Since you asked...about my engagement
 

Hello all,
For some reason I can't reply to the Freaky Friday post from last week but noticed that there were a few posters who were insterested to hear about how my bf proposed to me (OldSouthernBelle, OWJ, and Seetheworld). Of course, I'm so excited I'll share the details with anyone who asks so here you go. I'll make this as travel related as possible.

As you know, my bf spent the week in Vermont on Lake Dunmore. On Weds. the 7th we decided to go to Burlington for the day. We had initially planned to go on the 8th as that was my birthday and I wanted to do some shopping. Well, the forecast for the 8th was rain (which it never did) so we decided to go on Weds. My bf suggested we go to the waterfront first and I agreed as it seems that we never make it there all of the other times we go. It was an absolutely beautiful day. We walked along the waterfront a little bit and he suggested we sit on a bench for a little while. Mind you, from the time we left the car he would not let go of my hand so I knew something was up. So, we sat on a bench that overlooked Lake Champlain and several sailboats that were anchored on the shoreline. Did I mention it was a beautiful day? The weather was perfect and in combination with the setting I just can't imagine anything more. As we were enjoying the view he started saying some very romantic things and I started to shake (had a feeling what was coming). Then he pulled out the box and got on one knee and asked me if I would marry him. My first response--"Oh my god, MrEthel, Oh my god" all the while shaking and on the verge of crying. He put the ring on my finger and it just all seemed right. We sat there for a while longer and then went to Breakwaters to have a celebration drink. I think I floated there :) While were enjoying our beverages and our newly engaged glow I had to ask him if I said yes. The whole moment was so surreal I couldn't remember if I said yes. Of course, I did.

I have to say it was probably the happiest day in my life so far. The ring is gorgeous and I probably look at it at least twice an hour (I've cut down).

Now for the planning and, of course, deciding on where to go on our honeymoon. Right now, we're thinking about Hawaii or Vegas. Yes, we've been to Vegas a few times but this time we could actually splurge and pamper ourselves. Although, Hawaii is a once in a lifetime trip and it only seems fitting to do it for our honeymoon. However, I don't know a thing about Hawaii or where to even start my research (I know, I know "do a search"). We would probably be going in October (next year) so I've got to find out how the weather is that time of year. I'm open to any suggestions so please feel free. I'd also love to go back to Puerto Vallarta. I'm open to anywhere but due to a limited budget I'm afraid my dream places like Ireland, Italy, France, etc. probably wouldn't be possible.

So, that's the story of how I got engaged. Thanks for reading and letting me share it.

Oops, that should be "my bf and I spent the week..."

Congratulations and thank you for sharing your story. It sounds like it was beautiful.

I chuckled when you said you were cutting back on staring at your ring. I've been married 18!years and I still look at my engagement ring at least twice an hour. That sounds silly but its true - I like shiny sparkly things!!!

Have fun planning your wedding and honeymoon. Try not to get too stressed. Just remeber that its the marriage that's really important not the wedding.

So romantic! Congratulations, ethel! And thanks for sharing.

Congratulations and a happy, long life of travels and adventures together!

Lovely story, Ethel. Best wishes.

What a great story! Congratulations!
I still look at my ring and it's been 45 yrs. Right next to my rings, my mom's is on my little finger. (I had her diamond taken out of her engagement ring and placed on her band) Very special.

Ok, so maybe I lied. I definitely look at it more than twice an hour :)

Congratulations!

Inquiring minds want to know...did you use Fodors travel talk to plan the trip to Lake Dunmore?

No, my parent's have a site at a campground there so I've been there many times and know quite a bit about the area.

Hi Ethel !

Congratulations! \:D/

And by the way, I concur with the above, I STILL look at my ring all the time. In fact, my DH has told me one of his favorite things is not to look at my ring, but to look at me while I'm looking at my ring. Still.

Now on the with the honeymoon. One word for you my dear, HAWAII.

There are many ways to conserve your dollars too, you can rent a condo, etc. If you want a hotel but don't want to spend alot, the Renaissance Wailea on Maui is a great value for the money. There is so much info here just start typing info in the text search box and have fun! We're here to answer any questions you have.

