It started when we where little. He would hang out at our house every night of the summer. He’d pick on me and throw my kitten in the bushes (he says he didn’t do that but he did!). Then came middle school. We still had a love/hate relationship but it was a little heavier on the love side. He was the older brother I never had. We didn’t have any relatives that lived near us and so we actually told everyone we were cousins! That lie ended quickly when he asked me out freshman year of high school!
We dated through high school and then I followed him to college. He graduated and moved to NC for a year and just moved home on Friday!
About a month ago, his mom called me and asked if I would help her plan a surprise “Welcome Home” party for him and of course I agreed to. We planned and decorated and cleaned. My job was to distract Michael from coming to the house and so I asked him to help me with something at the church. When I arrived early to the church, his car was already there. I quickly ran inside yelling “Heyyy Michael.. I’m here!”. I then heard the music playing in the sanctuary. I cracked open the door and saw nothing but candles all the way to the altar. For those of you who don’t know me as well, you should know that this is the sanctuary we grew up in, the same aisle we walked down to be baptized, and the altar that Daddy has taught from since I was 16 months old. I glanced up and saw Michael standing at the front of the church holding one long stemmed white lily (my absolute favorite!). I walked up and he told me to sit down. He began washing my feet and the tears started flowing. My tears of course. He held it together so well. Well enough to read from 1 Corinthians 13. We love that chapter. As he finished reading he reached for his pocket and my heart started racing faster than before. He looked at me and said those words that every girl has dreamed about since she was little. He asked me to marry him!!!!!!!
He then explained that the party was his idea from the start. Both of our families knew exactly what was going on and he had met with my dad all the way back in June! (awww, i know:) We headed to my house, now overflowing with about 90 friends and family. Michael thanked everyone for his surprise and went on to explain that it wasn’t a surprise for him at all! He shared what had just happened and there were more tears and squeals! We spent the whole night celebrating with friends and family. It was beautiful. Everything about it was perfect and it still doesn’t feel real. I keep glancing at my left hand about every 4 minutes just to be sure.
Michael I love you more than anything. You’re my best friend, my FIANCE’ and soon to be my HUSBAND!!! ahh! That’s so crazy! I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, to pick out toasters with you, and grow old with you! Thank you:)
Michael also had our good friend Jessie Smith there to take pictures! PLEASE take a look at her hard work and beautiful pictures on the blog! But first, take a look at that ring!! AH!
That’s on my hand right now!! Unreal.
Please visit Jessie’s Blog for more pictures and slideshow!
Thanks for reading!
— Katelyn
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