Kepa already posted the engagement video and the story of how he did it on his blog. Since he put so much time and effort into it I thought that was only fair. I got to announce I’m engaged first, he gets to explain how he did it. But since I LOOOOVED it and some of you still don’t know the story, here’s what happened. ;)
I knew it was coming eventually because it’s hard to be completely smitten with someone and not discuss the future together. I am moving to New Zealand in August and that has been the plan for quite a while. My only uncertainty was when exactly Kepa would ask the question and how. He had taken my mom to coffee without me, so I figured he had asked her permission then, because we are all traditional like that here, but I didn’t know for sure. He likes to keep things secret and surprise me so I really had no idea. I guessed one of his plans, but since our road trip plans changed it completely threw me off the scent. I had no clue.
Yesterday before we went to lunch while I was getting ready, Kepa asked me to stay in the bathroom. He had tried to get someone else to get me out of the house but everyone was at work or busy. So he just asked me to stay in there… or go outside. Since it’s hot I chose the bathroom/bedroom option. I saw him putting post it notes all over the house but didn’t think much of it because he has done that before for me. (We like using post its.) I figured it was just something fun to do to make up for the house being so boring.
When he finally said he was ready for lunch we walked outside. I asked if it was okay to leave the notes around and if I should just ignore them being there. And then after a few steps toward my car, he said I could go back inside. HA! Okay!
So I went inside and started at the beginning, walking around the house collected the post it notes that all said sweet things (they are in the video below if you want to see what they say). My youngest brother actually interrupted in the middle, which was funny. At the end of the notes they told me that Kepa made something for me and I needed to go watch it.
He made me a flipbook video! It was the cutest thing ever and he worked for so long on it. I absolutely freaking loved it. It’s got my favorite song, our story condensed, and lots of pictures from when we were together in New Zealand. He made it a while ago and it’s been on YouTube secretly, because he showed it to some of my best friends to ask if it was okay.
If you want to watch the flipbook video:
Obviously the end of the flipbook video is the proposal. I saw that then looked at Kepa and he was on one knee. AHHHH! Then he said the most awesome, perfect for me, amazing speech ever.
From the day I first saw you, I was smitten.
Every day since then, my feelings have only grown deeper.
I love you, Mary.
I love you for everything you are.
You are everything flowers and hearts and sunshine and butterflies and rainbows.
All the magic and wonder in my world.
You know why I hold on to you so tight?
Because life is a maze full of twists and turns and I want to get lost inside with you.
Because when I’m with you the world stops turning and gravity disappears and it’s all I can do to stop floating away.
I want to be the one you take great leaps with and face lightning storms with,
the one who holds you up above the waves and laughs with you all the while being drowned,
the one you split your desserts with,
the one who’ll sit in the seat facing the wall so you can have your back to it,
the one who will push you around in shopping carts,
and the one who knows just how important it is to never put pickles in anything.
You would make me the luckiest man in the world if you would say yes to this next questions….
Will you marry me?
Yes he really talks like that. And it’s amazing. And I cried.
It really was amazingly sweet, romantic, perfect-for-me proposal. Kepa knows me so well and it’s obvious from how much thought and work he put into this to make it special. I am in fact the luckiest girl ever.
We had the best day afterwards as well, telling everyone we loved and also going to all my favorite eats in Memphis. It was the best day ever.
I’m so happy with my new fiance! Fiance!
If you would like to watch the entire engagement video, it’s below. Kepa recorded everything (I had no idea) so you can see the whole event from the post it notes to me saying yes and all.
It’s pretty special to me and I’m so glad I get to share it with all of you. Thank you so much for all the lovely messages, emails, comments. You guys made yesterday extra special and I’m grateful. I’m bursting with love right now for everyone. <3 <3
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{ 80 comments }
Mary, I am so thrilled for you both. I can’t stop crying, that video is so amazing to watch! I can only imagine how it felt for you being the object of such love and smittenness. ;-) I know you two will have an amazing future together and this possibly qualifies as one of the greatest modern love stories ever!
Many years of health, happiness and love to you both!
Aw, congratulations! What a fabulous proposal! Thank you for allowing us all to share a bit of your happiness.
Ten Pounds´s last [type] ..Being Daddy’s girlfriend
OK, I’m bawling here. Beautiful. “the one who knows just how important it is to never put pickles in anything” the whole thing is movie material, seriously. So happy for you guys. You’re both so awesome.
katdoesdiets´s last [type] ..I Live Now!
oh my goodness..that is just amazing!!!!! amazing! How beautiful! I’ll be crying all day.
This is just the most beautiful love story.
How romantic!
I’m sooooo happy for you!!!!
