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A Lifetime of Perfect Days

Every little girl dreams of the perfect wedding day. And the perfect marriage proposal. Nick already made one of those dreams come true, and the other isn’t far behind.

Nick traveled to State College one warm Friday in October with plans to bring to life my picture of a perfect weekend. He brought candles and movies and brownies and bacon (what girl doesn’t swoon over chocolate and smoked meat?) – and that was just the beginning.

On Saturday, we explored Penn’s Cave and enjoyed brisket and brews at Elk Creek Cafe, then headed home to prepare a tasty feast.

Nick provided a selection of wine and Pavarotti, and we grilled salmon on cedar planks in the backyard. Despite the fact that I locked us out of the apartment and Nick had to hoist me onto the roof to break into the bedroom window (oops!) … the day went just as he had planned.

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We drove north to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon on Sunday morning, and it couldn’t have been a more splendid autumn day – my favorite season. The reds and golds and greens were spectacular. Little did I know that Nick was carrying a stunning diamond ring in his backpack! But he just couldn’t find the right moment to reveal it during our hike.

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So we returned to State College, freshened up, and headed to Otto’s — our favorite microbrewery and the site of our very first date. The only point during the weekend when I got suspicious was when Nick said, “Let’s try to get the booth where we sat on our first date.” Now, we had been to Otto’s dozens of times, and he had never once said that. But … we made it through dinner and my hand remained bare.

And then … back home, while I was in the bathroom, I heard commotion coming from the living room. I walked out and into a candlelit room.

Nick took my hands and said he had one more surprise. My heart was racing! He told me to close my eyes, and as I sensed him lower to one knee, the tears started to fall. When I opened my eyes, he said, “Emily, I want to spend a lifetime of perfect days with you. Will you marry me?”

I dropped to the floor with him, vigorously nodded my head, and eventually shouted, “YES!”

Nick couldn’t have planned a more perfect and personal proposal.

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So now that I’ve told you all how we met and how he proposed, stay tuned for the main event!

I leave you with a bit of spring-inspired eye candy. Happy Easter to those of you celebrating!

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{image credits: left Martha Stewart, right Jose Villa}

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{Inspiration Board via Snippet & Ink}

Image Credits: Top row from left: peony nests via Toast and Tables, rain or shine umbrellas from Soiree Charleston, photo by Ann Hamilton via The Bride’s Cafe
Row 2: floral headband by Twigs & Honey, Italian cotton ribbons from Angela Liguori, Alan Hannah dress from Brides UK, hydrangea bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 3: egg arrangement from Martha Stewart, photo from Brides, balloon decorations from Martha Stewart Weddings, boutonniere photo by Lisa Lefkowitz from The Knot
Row 4: photo via {frolic}, monogrammed cookies from Martha Stewart Weddings, cake by Trophy Cupcakes, telegram card from 16 Sparrows