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

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.

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!
's & 's!

Belle