I'm ENGAGED!

It has been a little over 24 hours since I was proposed to, and it's about time I get to writing! This is going to be a crazy process, and I want to record every part of the way!

So HOW did he propose..you may ask? First you have to know our history...back in 2004 my family (and his family + Josh) took separate spring breaks, BUT we were both on Sandestin property. I had just broken up with my former boyfriend and was confused about the feelings I was having for Brian...which then must go further back, we have known each other (and been good friends) since the 8th grade (2000). Anywayyy....one of the days in Sandestin we spent biking/walking over to where Bri and his family were staying (me and my sis, brian and josh).

It was a longggggggggggg walk. After hanging out all day we went back to where my family was staying (beachside) and went out on the beach. It also happened to be the boys last night, so me and Brian sat on the beach talking. He said, "I have to tell you something.." and then he kissed me. Once we were back in Tennesse, about a week later after talking nonstop to each other, we started our relationship (April 12, 2004). Ever since we have been together. We have been through different friends, enemies, great times, and broken times, and even seen a few of our close friends get married, but it wasn't time for us yet. Until now.

So March 16, 2011, Brian and I headed down to Destin for a long weekend. Brian made me think that he had been sick and tired of work and just needed a break, so I was all for it! March 17, 2011 we decided to spend the day in Sandestin. We rented bikes, rode around the Sandestin property and went to the beach. However, once we got to the beach it was PACKED with

snotty, skanky people and it just felt weird being there, so we rode back and returned the bikes. We were walking away and I suggested we sit and have our "snacks" since he insisted on bringing along his backpack (should've been a clue then!). We found a little gazebo with barely anyone around and talked about what we should do for St. Patty's night. We finally decided to head over to Baytowne Warf, another place we like to walk around at on Sandestin property, so we stood up. I was stretching, looking around and saying, "You've really gotta see how dead it is here", when I turned around to find Brian on one knee! He said, "7 years ago we found our love here, and I don't want to lose it. You are my other half, Will you Marry Me, Elizabeth Marie Allen?" I didn't know what was going on, but I said, "Yes, Of COURSE!" and I asked, "For real? Is this really happening? etc." After hugs and kisses and letting our hearts calm down we took some pictures:

So after being mushy and telling a random lady on a bench that we were engaged, Brian suggested we go eat at Ciao Bella's, one of our fav places to eat in Destin, and it was like he read my mind! We had a meal fit for a king! We told our waitress about our engagement and she was so sweet to us!

Now the planning starts. I was able to tell all the people close to me and make it "facebook official", so when, you may ask, are we thinking of tying the knot? This fall. It is definitely soon and will require some serious planning, but fall is my favorite season and has always been a special time for me and Brian. Our idea, for now, is the Saturday after Thanksgiving, that way all of our friends and family (including us) will be sure to get off of school/work.