"the story"

People have been asking "how did it happen?"  So, I wanted to write out the proposal.  It may be a little long-winded, but I wanted to remember the details, and the surprises that you'll find out about.  :)

David’s best friend, Andy, got married in Williamsburg, Virginia.  The wedding was beautiful.  It was an elegant, quaint, sweet ceremony in the bride's mother’s back yard.  The morning after the wedding, we had planned to spend a few days at Virginia Beach.  Our little “mini-vacation” together was definitely not what we had imagined, as it was 47 degrees, cold, and very windy. 

Needless to say, when David kept suggesting we go on a walk along the beach, I questioned that idea, but it made sense when he said that he wanted to find a bar to watch the football game (the Washington Redskins).  It was a really sweet walk, and we talked about how perfect our whirlwind romance has been.  

We never found a good spot to watch the game, so we went back to the restaurant at our hotel.  We had a great appetizer and split a bottle of wine.  I remember feeling very intrigued by how quickly David was drinking the wine.  Our time together is usually peaceful and enjoyable, but he seemed to be rushing things.  He again eased my suspicions by just stating that he wanted to go back to the hotel room, where he could hear the commentary.  So, I quickly finished my wine, and we left.

Looking back, I’m very impressed by how calm he was on the walk back…  Until we got to our floor.  I walked quickly and said, “Hurry!  I need to go to the bathroom.”  He told me to stop, looked at his phone, and then mumbled something about a frustrating client.  He walked to the door and opened it.

I walked into a dark room, lit only with a walkway of candles.  They were everywhere!  Candles leading to a small table, which held a bouquet of flowers and a ring box.  I froze.  I stood at the doorway, dropped my purse, and just stood there.  I remember taking off my shoes.  I don’t really know why I took off my shoes, but I did!  I didn't know what else to do.

The only thing I could do was stand there.  I started tearing up, and he said, “You might want to walk towards me.”  The path of candles was beautiful.  As soon as I got to him, he got down on one knee.  He said, “Camille Beasley, will you marry me?”  Of course I was going to answer “yes,” but I didn’t know what to do next.  I just stood there. 

That’s when I heard a very loud squeal from my SISTER, who jumped out from behind the bed.  I screamed and jumped, David screamed and jumped, and then Jacob (my brother-in-law) came out of the bathroom to reprimand my sister for not letting me answer.  I didn’t realize that I hadn’t officially answered, so I turned to David and said, “Of course I will marry you!”

That’s when he put it on my finger: a beautiful, ascher-cut diamond engagement ring, with small diamonds and vintage etching in the band.  It is literally perfect; I could never have designed it better.  What’s more incredible is that I have always said that I wanted a family ring, and it was David’s grandmother’s ring.

We four had a champagne toast, some snacks from room service, and spent the next few hours visiting, calling family/friends, and reliving the crazy surprise that had just taken place.  David and I met up with Candace and Jacob later that night for a late dinner at the hotel restaurant – Catch 31.  It was perfect.  The wine, the atmosphere, the food, the company, the emotions; it is a dinner that I will forever remember. 

And so it begins – the rest of our lives.  I cannot wait to spend it with him.  His gentle spirit, sense of humor, humility, kindness, and caring spirit are just a few of the things that amaze me about this man.  He is good man, and I am a lucky, lucky girl.