Many good wishes for you!
((L)) Tiff

Ethel, how wonderful! ((L)) ((F)) Congratulations to you .... (and I'd choose Hawaii for that honeymoon ... we'll help! :-d )

Hmmmm.... Depending on where you live, I wouldn't be so quick to cross Paris off the list of potential honeymoon destinations!

Oh, and congratulations!!

Congratulations!! ((L))
I like the way he does things! This is a good sign for years of anniversary celebrations etc :)

I have been married 100 years and I still look at my ring :)

ethel - congratulations!!! what a great story, and a perfect setting for this romantic memory. i smiled reading about your celebration drink at breakwaters - love that place ;-)

maybe you can get married in burlington on the water! i know several people who got married in state parks on the lake (the prettiest ones were at kingsland bay). although if i remember correctly you are from lake placid which is course a lovely, lovely place for a wedding.

Oooooooooh, you are from Lake Placid? Say Little Miss East Coast, I wouldn't be so quick to cross Europe off your honeymoon list either!

Now we do indeed have a dilemma!

:)

I look at my ring all the time too.

You know what they say about age and diamonds, don't you!

Oprah and I are on the same page with this one. I'm going to be permanently engaged as well.

My vote is probably NOT what anyone elses would be. IMHO stay closer to home after the wedding- romantic and beautiful and quiet. And save the high end vacation for a time when you have more adventure and energy at the fore.

Weddings are est-stress, you might just want to rest and enjoy. A beach in Mexico seems to be the biggest hit around here for those who have walked in your shoes. Hawaii from where you are is way too exhausting.

Congratulations Ethel. ((D))

Honeymoon? South of France. Fly from NY to Nice. Great time of year (Oct.) there. Combo of city and country feel.

Congrats!

I would think that October would be a great time to go to Hawaii. The summer crowds are gone (along with their kids) and the beaches should be relatively quiet - and the water will still be pretty warm.

Hawaii weather site (shows month by month averages):

http://hawaiiweathertoday.com/content.php?pid=19

Ken

Thank you everyone for your well wishes. I will certainly consider Europe hearing from some you that it may be doable. Nice certainly sounds nice :)

Congrats Ethel! What a romantic way and place to be proposed to. Hubby and I were at Breakwaters last Sat. & Sun. (we liked it so much Sat. we went back on Sun.)! If you go back to Burlington and you like seafood, the Shanty on The Shore restaurant had great steamers and lobster ;-)
Have fun planning your wedding and honeymoon!

Congratulations Ethel! My husband asked for my hand on a labor day weekend about 18 years ago. He also asked overlooking water, but it was the Hudson river!
I would take a nice honeymoon. You only have one, so enjoy it. Don't stress too much and also try and enjoy the wedding.

I agree with JJ5; have a blast at your wedding reception and then unwind at home. Take your honeymoon on your first anniversary.

LuvMaine,

In just the last year I have had three young people, Grad. Aides or Prof's, get so worked up and have such a whirl at their weddings that they got sick for the Honeymoon.

One spent most of the time in Hawaii in her hotel room with a fever and calls it "the $5000 dollar cold".

It just happens so often now- with all you have to do for a wedding- that even basic optimal energy can become scarce.

And regardless of the beauty of the surroundings etc.- you really don't want an adventure- but to focus on one another.

1st Anniversary go for the big one.

Oh ethel, thank you for sharing your romantic proposal with us! I really enjoyed reading your post.

Best wishes to you and your "Mr ethel". May your wedding be beautiul, your honeymoon romantic and relaxing and your life together joyous.

How wonderful and congratulations! What a wonderful and exciting time in your life!

On piece of advice, splurge on the honeymoon not the reception.

Congratulations, Ethel! I concur with the others about planning a honeymoon where you can relax. The Riviera Maya has a lot of wonderful all-inclusives that are perfect for honeymooners. But if you really want to splurge I wouldn't cross Europe off your list. My husband and I spent a lot less money in Italy than in Hawaii. However, we went to Hawaii for our 20th anniversary and did splurge a little more than we normally would on our hotels.

I love engagement stories! Thanks for sharing, Ethel!!

Some unsolicited advice (you will be getting lots for the next year so watch out and feel free to tune out if you want)....Hawaii or Italy--may not be as big a price difference as you think, depending on the level of lodging you get.

