful Antigua! We have booked seven days at the Cocosbay Resort on the western part of the island. We love to travel and are so excited to spend some much needed fun in the sun.