Monday, July 25, 2011

Engagement Weekend in Nashville, TN!

Amy's Story

Thursday, July 14, 2011: I began packing my bags on Thursday to head to Nashville for the weekend with Jeff, for a friend's wedding. We are big Nashville fans...there's something about country music and cowboy boots that makes us both smile! Being excited and trying to decide what to wear, my roommate, Tammy was assisting me while I try to find the most Nashville appropriate outfits. After finding the perfect outfits, I was finally packed...I of course added a few extras that she hadn't suggested (I'm an over-packer).

Friday, July 15, 2011: Jeff had to work a half day, and I had taken a vacation day to prepare for the trip. I had to tan, get the wedding present, Jeff's birthday present and a baby gift all for the weekend. Jeff called me as I was buying his present to let me know he would be at my house soon, so I rushed home wrapped all the gifts and began to get ready. Jeff came in and greeted me and our dogs and I told him to go ahead and open his birthday present on the table. He responded with, "It's my birthday?" I said, "Yes, on Sunday...did you forget your birthday?" I found this strange, that he forgot his birthday, but told him to open his gift anyways. I figured he would want to wear it, a new Wrangler button up and jeans. He had been wanting a pair of Wranglers for a while now. After opening gifts, I was ready to go. I went through my out-loud checklist, double checking everything and Jeff chimed in saying he wanted to check out this Bicentennial Park while we were there and asked if I had my camera, I of course did and said that would be fun, since we never really sightsee when we visit. So off we went to Nashville to meet up with everyone downtown!

Saturday, July 16th: Off to lunch we go with some friends before the wedding, we found more of our friends (the groomsman and groom) at this charming bar called, Doc Holliday's Whiskey Saloon. There we had a few cold drinks, laughs and enjoyed singing to country songs including the song of the weekend Jason Aldean's, Dirt Road Anthem.. After rounding up the last groomsman, we hailed a cab and headed back to the hotel to get ready. The wedding was beautiful, it was hot out so we were thankful for the fans. After the wedding we headed to the reception where there was lots of dancing for me and guy time for Jeff and the other girl's dates that don't get down on the dance floor. I kept checking in on him making sure he was doing ok, of course he was and I was having a blast dancing. When the reception became close to the end time, we decided to meet our friend downtown who had left earlier to change out of his tux. With no cabs in sight we started walking and talking about the wedding and what we would do at ours. We want a fun, country wedding and he wanted to make sure I didn't need the Princess ballroom, because he would be fine with it. I said no, I want to be surrounded by what we enjoy and that is boots and a good time! So we kept walking to our destination and of course ended our night at our new favorite bar, Doc Holliday's, which we all agreed is way more fun when your group is taking over the bar during the lunch hour, but still a good time.

Sunday, July 17th: Happy Birthday Jeff! We went to lunch with our friends Daniel and Ashley and walked around downtown searching in shops for souvenirs. After a good distance we parted ways with Daniel and Ashley and headed to the car to drive to our sightseeing destination of Bicentennial Park. When we walked up to the car, Jeff said, "I need to put on some deodorant," I just chuckled and said, "did you forget to put it on today?" he responded with, "yep!" So I hopped in the front and waited for him to apply his deodorant and then we began our search. The first park I put in the gps was not the one we were looking for so we stopped at McDonalds for a pit stop and some Orange HiC's then made our way to search for the capitol park. When we pulled up I was so excited because I noticed it had a farmer's market, I had recently told Jeff that I thought we needed to start shopping at farmer's markets. I asked him if we wanted to walk around the park or farmer's market first and he said the park, so I told him well I'm taking off these wedges and putting on my flip flops, my feet are killing me from walking downtown and want to be comfortable. We began walking around and I said, Wow this is pretty, I am going to take some pics!" We kept walking and finally he said, "Let's go over there and we can sit down." I was completely happy about that and responded with, Wow, you know me too well, my feet are killing me and would love to sit down!" When we sat down he was quiet for a second then said, "Well I brought you here for a reason, (and reached for his pocket, I instantly put my hands up to my face with this excited open mouth expression realizing what was about to happen as he got down on one knee) I want to spend the rest of my life with you, will you marry me?" I said, "YES!" I couldn't help but be so happy, he had created the most perfect ring for me, PINK and SPARKLY! (which I kept saying over and over again). I did not cry, because it was one of the most exciting and perfect moments of my life and I enjoyed every minute of it! I love you Jeffrey Earl, Always and Forever!
My pink and sparkly ring!