THE PROPOSAL:
We ran away for the weekend to the family hunting cabin which is nestled in the mountains of Northern California. It’s one of favorite get-a-ways! It’s peaceful, secluded, and there is not internet or cell phones. I know this sounds weird in the modern day of constant connectivity, but it is really the best way to recharge! So, back to the proposal… We escaped up to the cabin for the weekend. Now, I have to set the scene… We slept in Saturday morning; got up and made a scrumptious breakfast; went 4-wheeling for a while; rested in the hammocks in front of the creek; and then made a wonderful dinner together! So, a little background- we both love to cook! It was such beautiful weather that we decide to set up dinner outside on the deck in front of the creek. While I’m plating the meal, Eric pours the wine… and this is where it all happens!!! I take our scrumptious pasta out to the table while Eric brings the wine. And then… for probably the next FIVE minutes or so, I proceed to talk (surprise, surprise… me, talking?!?!? No….) about how wonderful the weekend has been and what an absolutely perfect day it has been. Mid-five-minute monologue, I clearly need refreshment to continue… I reach for my wine, and am so confused… There’s a RING IN MY WINE!!!!!!! He obviously sees my face, comes over to me, gets down on one knee, and asks… “Will you marry me babe?” AAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was speechless! (Me… I was actually speechless! I know, crazy…) Of course, my answer when I regained my vocabulary was YES! Unfortunately, I actually forgot my camera that weekend, which never happens, so this is our only photo from the proposal- cell phone pic, after the fact!
Our only engagement photo
Our official engagement photo
NOW… On to the WEDDING!!!!!!!!!
The date was set, August 29, 2009. Significance of this date, it was nearly two years to the day of our first “date.” We looked at several venues and were determined to find a stunning outdoor site for the ceremony and a fun and energetic place for the reception… we found that in Forest House Lodge in Foresthill, CA. They had a 28,000 sq. ft. lodge that we got for our private usage for over 24 hours (!) and an absolutely stunning ceremony site, on the edge of a cliff in the Sierra Nevada mountains- we affectionately call the ceremony site, “God’s Alter” because of its vast and stunning beauty! See what I mean…
“God’s Altar”
So, we assembled the most amazing team to put together our dream, of natural, fun, inspiring, amazingness! LOL
I had Karina Williams of Reminisce Photography, Stefanie Smith of Galeazi’s Floral Designs, and Lana’s Bridal Studio who created my hand-made wedding dress! Our dream totally came true! We shared a beautiful day with our wonderful family and friends!!! Here’s a taste for all of you to see.
Engagement Photo framed, and Guest Book courtesy of Time to Reminisce
This is my favorite ring picture and it was all our photographer’s idea!
Mom helping me dress
All ready to walk down the aisle and see my groom!
Look at those amazing Groomsmen (and Groom!)
The bridesmaids were all stunning in their dresses and the flowergirls were too adorable for words (their baskets were completely made of button pom flowers, courtesy of our amazing florist, Stefanie!)
We were married…
Our Flower Girls and Ring Bearer Setting the Aisle
Our Wonderful Pastor Making Us Laugh
Our Sand Ceremony- Uniting our Lives!
We’re NOW husband and wife!!!
And… Here we are as a NEWLY married couple!!!
Us… the MARRIED version 
Here’s the new, really large family!
…Did I mention that Eric is 1 of 9 kids!!! EEK! I am only 1 of 3!
Our Families
We had an awesome reception…
They kept us very well FED! Go FOREST HOUSE!!!
Our Beautiful and Scrumptious Cake- Courtesy of Forest House Lodge;
Cake TOPPER courtesy of MEYER DESIGNS
YES… we did!!! Cutting of the Cake and Smushing of the Face
Our First Dance to Kenny Chesney’s “You Had Me at Hello”
… and then the CRAZY party started!!!!!!!!!!!
(including Drinks, Dancing, Karaoke, Poker, Blackjack, Pool, Shuffle Board, RockBand, Wii, and MORE!)
Some of Our Lovely Friends and Family!!!
Poker
Oh no! It’s Rockband!!!
… and at 2a.m., the night finally came to a close…
Toasting to the End of the Most Amazing Day of Our Lives!!!
How awesome is your engagement and wedding stories. Congrats lady!
aww, thanks!!!
Ahhh, you both look so happy & I agree that is God’s Altar, stunningly beautiful! I found you by a comment you left on someone else’s blog, can’t wait to look around your site. One of 9 Kids?? omgosh my 3 boys are too much for me, lol!
Thanks for the sweet comments Kelly and for stopping by our blog! Ya, I don’t think we’ll have quite that many kiddos… maybe just three for us!
Wow. What an insanely gorgeous looking wedding venue. And you look stunning too. IN fact, I’m pretty much in love with your dress – it’s exactly what I’d imagine if I could dream up the perfect wedding gown!
Aw, you are too sweet! It was the perfect day! In regards to the wedding dress, it was hand-made and one-of-a-kind, but SUPER not expensive! If you’re looking for a dress for that day, let me know and I will shoot my ladies’ information to you. Seriously… worth it!
Beautiful! Everything looks amazing! I can’t get over that view where you were married! =)
Thank you Kelly! The view was absolutely unbelievable and we couldn’t have dreamed up a more perfect place. It felt soooo magical!