Julie Lost and Found´s last [type] ..Finding What Works and Cupcake Wars
I think that might’ve restored my faith in men, cinderella stories, and happy endings.
Congratulations!
FGvW´s last [type] ..A note about The Rules
They do happen. :)
so so sweet xoxo :)
tj´s last [type] ..Did We Like The Okra Fries
Oh Mary!!!! This is just so wonderful and touching! Kepa’s a KEEPER for sure!
Marisa @ Loser for Life´s last [type] ..For The Love Of Waffles
Oh my gosh! That is so sweet! How awesome that he caught it all on video! I wish I could have mine to look back on! It was all such a blur of emotion and happiness that I don’t remember all the pieces.
Many blessings to you for a fantastic life together!
P.S. from one bride-to-be to another — ENJOY the engagement! It is fun (a lot of work) to plan your wedding! :) Mine is in 36 days!
Lisa´s last [type] ..In a rut
Congrats on your upcoming wedding! I’m a little bit overwhelmed by the idea of planning a wedding from abroad, so I’m not thinking about it yet. ;)
Thanks. I had exactly one year to plan my wedding. He proposed three years to the day that we met and we’ll be married four years to the day. But, I kept (and still do) getting overwhelmed by all the details. I keep trying to not stress out and realize that at the end of the day, all that matters is we exchange those vows and no one is going to remember what color the table cloth was!
Like I said, enjoy the process! Let me know if I can help! :)
Lisa´s last [type] ..In a rut
When this gets made into the greatest movie EVER that flipbook video has to be included … as is … I’m thinking one of those closing credits things that everyone stays in the theater for.
Absolutely amazing!
karen´s last [type] ..Some questions along the journey
Seriously crying at my desk at work right now over this. Absolutely perfect! Congratulations!
Callie´s last [type] ..I Miss Vacation
Wow! What a proposal! I can’t even imagine the work it took to make that flip book. He’s definitely a keeper. Heh, Kepa the keeper. LOL. Ok, I’m just giddy with joy for you, so forgive the terrible pun.
I am so happy for you, and as I said on Twitter yesterday, I wish you both nothing but happiness now and in the future.
Congrats! You (both) deserve it!
Bella´s last [type] ..Book Review- Born Round
Bawling like a baby here. How sweet is Kepa? Seriously, what a wonderful man for a wonderful woman.
I wish you both the very best!
Kimberley´s last [type] ..Fun Times
You two are so sweet! This is really lovely. And thank you so much for sharing it with all of us – I just think it’s awesome that all of us bloggers have been able to see your story unfold :)
Sagan´s last [type] ..Product Review- Easy Diet Labels
This is so incredibly beautiful, and special. Thank you for sharing your moment with the rest of us. It is lovely.
Congratulations you two. Seriously. I’m so happy for you guys!!!
Kim´s last [type] ..Weigh in of Whimsy!
Cryin’ like a babe here! Congratulations Mary & Kepa. Your story is beautiful…you guys are beautiful! Very best wishes for a bright future together!
Cheryl´s last [type] ..How Do You Define Work
LOVE. THIS. LINE.
“Because life is a maze full of twists and turns and I want to get lost inside with you.”
SO. TRUE.
Sweet story! It’s fun reading about your adventures! :-)
Jenn´s last [type] ..Hiking Does a Body and a soul Good
Hooray for love!!
Mary, I am so insanely jealous and happy for you at the same time. I was getting all teary while reading this post.
Kendra´s last [type] ..Run- Forrest- Run- Breathe- Kendra- Breathe
Thank you for sharing your story! It’s so cool and what a happy moment!
Lisa´s last [type] ..Not a Lean Cuisine
Wow, that was just beautiful. I got shivers reading it. What a thoughtful proposal! No go off and drop the word fiance into every other sentence. You deserve it. :)
I’ve been trying. It’s such a weird word to get used to. So new. So exciting!
Yep, I agree: best modern love story EVER! Best wishes to you & Kepa, and thanks so much for sharing this with us!
Pubsgal´s last [type] ..Weekly Update- 7-21-10
I am seriously crying over here. What a wonderful engagement!
Christie {Honoring Health}´s last [type] ..Joyous Exercise
This gave me CHILLS. And now i’m teary at work.
Jessica @ How Sweet´s last [type] ..The Cookie Room
It’s so perfect! I love the flipbook. He put so much work into the whole thing. Very happy for you both!
Janet´s last [type] ..Awards Shows are Always on Sundays
oh my god, that flipbook proposal made my cry. i’m sitting here at work like a fool all teary-eyed. what a brilliant idea!
steff (steffsays)´s last [type] ..Fit Friday on Thursday- How to Pack Fit!
