Thursday night contained The Happiest Moment of my life! Erick proposed, I accepted, and we're engaged!
The Lord never ceases to amaze me with His goodness. Erick is a very creative person, and I was truly surprised at his timing. The way he proposed was perfect, there couldn't have been one thing better. So, here's the story!
Erick picked me up at 7:45pm to go out to eat on Thursday. He had mentioned to dress up, so I did. We drove off to "the restaurant" and he called to confirm our reservation because we were running late at that point. About 15 minutes later we arrived at Fellowship Church, the side of the Apex building. I was very confused as to what we were doing, but before I could ask about it, the door swung open and his brother Nathan was there! Nathan was our "valet" and showed us into the large auditorium. The lighting was low and there was one small table in the center of the room, lit by candlelight. I was a little nervous - this was after all, my place of employment! Standing inside the room was his other brother Nic waiting for us as our "host." He showed us to our table and then Nathan and Nic both became our "Waiters" and served us dinner. They did an excellent job, and it was very memorable!
Erick had Michael Buble playing softly at our table, and we ate and talked. I tried to relax, but I kept feeling like someone was watching us. Erick was acting totally normal, and I asked him repeatedly if anyone was there with us (watching from somewhere) or if the video cameras were on. He assured me that we were the only ones there (and we were) I found out later. So at this point I'm thinking, "Wow, this is a pretty interesting date. Erick really went all out to reserve the Apex for this, but I thought we were going to celebrate our two year anniversary next weekend...?" He mentioned that he wanted to bring me here because the Apex was where we officially met. How sweet. He's very thoughtful and creative, so I just figured that this was one of his well planned out dates (which we've had several of in the past) and I didn't expect this to be "it."
So after we're done eating, we head out to the next location for dessert. We pulled into the Gaylord Texan Hotel, we've been there a few times for dessert so I didn't think it was odd at all. We had brought along the book we are reading so we could discuss it a little over dessert. After valet parking we walked around outside and made our way to the end of the vineyards/courtyard. We stopped there and talked for a few minutes on a bench beside a fountain, then Erick quickly stood up and said, let's walk a little more. I thought that was odd, because we just sat down! So now I'm thinking, "Hmm...that was weird." But I said, "OK...(we started walking...) Erick, are you alright?" He said, "Yea, I'm fine!" We walked a few more step then he stopped and before I knew it, he was on one knee! I have no idea how many seconds it took for me to get it. At first I thought he dropped something, but then I noticed his hand shaking a little bit and I couldn't believe it..."
He's PROPOSING!" was all I could think....AAAHHHGGGHHHH! So then came the tears. I know I heard his words, but I can't remember a single one of them now. I said yes, or something like yes, and he stood up and gave me the biggest hug. As we hugged, I remember he said, "Amy, you are going to be my wife!" Whoa. How exciting!
THEN came the camera flashes...WHAT?! I looked over and there was Amanda, my mom and Erick's mom like the paparazzi taking all kinds of pictures as the walked up to where we were!
Then I saw my dad and Erick's dad with video cameras coming down the stairs! Turns out, both families were on the balcony that overlooked the courtyard and were watching and waiting for the proposal! They were all so happy, so excited for us, the moment was priceless. It couldn't have been more special for me. It meant so much to me that Erick would think to include our families in this most exciting time! I love him so much. So we all hugged, took pictures and went inside to eat dessert together. Jerry (Erick's dad) and my dad gave a few very sweet toasts to us and we just enjoyed the rest of the night. Although I was all nerves, it was like I was on cloud 9. Erick too, never stopped smiling. I asked him if he had been nervous, he said he was more nervous asking my dad's permission. I love my dad!
So now...my mom and Amanda can't wait to get started and we've already bought several books. Obviously Erick and I don't have major details worked out just yet, but we're shooting for September!
Your prayers are appreciated, as we ask the Lord to guide us through this exciting time of planning and decision-making.
(*Photo album coming soon!)
Amy! That's so great! I'm so happy for you! Marriage is so incredible!! I have a great cake lady if you want her info.
Posted by: Holly Bennett | 30 April 2006 at 09:01 AM
What a wonderful story, Amy. Congratulations! Thanks for sharing the story and the pictures. The two of you have such a fantastic life ahead of you! You'll definitely be one of the "cool" married couples :)
God bless!
Posted by: Brian | 30 April 2006 at 11:03 AM
fantastico!, yo se que usteded dos estaran my feliz juntos, y que Dios los va a bendecir muchisimo!
Posted by: eloy | 30 April 2006 at 11:45 AM
I couldn't be happier for you, Amy! Married life really is wonderful and I know the two of you will be so happy.
Posted by: Lori Bailey | 30 April 2006 at 04:37 PM
Geez...it's about you posted about this...I was waiting like forever... ;)
Just kidding, I'm so happy for you!!! This is so exciting!! But why aren't there any pictures of the rock...?? Seriously Amy...priorities...
;)
Posted by: Crys | 30 April 2006 at 11:49 PM
:)!
Posted by: Bobby Dowling | 01 May 2006 at 03:23 PM
Hi Amy....CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
I haven't known you for very long but I want you to know that you and Erick have a very special place in my heart and I am SO VERY HAPPY for you both. You are such wonderful people and I am lucky to be involved in your lives. I hope to see you soon!
Love, Jeanette
Posted by: Jeanette DuBay-Birdsall | 01 May 2006 at 06:21 PM
Amy, I am so excited for you! It's about time! I can't wait to hear about your plans and know that I'm already working on your shower! :) I love you!
Posted by: Kara | 02 May 2006 at 12:18 PM
Dustin and I are SO happy for you two!! You have ALL our love and support - Congratulations!!
Posted by: Tara | 03 May 2006 at 05:48 PM
I am so happy! After 7 dogs, 1 cat, 2 birds, 4 turtles, several fish, 1 guinea pig, countless mice, several hampsters, an ant farm, lizards, frogs, too many insects to mention, a pet rock, and 3 sons, I finally get a beautiful daughter. Congratulations and welcome to our family, we all love you.
Papa Farish
Posted by: Jerry Farish | 06 May 2006 at 10:49 PM
I loved that rock.
Posted by: Erick | 08 May 2006 at 12:48 PM