I had been putting some money away for some time knowing I wanted to ask Jess to be my wife. I mean, why wouldn't I? Over the 2+ years we've dated, she's only gotten more awesome. From our matching (ridiculous) sense of humor, to our shared love of camping, wine, beaches, off-road adventures, and music. We just fit together. Jess has been so important in the growth of the photography business. So, when I reached my predetermined monetary goal the next step was to go ring shopping.
I enlisted the help of my Mom and my Sister to help choose the perfect ring. Two ring shops worth mentioning are Andrew Minton Jewelers and Reines Jewelers. They are both owned locally and the people were just amazing. Andy Minton gave me a very helpful in-depth education on diamonds, where he pulled out diamonds from super duper to not so super to point of the differences. Ultimately, I bought the ring at Reines. They had the perfect ring at the perfect price.
The next day (a Friday) I called Jess' parents on their way back to California. I asked for their blessing and was answered with resounding "YES!". Now with ring in hand, I needed a way to ask Jess. My original plan involved The Avett Brothers in town for two concerts and the local radio station "106.1 the Corner". I asked Brad over at the Corner if he could get the Avett Bros. in studio for a private performance and I was going to make up something like "Hey Jess, Brad asked me to shoot the Avett Bros. in the Corner Lounge, want to come along?". Sadly, Brad couldn't get the guys in the studio so further planning was unnecessary. Now, I have this super sparkly tell-tale heart of a ring screaming "Find me!" from its hiding place in my office.
My Grandma had rented a house at Smith Mountain Lake for a week and we were heading down that Tuesday after work. I decided I was going to bring the ring and if the opportunity presented itself, I'd pop the question. Tuesday comes, the truck is packed, Jess gets home from work and we're off to the lake. We arrive just around dark, and are greeted by my Grandma, Mom, and Dad. We get settled and are given the tour of this amazing lake house.
We all get comfortable sitting on the deck next to a romantic fire popping and crackling in the outdoor fireplace as we gaze over the lake to the multi-colored lights glowing off the water in the coves across the lake. It's peaceful and relaxing. Jess and I are wide awake from the drive as the rest of the family retires to bed. So now it's just the two of us in this idyllic setting. I am wearing a fleece with a very special box in the right pocket. In true Edgar Allen Poe fashion, I imagine muffled cries from the inanimate ring in my pocket "Look at me! Look in the pocket!". Jess and I are talking about the future, and house plans, and how she want's an outdoor fireplace exactly like this one. All I can think about is the ring in my pocket and my hearts racing. A few deep breaths, a pause in the conversation, and I drop to a knee.
"What are you doing?!" Jess exclaims, as I fumble with the box. "Oh my god!" she says as she starts crying.
In my head I was collected and suave, "Jess will you continue to make me the happiest man..." in reality I don't think my nerves let me be that suave. Tears are rolling down Jess' face, her hands are over her mouth, and she still hasn't actually said "yes".
"Wait...so is that a yes?" I nervously babble.
"Of course! YES!"
Talking the rest of the night, and clearly not sleeping well with the excitement, I wake to see Jess the next morning staring at her ring with a huge grin. The rest of the week we enjoyed the lake as fiancée and fiancé.
A few weeks later, and some planning has been done. We are getting married June 26th in the Outer Banks, North Carolina.
Will Walker
www.williamwalkerphoto.com
Awwww that made me tear up!!! That's so exciting. Congratulations to you both.
ReplyDeleteFunny enough...I picked up a wedding magazine for an Outer Banks wedding guide. Let me know if you guys need it!!
Jade