This weekend was supposed to be spent celebrating our eight year anniversary, but quickly turned into a much greater celebration. Anthony and I were going to spend the weekend in Austin: hiking, zip lining over Lake Travis, enjoying a sunset dinner at The Oasis, then going to the Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve (swimming hole) the next day. After an incredible day zip lining and hiking, I was so excited to get to the next exciting place, which, Anthony later told me, was conflicting with his plans, so he asked if we could just forget about the hotel and other plans, and spend the rest of the weekend at home in Dallas.
When we got home, I suggested we go to an outdoor dinner or somewhere fun to walk around: something we love to do. He suggested going to Klyde Warren park, which is the most adorable little park set in downtown Dallas between uptown and the museum district. After dining at the glass restaurant, Savor, we walked over to the park, which is next door. After a long and eventful day, it felt like a very relaxed night. Walking through the path of arches after sunset, we stopped to sit down on a park bench. Cuddling and chatting, Anthony pulled out his phone to show me a video he made me for our anniversary. The video began with “8 years ago something special started…” and was followed by pictures from when we met up until now. The pictures were put to the song, “Marry Me” by train. I initially just thought it was a sweet video photo collage, but I felt Anthony’s heart beating through his chest, saw his hands shaking, and knew it was something bigger. The final image said, “there’s something I would like to ask you…” Anthony popped up off the park bench, handed his phone to a dad who was at the park with his children to snap a few pictures. He got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him. I am so happy he had the last minute thought to ask an onlooker to take a few pictures because I will cherish those photos and memories forever!
It was the most perfect moment. It was 100% us. It was intimate, simple, and thoughtful.
The Man:
My man 🙂 I’m pretty private about my relationship, so I thought it would be sweet to share some facts about Anthony and our relationship. Anthony and I began dating when I was just 15 years old. We met at our high school after I finished track practice and he had a tennis match. We began chatting a lot on aim (remember that instant message thing you were glued to after school lol), hanging out, and have been glued to each other ever since. We lived in the same neighborhood. We attended the same college – even living in the same dorm building (coincidentally).
I don’t believe there is such a thing as a “perfect relationship”, but Anthony and I have one that is perfect for us. At the foundation of our relationship is our friendship; we are truly best friends and life partners. We inspire and are inspired by one another. We are successful as individuals because we are each others greatest cheerleaders. We are both well aware that what we have is beyond special, and couldn’t be more grateful to not only have experienced true love, but also to have found each other at such a young age.
5 Random Facts about Anthony:
-He’s an amazing cook
-He’s incredibly creative and helps me move outside of my comfort zone
-He’s deathly afraid of spiders; it is my job to kill any and all bugs
-He wakes me up each morning with kisses
-He has the most wonderful sense of humor and can make just about anyone laugh… A LOT
The Obvious:
So, if you’re already thinking, “I bet she will put together a program for brides-to-be,” you know me all too well. While Anthony and I aren’t too concerned about wedding details or a date just yet, I do know that looking and feeling our best will be a priority that day. You bet I will be putting together a program of workouts, meals, and tips for anyone wanting to prepare for their big day or special event!
The Thank You:
I was hesitant to share any engagement photos on my Instagram or blog, as I am with most personal information. However, I cannot thank you all enough for your sweet words and comments! I read every single one of them, and Anthony and I were so touched by the overwhelming amount of love we received from our family, friends, and from this amazing community! I truly care about helping you better yourself and your life, and it’s so fulfilling to feel the love in return. From the bottom of our hearts… thank you!
The Photos:
Oh my gosh! Congratulations! And thank you so much for sharing! I love engagement stories 🙂 Still waiting to be able to have one of my own. My Type A-ness is driving me crazy that I can't plan my own, haha.
Haha, too funny! As a type A too, I can relate 🙂 Thank you!
XO
comgratulations!!!!!!!!!!!! your photos are so cute!
Thank you girl!
XO
I just got engaged one week ago and would LOVE to follow a bridal bootcamp. It's not just the big day that I'd need to get in shape for… it's the shower, the bachelorette, and the engagement party!
Oh such a wonderful idea! Congratulations to you!
XO
Almost teared up reading this :') So so so happy for you Lauren. You were one of my biggest motivators from the start, and you still are! You're a beautiful person, inside and out. I don't know Anthony, but I'm sure if you guys are perfect each other he is no less the same. Congratulations again <3
Selly,
Thank you for your kind words and support!
XO
Aw! what a sweet story! Congratulations! Thank you for sharing. I wish you both the best.
Thank you very much!
XO
Aww I teared up you guys are such a cute couple CONGRATULATIONS I am so happy for you!! Pictures are wonderful and so genuine, thank you for sharing Lauren!
Aw, thank you for those sweet words! It means a lot to us!
XO
Congrats to you and your love!! That is wonderful news! Thanks for sharing with all of us! Your blog and positivity has helped and motivated me a lot! You rock girl! Such a lovely couple! 🙂
Thank you! It's been a wonderful weekend and it feels even better to share it with a community I care about so much.
XO
Congratulations Lauren and Anthony, so happy for the two of you!
Thank you so much!
XO
Beautiful! Congrats!:)
Thank you 🙂
XO
So Beautiful!!! You are going to make a gorgeous bride! Congrats
Jill
Thank you very much, Jill! We are so happy!
XO
Congratulations!! and a smart idea of his to get someone to take photos! Can't wait to hear more about it and see the bridal bootcamp workouts 🙂
Wasn't it?! I'm so happy I have those photos! Thank you!
XO
Lauren I was sooo happy for you when I read you got engaged:) Life doesn't get any better than when great things happen to nice people!
Aw, Kelly….thank you for that sweet comment!
XO
Congratulations!:) I'm so happy for you and your fiance, you two seem so happy together!:) I wish you two many more years of happiness!
Thank you so much, Stacey!
XO
Congratulations! I am glad you decided to share your engagement story with us. You have been an inspiration and motivated me to get off my tush and do something in order to be a stronger woman. Thanks!
Congratulations! I was the same way after I got engaged, I couldn't stop staring at my ring! I am getting married early next year so I am on board for a bridal program! 🙂 The ring is stunning!
Katy, congratulations to you! It's a very exciting time. Thank you.
XO
Congratulations! The photos are beautiful! The ring is beautiful! The location is beautiful! But most importantly the relationship is beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
carolinebogush.blogspot.com
Exactly what I was going to say. Absolutely everything was beautiful! Congratulations girl 🙂
Soo sweet! Congrats! Your ring is gorgeous 🙂
Congratulations!!!!! I love the ring, it is EXACTLY what I want. Do you mind if I ask you where he got it? I would love to mention the store to my bf you know casually lol
Congrats!! You are so cute together. All the best wishes for you. ♥
xx
Lauren! First, I just found your blog aaaand I'm totally obsessed. Second, congratulations! Your ring is PERFECT – it's literally the exact cut/shape that I have been looking for. Do you have any idea where your fiance purchased it from? I think it's halo cut? I'll be sending the info right along to my boyfriend :). Thank you!