What I've Loved About Being Engaged

I've noticed that Ryan and I have begun a lot of sentences with "I can't wait until..."

Can't wait until our first date. Can't wait until we're engaged. Can't wait until we're married...and I thought it may seem that we don't appreciate the season we're in. And while I am certainly eager TO be married...I want you to know how much I've enjoyed my (very brief!) engagement season. So, as it draws to a close this weekend, I want to tell you some of the things I've loved most.

The proposal itself. I always tried not to dream too hard about my engagement because I never wanted to be disappointed by how it turned out if it didn't exactly match my preconceived notions. As it turned out, Ryan's planning and execution of the proposal went miles and miles past anything I ever could have contrived in my mind. I loved every single piece of it. I will cherish it always. It was sooner than I imagined and had just a wee bit bigger audience than I ever thought it would, but it was absolutely perfect for me and for us. Perfect.

Our day trip to Brown County the day after our engagement. Loved having that entire day completely to ourselves to celebrate in the way we wanted to - and to begin our planning. That was the day we decided to just go for it and have a wedding right away. It was lovely to be away and have the chance to dream our dreams for our wedding without any influence. Thanks, Love, for making this day so special.

(Successful!!) dress shopping! Loved sharing this evening with ladies from my work, with members of my family, and with friends. It wasn't the traditional wedding dress shopping night with the prescribed bridal party and mothers, but again - it suited me. (So wish my best friend could have joined up, though!) It was a special memory for me that I'll always treasure. And I can't wait to show you the pictures of that night.

Establishing traditions together - like going to a pumpkin patch and corn maze. Want to go every year!! And this is just a sampling of the things we began to establish - some on purpose and some by happenstance.

Having engagement pictures taken. We had such a great time - both nights - and loved making those memories to keep forever. I loved that they were taken in the fall with the gorgeous colors and I loved the way his mom captured our love!

My personal shower - where I got to share with friends, be prayed for by Grandma Sue...and just generally find myself spoiled by lots of love!! Loved it that both my bridesmaids could be part of that day too!

My bachelorette party - with so many of my long-time friends who have loved and supported me through some really really hard days and some really really great days! They spoiled me GOOD that night.

My work shower, where I was never short of enthusiasm. :) Love the ladies I work with and how they have cared for and supported me so wholly during my relationship with Ryan.

Making all the elements of the wedding - with Ryan's help. He was the perfect blend of letting my creativity run wild (and embracing my ideas) and helping with his own ideas. I never EVER ever could have enjoyed this engagement like I have without him. He did the lion's share of the planning (finding and booking the location, the photographer, the videographer, the coordinator) and made this entire two month span something I could fully enjoy in the way a bride should.

Sweetheart, I have ADORED being engaged to you and I want everyone to know what joy you've brought me in this season - both by living it fully alongside me and by doing so much hard work. I love you!!!