On June 9th, 2018, my prayers were answered. I had planned a surprise birthday picnic for my boyfriend. I had his favorite meal, his favorite dessert and a quiet surprise picnic planned. Did you catch the word in there...surprise? Little did I know that I was going to be the one surprised that evening. He, of course, knew I was planning something, but he didn't know what or where. My family was helping me with my plans. My daddy bush hogged the area so the grass wouldn't be high, my mother slaved in the kitchen for hours making his favorite fried chicken and sides and my sister helped me decorate the area and set up while I got ready. I had great support. I had candles in a jar to light a path, the quilt, picnic basket, his gifts and a guitar (so he could play and sing) all set up and ready. He arrived and still had no idea what we were doing. So I gathered the basket and we set off. It was still daylight but I planned it where we could be out there during sunset. We arrived at my planned destination and he was thrilled. A beautiful evening just the two of us on the farm enjoying the birds singing and a great meal. As we were eating we had some visitors as well. Two doe and a buck. You would have to know us but that alone would have been a GREAT date, but it was just beginning. After fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, green beans, biscuits and good 'ole southern sweet tea we enjoyed the strawberry trifle dessert I made. He opened his gifts and he then picked up his guitar and we sang some hymns as we watched the sun set and listened to the crickets and the birds join in on the singing. It really was a great evening. As we finished a song he asked me to stay seated where I was and he would be right back. He walks to the truck grabs something and turns on his lights and starts walking back....in my mind I was thinking "What in the world? He is ruining our candlelit picnic with the lights." He was walking towards me but I could barely see him because of the truck lights. The next thing I knew he was down on one knee with a box in his hand. I gasped and he asked, "Julia Louise Green would you marry me?" I was over the moon excited and didn't hesitate. I immediately replied with "YES"! I was thrilled and by the look on his face I would say he was too! The ring was GORGEOUS and everything I always wanted and MORE. It had sentimental value as well. **I will tell this later.** We were too excited to continue with the picnic so we jumped in the truck only grabbing the picnic basket and headed home to tell the news! Well of course....my family was in on the secret. The BIGGEST secret of the night that I had no idea about. Here I was thinking I was the one doing the surprising. They were all thrilled and very happy for us! My sister had the camera ready and we went back to the spot and took pictures. It was a WONDERFUL night and one I will never forget. I still joke around and say I "planned" my own proposal! HA! Kidding of course, but in a way I did plan the set up just not the proposal itself. The way it worked out is so us, which I love!
The Lord had answered my prayers for a godly, wonderful, caring and generous man. He really is all that and more. I am blessed! Thank you for reading this far. This is our engagement story and I hope you enjoyed it. Below are some pictures of our exciting night!
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| The deer that visited us during the picnic |
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| My handsome fiancé playing guitar. |
