We Are Engaged!!!!!!!

Hello everyone!!

Well, I can say unequivocally that this is the most exciting update yet because WE ARE ENGAGED!!!!

For those of you that may not know, Shannon and I met over Memorial Day Weekend in 2010. We often reflect on the fact that the chances of us meeting were slim to none and yet destiny beautifully intervened on our behalf and here we are! This anniversary was particularly special for us because it was the first one we have gotten to spend together i.e. in the same country, at the same time! Needless to say, the events that unfolded this weekend made it more than an anniversary for us; it also marked the next major phase of our lives together. Without any further adieu, I give you our engagement story!!

The long weekend started like any other. We came home, relaxed and made a plan for the weekend festivities. We decided that we were going to go talk to our jeweler about my engagement ring, go to the Memorial Day Parade and the fireworks on Saturday for sure and play the rest of the weekend by ear. (What most people do not know is Shannon and I had started looking at rings together and sought out a local Chicago jeweler.) We hadn’t been back in a few weeks and the fact that he said we should meet with her and hammer out some of the details of the ring, I never once thought that Shannon would ask me to be his wife this weekend! Boy was I wrong haha!

Shannon and I had a meeting with our jeweler followed by the parade! The weather was beautiful and it was a wonderful way to start the weekend. We went to lunch and walked around the city before coming back for a little nap and pizza for dinner before the fireworks at 10:15. Shannon and I strolled through Chicago on an especially beautiful night. He was so calm so everything seemed normal. We found a spot that perfectly overlooked Navy Pier and was very quiet. We took some pictures and settled in for the fireworks. As the fireworks began, Shannon stood behind me and wrapped his arms around me. All day I kept talking about how perfect everything was and he began to reiterate that to me and how much he loved me but there was one thing that would make it even more perfect for him, if I would be his wife. Now, I have to say, Shannon and I have been talking about being married for a long time and I thought it was just a comment like that, about how us being together and married will be perfect! So, I wasn’t thinking that he actually was asking me to marry him. He gently turned me around and got down on one knee and said “Katie Czajka, I love you, will you marry me?” and pulled out my temporary engagement ring from his bag! (He totally threw me off with going to see our jeweler that day!) I asked him if he was serious and when I realized he was, all I could do is say “Yes!!!!!!” and give him the biggest hug and kiss!!

I was shaking and we called my parents immediately! What I didn’t know is my parents and his mom knew it was happening that weekend! Shannon called my parents to get their permission (which I love that he did)! We called his mom too and then celebrated the rest of the weekend.

For me and for us, it was the perfect proposal. Simple and beautiful, the way that we like things! I have waited my entire life for Shannon and now we get to start this next chapter together. I love him more each day and nothing in this world makes me happier than knowing I am going to be Mrs. Shannon Joseph Crawford.

Best Always,

Soon To Be Mrs. S.J. Crawford

PS-Here are some pictures from the greatest night yet!!!!