Oh my goodness… I am crying by how beautiful this story is. The flip book is absolutely amazing… what a fantastic and creative idea!!! Congratulations and I wish you both so much love!!
I love engagement stories and that one sums you two up to a T. So happy for you both and can’t wait to see where life takes you both next.
I had watched it over on Kepa’s site because I wanted to see what he wrote on his blog. Haven’t had a chance to watch it with sound yet since I am at work. Definitely a keeper! (Before I read your version, when I saw the video I was thinking ‘Hmmm, Kepa was out at coffee with Mary’s mom a few days ago….”
what perfection. I cried. So happy for ya’ll, what a beautiful video, you’ve got yourself a great man.
Lauren @ Team Giles´s last [type] ..Workout Wednesday- Get Your Sweat On!
All day long I’ve been thinking that they need to show this video in couples counseling classes and entitle it, “What Women Want.”
Obviously, Kepa gets it. And you get him. Lucky girl.
Helen´s last [type] ..Im a Big Sap
Haha. Definitely. Because it’s so perfectly what kind of proposal I wanted that I couldn’t have done it better myself. We get each other and that’s the best thing. ;)
Congrats! You have totally made me feel so wonderful about this whole finding love thing. Thanks for your honest posts and amazing thoughts about finding someone who loves “a fat girl”. Truly touching and motivating!! Best of luck!
Kate´s last [type] ..Week 35
I’m glad you enjoyed my posts. Finding love is possible. Sometimes you just have to wait and learn to love yourself first. :) There are good guys out there and happy endings. And you deserve them!
Congrats to both of you!
Blake´s last [type] ..Why
That was one of the best things I’ve seen in a long time! Congrats to both of you, sending you wishes of much love and happiness!
Anna´s last [type] ..Hopes
Of course I am crying now too!!!!! Happy tears for you both so happy you found each other! It’s a big world but love finds a way to connect and you two give hope to so many still searching. Love you love you love you and congratulations!!!!!
That was so amazing! He is so creative and how wonderful that you get to spend the rest of your life with him. Congrats again!
Angie (Losing It and Loving It)´s last [type] ..The Bosu ball is my new friend
Awesome news, Mary! So happy for you!
Pat Barone´s last [type] ..McDonald’s Sweet Iced Tea Commercial- Egg or Chicken
Awe Mary, congratulations! How incredibly sweet and romantic! I wish you guys all the best!!!
Jenn @ Watch My Butt Shrink!´s last [type] ..For The Love of LARABARS giveaway
You have a fiance now! Amazing :)
One of the best, cutest proposals ever. Super creative, thoughtful, and heart-warming. I’m glad you have such a wonderful guy taking care of you for the rest of your life!
Jess´s last [type] ..Vulnerability and Failure
Congrats! Practice taking pictures with your ring in them — I think every photo I was in for about a month after had my hand near my face, but if you do this while running a race, you will look retarded. The proposal might have been the happiest day of your life so far, but just wait for your wedding day — I have never felt as beautiful, loved and happy as I did that day; there’s something amazing about being surrounded by family and friends as you commit your lives to each other. Maybe you’ll get to do it twice so you don’t have a bunch of people traipsing across the ocean to celebrate with the two of you! But brace yourself, planning is not as much fun as you might think or hope. But it’s all worth it in the end when you say I do and everyone remembers sharing your joy! Plus, there’s wedding cake! Yum… and there’s cake tasting to pick the wedding cake. And maybe even multiple cake tastings…
Carina´s last [type] ..High mileage week
that was amazing and I too am crying! What a lucky lady you are :)
Lisa @ I’m an Okie´s last [type] ..lazy at the lake
So happy for you both… :) :) :) :)
Andrea@WellnessNotes´s last [type] ..July Date Night
Omg my eyes started tearing up here at work and I havent even seen the video yet! will watch it at home.
merri´s last [type] ..Meals for One are Hard!!
That was awesome Mary.. I got a little misty… he really seems like a real keeper!
Congratulations.. you look wonderful!
Awww! That is the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen! You two are one lucky, adorable couple! Congratulations again. And thanks for sharing.
I wonder how many people cried while watching that proposal. I’m guessing 90% of the people who watched, myself included. :) Such a sweet, sweet moment, and to have it all on tape is wonderful!
erin´s last [type] ..Pregnancy Is Messing with My Mind
Quite a good majority of the women seem to have cried. ;)
you guys should write a book!!! congratulations… i am so glad i donated so kepa could get to the US and ask you!
misssarahlou´s last [type] ..Fat versus Obese
Congrats!! what a wonderful proposal!
