Proposal Story: Ashley and Anthony

Bride and Groom: Ashley & Anthony

The First Sight

We met at the University of St. Thomas through mutual friends. Honestly, when we first started dating, Anthony was someone I could see myself with for the rest of my life. We both come from big Catholic families and our core values completely aligned. I couldn’t imagine a day without him. The saying, “when you know, you know” is an absolute real feeling.

The Proposal

When we first started dating in fall of 2015, Anthony asked me to be his girlfriend at St. Croix Vineyards in Stillwater. Since that day, it has always been a special place in our hearts. I was under the impression we were meeting my siblings in Stillwater for a holiday “fun day”. My sisters and parents were in on the surprise, and my siblings and their significant others “were late to meet us” – (even though they were not meeting us at all). As we were driving through Stillwater and thought we had some time to kill before meeting up with my siblings, Anthony drove by St. Croix Vineyards and asked if I wanted to stop in and grab a drink while we wait (as we kept saying we wanted to go back there soon). I was absolutely up for a glass of wine, at one of our favorite places. We proceeded to grab a glass of wine and take a walk through the winery (one of our favorite things to do).

On our walk, we saw three hot air balloons about to take off (there were hot air balloon rides going on the same day he asked me to be his girlfriend, and apparently they haven’t done them at the winery for 2 years). As we were taking a walk, I thought he was just being very romantic, or was possibly up to something… On our walk, I saw a table setup with flowers and a book, and there was a photographer (Whitney Beth Photography). When I saw the setup, I immediately started crying, as I knew it was actually happening. We proceeded to the table and when we got there, Anthony had a letter written for me in a journal that had meaning to both of us. Anthony read the letter to me and I couldn’t stop crying. He proceeded to get on a knee and asked me the most important question, in both of our lives. I said..yes!!

Whitney from Whitney Beth Photography, captured the entire moment and the moments of us soaking in our engagement after the proposal. As we were celebrating, we saw the hot air balloons take off and happened to be in the background. Since they hadn’t done the hot air balloon rides in two years, and we were there two years ago watching them, it was a great sign that we were meant to be there.

After the proposal, Anthony had setup get togethers with both of our families to celebrate and some of our closest friends stopped by to congratulate us as well. It was truly the most perfect day!

The Ring

The diamond is a rectangular radiant cut. We did not pick it out together but we had gone and looked a few times together and I showed him some rings that I liked, and told him I liked a simple style. I also told him I would be happy and grateful for any ring he chose and if he really liked a different style, then he could add inhis own flare.

What’s next?

We have started the planning process. We had our hearts set on getting married at the University of St.Thomas, a church that has meaning to both of us. We had also discuss ed how much we would both love a fall wedding. Due to the wait list at UST, when Anthony knew he was going to propose, he called the church and reserved October, 13th 2018. When he proposed, he told me that he already had a date – which was amazing!

We are working with Rachelle Mazumdar at Style-Architects Wedding+ Events to plan our special day. We have not yet decided on a venue, but are looking to lock that down very shortly. We are looking forward to soaking up the planning process and getting ready for a great day of celebrating our journey with our family and friends.