This is just so precious. I love proposals with all my being (and it just so happens to be National Proposal Day), but when they are a complete surprise perfectly executed by a sweet-as-can-be groom, I’m a total goner. It all makes me melt into a big ol’ pile of mush, and thanks to Lexie Rae Photo‘s pretty images you can gush alongside me here.
I received a phone call from a girl named Lexie a few months ago asking if Christian (my fiancé) and I would be interested in modeling for an upcoming promotional photo shoot for a vineyard. After feeling hesitant to sign up right away for the gig, I called Christian to make sure he was okay with the idea as well as my mom since she would be coming to town that weekend and I didn’t want to delay our plans for “dinner with Christian’s family”. My mom and Christian were completely subtle and gave away no hint at their plans when I talked to them. Needless to say, I had no clue what was about to happen at this “promotional (proposal) photo shoot”.
We began taking pictures on a beautiful sunny evening in Nebraska and I did not sense an ounce of nerves coming from Christian, so at this point I was still completely clueless. Lexie asked Christian to go grab the wine “props” for the next series of photos and informed him she wanted some pictures of me by myself. When he came back, we were taking pictures with a beautiful bottle of wine. Still without any idea of what was about to happen, Christian starts telling me that this bottle of wine is special and goes on and on about how beautiful the night is when I look at him and say “Babe. We’re supposed to be taking pictures for these people”. He is now telling me how he cannot wait to spend the rest of his life with me and asks me to turn the bottle of wine around. Engraved in the bottle said “Ashley Nicole, will you marry me? -Christian”. I later realized why he had asked me earlier in the day “do my socks look okay?”. He got down on one knee and asked the question every girl dreams of hearing.
I went into a state of shock and can barely remember my voice saying yes, but my heart was screaming “YES WITH EVERY OUNCE OF ME. YES!” When I finally formed those three little letters into a word, I realized the feeling was more than I ever expected it to be. To top it off, we have this perfect, beautiful moment all on camera thanks to sweet Lexie.
After this life changing, special moment, I wiped my oh so happy tears and walked around to the gazebo where our family stood clapping and crying. They had all known for so long and clearly did not let the secret out; thank you all, I know that was hard to do and I also know why you avoided me for a month. Christians mom whispered in my ear “I couldn’t have picked anyone better myself” and at that point..cue the waterworks again. Of course we ended our evening drinking wine and bubbly, listening to stories of how Christian pulled off the event, dancing to the live band, and soaking up the best moments with even better company. Everything is better with Christian. Sunny days are brighter, rainy days are cozier, and even food tastes better with him. I never thought it was possible to still chase butterflies out of my stomach after date night or to tear up when I talk about him, but he has proven me wrong and I cannot wait for a lifetime of “the little things” with him. I knew on our first date three years ago that Christian was my future; this picture perfect, life changing event made him my everything, forever and always.
Photography: Lexie Rae Photo | Ring: Sartor Hamann | Proposal: Slattery Vintage Estates