This post originally appeared on Anna’s 1st blog, Annamotion.
I have an exciting announcement to share with you today…
I’M ENGAGED ! ! ! ! ! !
The fella who has pursued and wooed my heart is Anthony Reel.
He might literally be the kindest man I know. Most people view me as a super nice person, but I think he even has me beat! His servant’s heart is clearly evident and he doesn’t even hesitate to help a friend (or stranger!) in need.
As I wrote about in the post 10 Ways to WIN at Dating a Gluten-Free Girl, Anthony is a total WINNER at taking care of me even with my Celiac Disease. He has put me at ease numerous times and has even gone above and beyond to show me he cares.
This handsome guy is strong, gentle, responsible, mature, intelligent, hard working, and good at everything he does. He’s a huge dork and he makes me laugh like none other! He encourages me, inspires me, and helps me to believe in myself and what God has gifted me to do. It seriously feels like a dream that such a godly and ridiculously amazing man would love and choose ME!
This past week marked being together for 1 year and 5 months and on Tuesday, March 8th, 2016 he asked me to marry him. Would you like to hear the story of how he proposed?
The Start of a New Adventure
I awoke with excitement because I knew I would get to spend that whole day with Anthony. Between my constant drowning in schoolwork and Anthony working hard at his new job, we were long overdue for a nice long date. He appeared at the front door in his nice suit jacket over a purple button-up, surprising me by matching what he knew I’d be wearing.
As we embarked on our seemingly wide open day of adventure ahead of us, he surprised me by taking me to the Botanical Gardens in St. Louis. We walked around the gardens; the flowers were not yet in bloom, but the gardens still radiated the beauty of God’s creation. We came to an Alice-in-Wonderland-esque swirling hedge-work design in the Boxwood Garden and strolled to the nearby gazebo.
I enjoyed this beautiful view from the gazebo…
…and then Anthony asked me “Can I read you a story I’ve been writing?” I said yes and turned around. Anthony took out 3 sheets of paper and proceeded to read me a story…It was our story, but in fairy-tale form.
The story came to our moment in time and that’s when he got down on one knee, pulled out a sparkling ring, and said, “So Anthony went and purchased her a diamond ring to symbolize how much he loves her and to claim her as his own.
Anna, will you go on an amazing adventure with me? Will you marry me?”
With tears in both of our eyes, I said YES!
He slipped the ring on my finger, we hugged, and we told each other “I love you” for the first time.
We giddily continued our stroll through the gardens.
And then he took me to Hu Hot for lunch, which is where we had our 1st date almost 1 year and 5 months ago. We re-enacted the pictures we had taken on our 1st date.
Then we went to see Zootopia! Our first movie as an engaged couple! And a very good first, too. We loved it!
I’m engaged!!!! I cannot wait to marry this wonderful man! There’s no one I’d rather spend the rest of my life with.
Here’s to an AMAZING ADVENTURE! Huzzah!
Edit: If you loved reading this story, check out Our Wedding Story!
Stephany says
Congratulations Anna! What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing and I wish you and Anthony the best!
Anna says
Thank you so much, Stephany!
Teal Beagle says
Congratulations Anna and Anthony. Anna, I’ve watched you grow from a pre-teen to a beautiful and godly woman. I wish you much love, laughter, and happiness in your future with your guy. So pleased for you.
Anna says
Aw 🙂 Thank you! <3
Mel says
AHHHHH!! What a beautiful engagement story. I am so happy to hear what a wonderful man won your very special heart. Congratulations, my beautiful friend!! Hugs to you both!!
Anna says
I’m sure YOU understood what it took for me to make that kind of decision! 😉 Thank you, Mel! <3
Aunt LInda says
What a great story, and what a great couple you two make! I look forward to seeing you two make your life together! I am so happy for you!
Anna says
Thank you, Aunt Linda! <3
Iman Brooks says
Congratulations, you two are beautiful together.
Anna says
Thank you, Iman! 🙂
Angel says
Congratulations, you guys look like a great couple. Thanks for sharing your story.
Anna says
Thank you, Angel!
Rica@YogaMatMonkey says
What a great story! Congrats and all the best on your new life adventures.
Anna says
Thank you so much, Rica!
Leila Rexford says
First Congrats!!! Now is the time for wedding planning! Second, I haven’t been to the botanical gardens in ages! Definitely going soon!!!
Anna says
Thank you, Leila! You should definitely go this spring! I look forward to going back after the flowers are fully in bloom! It will be so beautiful!
Psychic Nest says
Hi Anna,
I totally loved reading this post, it is so sweet that he proposed to you, congratulations! I am a new reader to your blog and I cannot wait to read more wonderful content coming from you. Cheers!
Zaria
Anna says
Hello, Zaria!
I’m so glad! And thank you! I look forward to you coming back! 🙂 In May I’ll be back to my regular schedule of posting once a week! For the past 2 months I’ve been posting every other because school has taken up all of my time! I guess it was worth it because I just found out I am the valedictorian for my class! 😀
Though until May I’m posting every other week, I’m still sending helpful or encouraging thoughts to my subscribers on the weeks there’s no new post. So if that interests you, feel free to subscribe! If not, you can expect a new post here every other week until May 🙂
Thanks again, Zaria! It was nice to “meet” you! 🙂