Heather´s last [type] ..Moving is the new diet
Your giggle is priceless. Thanks for sharing something so entirely heart warming and life affirming. Congrats to you both!
Rita @ The Giggly Bits´s last [type] ..Five Common Running Injuries and Ailments
So I was sitting here bawling and my husband is looking at me like I’m a total freak and I had to show him and even HE is impressed. Congrats again, girl….I’m so happy for you. And what an adorable proposal. Sure beats getting a ring pushed across a table like I did. :-)
Maggie @ Looking For My Feet´s last [type] ..A couple quick things
Mary, I love you two. You are so special together. You deserve to be happy and so does he. I love to see this. I may watch this every once in a while to remind myself that really priceless, magical and beautiful things do happen.
Big hugs, big congratulations!
Wow, Mary, you are both so lucky to have found each other! And you tell Kepa that that was one amazing proposal – I watched it through and then quickly told Hubby your story and then he watched it and agreed – your man knows what he is doing! That was completely sweet and cute. I am so happy for you!!!
Morgan´s last [type] ..Stranger in my Bed
Hello Mary
I am a long-time British lurker on your lovely & inspiring blog. I’ve never commented before (far too shy, British reserve & all that..!) but couldn’t let this go by without sending massive congratulations. Such a beautiful and romantic story & the most thoughtful, creative proposal in history! All the very best for a future together full of even more fun & adventure.
Zoe x
Thanks for coming out of lurking to leave a comment. That really means a lot to me. Thank you so much! :)
It was awesome. So happy for both of you.
Michelle @Eatingjourney´s last [type] ..Releasing My Anchors- 2 Year Blog-Anniversary
again and again: I’m sooo happy for you! And still peeved that I can’t see the video *sniff*
The Lass´s last [type] ..Home
Wow! I’ve never seen/read/heard anything as romantic before, not in books or movies or real life. You guys are so lucky to have each other!! Congratulations and all the best in your future together!
Early´s last [type] ..Free blog bling is frustrating!
Congratulations! I loved the proposal it was so amazing and it made me cry! I hope one day I can find a guy as great as him. Hugs and Happiness to you both.
OK, so the day I am gone & can’t get to the computer, this posts!!!!!!! :-)
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO hapy for you & SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO romantic! I will come back & watch everything later after I catch up!!!!
You are one lucky woman!
Jody – Fit at 52´s last [type] ..Turkey Burger Recipes!!! Olive Oil – Some Important Info!
Congrats. Such a beautiful proposal and so great that you have the whole thing on video!
I’m a total lurker – but wanted to tell you congratulations. What a beautiful proposal and so great you can rewatch the whole thing happen right on video!!
Destination:Athlete´s last [type] ..mishmashy Tuesday
That is the best video ever. I am done.
Irene´s last [type] ..Surrounding Myself With the Best
That’s an awesome proposal, and the flipbook video was great. Congrats to both of you, you’ve got quite the adventure ahead of you!
Brandon´s last [type] ..Tree Things
Huge congratulations to you both! One of the sweetest proposals I’ve ever seen- I wish you a lifetime of happiness!
Wishing you both every happiness and a long, healthy life together.
…And they lived happily ever after…
I am so thrilled for you both! May you always be this happy together!
Hanlie´s last [type] ..Letting Go of Guilt
It’s like a fairytale. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. That is the sweetest proposal story I’ve ever heard. May you live happily ever after ….
MB´s last [type] ..Distracted Drivers- Pay Attention!
Best proposal ever! You two are PERFECT for each other!
(sniff…sniff…) Excuse me, I’ve got to go blow my nose and wipe my eyes now. :-)
I have been subscribing to your blog for a little while now and have only just come around to reading the story of you and Kepa. OMG, I cannot stop crying. You two are the most cutest couple ever and I’m really happy that the both of you found love no matter the distance. Congratulations!
sclark1013´s last [type] ..College Days
I love, love, LOVE this. So beautiful. Awesome proposal for an awesome girl. Congrats! I wish you two all the happiness in the world. :)
Floriana´s last [type] ..Rainy Days
Your fiance is very creative and surely loves you to pieces.
Congrats to both of you Mary!
How is your life in New Zeland?
I’m months late on this post, but I had to tell you that I love sappy, sweet, lovie dovey, mushy, gooey moments…It makes me all smiley and I start tearing like crazy. I wish for many wonderful moments for you two to share and cherish together!^.^
/swoon
P.S. You two are the cutest most adorable couple. Ever!
amazing, amazing love story… i agree with the person who said this:
FGvW July 29, 2010 at 9:56 am
“I think that might’ve restored my faith in men, cinderella stories, and happy endings”
blessings to both of you on your journey together!
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