Thursday, April 16, 2020 will forever be in our hearts. It will always be a day to remember. Not only are we in the midst of a global pandemic with the United Kingdom, along with most of the world, on complete lockdown. But it is also the time of our engagement. It is bringing us so much joy and excitement during such a dark and uncertain time. During this time of fear, we now have a reason to rejoice!
Here is how it happened:
We are allowed to take one thirty minute walk a day because of lockdown. We usually go for a walk in the woods, near the house. On this particular day, Joe suggested we switch up our usual walk and go down by the river instead. We had noticed bluebells had started blooming, and he said the riverbed would be covered in them and it would be really pretty to see. I was excited about the nice change of scenery and enjoying the beautiful wild flowers. When we get down to the river, I walked Leo over to the water’s edge and was taking a photo of him. I hear Joe say, “Tate”, and I turn around. He was down on one knee with a box in his hand. I was speechless and absolutely shocked!!! He then opens the box and inside is the most beautiful, and PERFECT ring I have ever seen in my life. He jumped straight to the question, saying “will you marry me.” I was on cloud nine. I immediately said “yes, I will!” He then put the gorgeous ring straight on my finger and jumped up so we could seal it with a kiss. We finished off our walk, admiring my new forever piece of jewelry that most wonderful fiancé had picked out just for me. We stopped to get some photos in the bluebells, and Joe had even snuck my iPhone tripod in his pocket. Leo was completely oblivious to it all, but it was so great having him there. I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect day.
When we got back to the house, Joe had set up a surprise picnic in the backyard. He had put up photos of us from our travels, and set up a cute little teepee with blankets. It was a warm and sunny afternoon, the perfect spring day to sit outside and enjoy. We popped a bottle of champagne and toasted to our engagement. It truly was perfect.
After taking a few more photos and soaking up the most monumental moment of our lives so far, we started calling our families. We FaceTimed with our parents, then our siblings, cousins and close friends. We couldn’t wait to share the good news! Although this time is tough for all, it is wonderful to have something so exciting happen. We cannot wait for lockdown to end so we can properly celebrate with our family and friends.
I cannot thank everyone enough for all of the kind words and messages. A special thanks to both of our parents and siblings for all of your love and support. And an extra special thank you to Kimberly McDonagh for introducing us in December 2018; without you we never would have met!
To my fiancé: I never thought I could ever find a man as wonderful as you, Joe, but thankfully God placed you in my life. You are so kind, loving, gentle, and patient. Your love is like no other, and I cannot imagine the world without you in it. Being with you brings me so much joy, and now you get to be mine forever. I love you always.
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