So I thought this weekend was just going to be like any other. But it turns out I was wrong about that one! I feel like I have told this story a million times already but I still love telling it because Ash completely swept me off my feet and surprised me. I wanted to blog about the entire story so that my friends and family in America can hear all the details! And don't worry - my story includes ALL the details.
Here is Ash's story of the day - We went to breakfast, I dropped her off for a girls day, I sent her on a scavenger hunt on an island, I proposed, we went to dinner with friends.
But let me tell you my side of the story - and believe me you might want to sit down for this because I will tell you all the little details.
First of all I had a feeling that this day was coming, but I was not convinced that Ash had a ring or that he had even thought about the plan. However in the morning we went to my favorite place for breakfast. I had a small feeling that if he was going to propose it would be at the Boat House (where we went for breakfast). But he showed up with a beanie on and not in proposal attire and he was giving me options of where to go to breakfast so I knew it wasn't going to happen then. We went to breakfast super early because he had to "work" that afternoon. He doesn't usually work on Saturday's but I didn't have any red flags to the fact he was working because he told me about a month ago that he might have to work a saturday in the upcoming month (which is actually true) and also we are trying to get some work on the weekend to save money so I was happy he was able to work on Saturday!
Pictures from breakfast:
So earlier this week my friend, Sloan texted me asked if we wanted to do a girls day in the city with my other friend Leah. I didn't have other plans so I said yes and thought absolutely nothing of it. Both Sloan and Leah's husbands were busy and Ash was busy so of course we should have a girls day!! Sloan even gave us options of what to do in the city so I was open to anything! Then we got to the city and sloan mentioned that there was a exhibit on Cockatoo Island and that it was free and we should go. I had never been to Cockatoo Island, but had heard a lot about it because they have their young adults camp there every year. So I honestly wanted to go to Cockatoo Island to check it out since I had heard so much about it!
We also had a group text going with Ash, Sloan, Blake (Sloan's husband) and Leah. Ash even sent us a picture of him at work! (he took it the day before) They are such good liars. Also in this text they were sending us train times on our way back so everything was very believable!
So we get on the ferry to Cockatoo Island (which is an Island in the Sydney Harbor that people camp, hang out, etc at.) and it has a great view of the city and the harbor bridge. The whole way on the ferry Sloan was saying she wanted chocolate (which I did not think anything of because Sloan loves chocolate) and that she wanted to ask the information desk where we can find chocolate on the island. So we go up to the information desk and asked for chocolate and that is when I got the first rose and letter. The key word was chocolate and that is how the lady behind the desk knew to give me the rose and letter. At that moment I knew Ash was proposing. And I was freaking out! I was so shocked that Leah and Sloan were such good liars and got me to the island!! So then off I went on the scavenger hunt - after a quick restroom break because lets be real I needed to go and wanted to fix my hair and such. (I told you that you would get all the details) The boys could see us walking around and were wondering why I was going the wrong way! But sloan informed them that I just had to go to the bathroom.
The first letter was from Ash and had a map of where I needed to go next. Ash sent me on a scavenger hunt around part of the island and each spot had a rose and note from my mom, dad, or brother! It was so amazing to have my family a part of my engagement even from thousands of miles away. I cried reading some of their letters of encouragement, love and support. Having Ash include my family in the engagement meant everything to me because he knows how close I am to my family. What a champ. Then the last spot had ash at it. Then he got down on one knee and proposed!!!! I said yes immediately!!!
Um excuse me while I boast about how amazing my ring is! I absolutely love it!! It is perfect! He did so so so so so good!
He had a secret photographer, someone taking a video, and also had an audio recording in his pocket!! He definitely captured the moment and I am so happy we have all these memories!
Then after we skyped our families and then got back on the ferry to go back to the city. Ash had a surprise dinner planned with us and 12 of our close friends here in Sydney. Also dinner was at O Bar in downtown Sydney, which is a rotating bar that has a view of the entire city. Dinner was lovely and so yummy! Ash again never ceases to amaze me with his plans.
After that we just walked around the city and then went back home and crashed!! We were both so tired from the most amazing day! The next day we spent at church, with friends, and a bit of wedding talk. But no decisions have been made. We have to get through my brothers wedding first (which is this weekend) and then we can start planning for our wedding.
So yup - thats the engagement story. The stephanie version. I am still completely blown away and surprised at how wonderful Ash made this day for me. It was everything I could of dreamed of and more. I really do love that man! Which is a good thing seeing as now I am going to be his wife (say what?!?!) But I am so excited for the season to come! Thank you everyone who messaged us or contacted us to say congratulations!
Im going to be a bride. And there is going to be a wedding. I know that much!
But first I am so excited to go home in TWO DAYS to my brothers wedding! I am so happy for him and his fiancé! My poor parents will be sick of wedding talk after both their kids get married so close together!
