THE Story

Well, it's June now. That means camp has almost begun (staff have arrived; campers get here Sunday), and I know I better finish my story before things get too crazy around here. Hmm...the more I think about it, it's more accurate to say the story isn't actually "finished," but it definitely continues. Anyway.

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Alex traveled to Arkansas on April 4th, since we had plans to drive down to Louisiana on the 6th for Easter weekend. I worked all day on the 5th, but he popped in and out of the office several times (bringing me to and from work in the morning and evening, and also for lunch). Nothing seemed out of the ordinary; he was his typical self. Little did I know, there was plenty going on behind the scenes...

After work, Alex picked me up, and with a lunch box in toe, we headed to the lake at my apartment for a picnic dinner, planning to enjoy the nice weather before heading out to the Arkansas Travelers' season opener. We scoped out our picnic spot, choosing the sitting rock right on the edge of the lake. As we began to talk about our day, Alex accidentally kicked the lunchbox off the rock. When he got up, he asked whether I wanted my sandwich or chips first, and started to open the lunch box. I continued on my rambles of the day's events, while overlooking the beautiful scenery of the lake. Mid sentence, Alex (in reference to which item I wanted to eat first) said, "Well, what about this?" I stopped rambling and turned around to see what "this" was. My jaw dropped when I saw him pull out a little box, open it, and say, "Lauren, will you marry me?"

WHAAAAAAT!!??!! Seriously? Yes, seriously. I'm pretty sure I just stared at him blankly for a good ten seconds, completely frozen and unable to move or speak. Something in my brain told me I needed to hurry and say something or else he might freak out, thinking I'd say no or something. So, I climbed to my feet and jumped off the rock, screaming, "YES!" all at once. (Of course, I didn't realize at the time that I screamed a response, but my neighbor told me later the whole neighborhood knew what had happened in those few minutes. lol.)

We hugged, and I stood flabbergasted...still speechless and unable to fathom what it all meant. So.many.thoughts. I asked some questions (how long has it been planned, who knew, how did he stay calm all day, the list goes on), but my thoughts were racing and I just couldn't keep up!!! As it turns out, Alex had made arrangements with the couple who lives across from me - they used his camera and theirs to capture the proposal from opposite sides of the lake. When we went to meet them back at their apartment (Alex was surprised I didn't notice them hiding, as he saw the guy run across the yard when leaving), they had already taken all of the photos off of the cameras and put it on a flash drive for us to use. How very sweet and thoughtful - in so, so many ways.

Then, of course, we made our obligatory phone calls to the parentals, and finally were able to make it out for a celebratory dinner. Even through the dinner, and probably the whole next day of driving, it all seemed so unreal. I couldn't believe that I was engaged...that we were getting married...wow!!

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At home that weekend, we were able to celebrate with most of my close/extended family, and a couple of friends. It was so nice that we didn't have to turn around and say goodbye the next day either. We really had a good 3 or 4 days together to let it soak in and celebrate the excitement of our future.

Now, since I know you're all wondering...here are the details (thus far):

We're getting married on December 29, 2012 in a community church near Lafayette, LA. No, it's not my home church, but it is one that I've attended a few times over the last few months, and Alex and I both feel comfortable there. We'll have the reception at a bed and breakfast in downtown Lafayette, at a home that's formerly known as the "Mouton House" (no, we're not related, but yes, I think it's funny). Our wedding party consists of ten (five each) of our closest family and friends, with my younger brother and his dad included in that bunch. The colors we've chosen are Peacock and Latte (per David's Bridal's color palate), and yes, I've already ordered my dress. We've chosen someone to make our cakes, a menu tasting is in order for the summer, the videographer is in the works, we have an idea for the music/DJ, and the photographer is our next big decision to make. And because it's the part I'm most excited about - we're planning going on a seven-day cruise to Mexico, Belize, and Honduras! If you're the stalker type (aren't we all?!?), feel free to follow our progress on this share site - wwww.laurenandalex2012.shutterfly.com. :)

So there, you're almost caught up! The story of my life does continue (as always), but for now, this will have to do.

Until next time,

Lauren