We went to Italy for our honeymoon and it was FANTASTIC. When we were in the planning stage, I lobbied for Hawaii but WJ2 really wanted to go to Europe. I had to give in on something so we were off to Italy ;)

We figured out how much money we were willing to spend and worked from there. Airfare will be you single biggest expense--any miles that you could redeem??

You won't be disappointed w/either decision. Have fun and go w/your gut--and gorgeous new ring!! Hehe

And as for your wedding day--a parent of one of my students gave me a great idea...wear a brand new scent when you get married and each anniversary and special occasion, wear it again. It will bring back memories :)

Hi ethel! Thanks so much for sharing your special day with us! Congratulations to you both.

Take it from someone who had the world's shortest honeymoon (3 days - hubby started a new job and his new employers were real @#&%!)...follow your dreams and "Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today".

Best of luck :D

Oh ethel, how romantic is that man? Congratulations, my dear! And, like others have said we will help with every detail of the wedding and honeymoon plans.((L))

Congratulations!! What a romantic story. We took a close to home (but very pampered) homeymoon for only 3 days and then went on a big honeymoon trip about 6 months later and for us that was great. We were so exhausted after the wedding and the big trip (to Europe) would not have been as much fun as it was 6 months later.We have been married for quite a few years now and we hope you are half as happy as we have been - you will have a wonderful life.

Again, thank you all for your well wishes. It gives me such a warm feeling to hear from all of you.

OWJ--I love that idea (about the new scent). I might just do that, I think it's a wonderful way to bring back the memories of that special day.

I still keep reliving that fateful day last week and couldn't be happier. It's so fulfilling to see how excited my family is. I know I'll have a lot of help planning this wedding--maybe too much :) I'm open to suggestions on where to start because I don't have a clue! Any books that anyone found helpful?

Congratulations Ethel! I hope you and Mr. Ethel have many happy years together.

The only piece of advice I will give you is to have fun with the planning. If it ceases to be fun, take a step back and wait until it is. There is no reason to get all stressed out about one day and a life together that should be full of happiness.

Congratulations!!! I hope you don't mind me asking (I love diamonds and jewellery generally) but what's the ring like, design etc?

Congratulations Ethel!
I work in a library and read the Modern Bride and Brides magazines all the time. (Even though I'm already married). They helped me a lot when I was planning my wedding. Lots of good advice and great photos. These mags help you see how you can look on your wedding day and they give you step by step instructions on the planning part. You will also find a lot of info with website addresses on honeymoon spots in the back of the mags. Full of usefull information!
Best wishes!
Annika

CatsEyes,
I don't mind at all. Like I said, I'll spill the details to anyone insterested...The ring is a gorgeous 1 ct. emerald cut with a gorgeous 18k white gold band in a platinum setting. I love the way the emerald cut glistens!! He built it all by himself. I never had any preferance and am so pleased with his choice. The boy did good.

Annikany,
I've yet to get any mags but will certainly check those out. I've registered at TheKnot.com and have already been looking at dresses. I think that's my favorite part so far :)

Ethel - Congratulations, and best wishes on a happy life for you and your soon-to-be hubby!

When I recount my engagement story, I almost always cry. I've only been married 4 months, and it's wonderful so far. And I look at my ring ALL OF THE TIME. Glad to know I'm not alone! :)

But, I also cry when I tell or even think about when we got married....on Melbourne Beach, FL. Just us, another couple and the officiant - literally sand between our toes, ocean crashing behind us. It was magical. Perfect. Eloping isn't for everyone, but it was perfect for us (and surprisingly enough, families weren't offended. We had lots of love and support.) Long story short, definitely enjoy this time, breathe and smile! And keep having dates with your fiance! That should never stop! :)

All the best!

Oh and I forgot - In case you're in Melbourne Beach, Fl, the Floridana Inn is a wonderful 6 or 7 room place that is family owned, right across the street from the ocean. Clean, nothing too fancy, but perfect for a secluded and reasonably priced getaway......

ethel: Thanks for the interesting details!
It sounds like you've got yourself a good one!

I hope the wedding/honeymoon and your future is all you desire it to be!

I wouldn't hesitate to go on a honeymoon to Hawaii nor to Paris, both are wonderful! What's important, is to do what's right for the both of you!
((L))((L))'s & ((f)) ((f))'s!

Belle