Dates, Venues, and Guest Lists, Oh My!

Dear Future Wife,

So, I know the majority of this has been a bit cutesy, and corny... but, from here on in, I'm going to take the tone somewhere similar to our own conversations.

How crazy was today? We have felt many emotions today, and have been drained. In a week, we've picked a date, got most of our guest lists done, and found a venue. I'm glad those things are done, or mostly done. I'm also glad we've figured out our groomsmen and bridesmaids already. But, I want to make sure we don't overdo ourselves.

That being said, Devil's Head was everything I would want out of a place to be married. From getting there and Alanis Morissette playing (even though it was a bad rerecording), to leaving and Evanescence playing... It made me happy that was the cue you took from the universe to say yes. Then there are things like places to be secluded to break the attention being given to us... the potential of beautiful fall colours... the eclectic style and a room that has not been used for many weddings ever.

However, I can tell this week has taken a toll on you. People paying you so much attention, and so much unwanted touching... I will be a little worried, but always support you in every way. Over this next week, we will do none of the things... and next Thursday we will revel in a day tailored for us in seclusion. Strawberries, cartoons, movies, and maybe even a proper homemade dinner.

Corn Fields the Size of Kansas

Dear Future Wife,

Well, now you've done it. You went and said "yes". Soo... should I start planning the honey moon now? Or... how does this even work? You've said you want to be married on a Friday the 13th, and I'm okay with this. However, there's no more in 2016, and only 2 in 2017.

I'm guessing it'll be the latter of the two... because unless you're filthy rich, who the hell can plan a proper wedding in 6 months? Let alone save for it.

For now, I look forward to the next several months where we get to figure out a non-pretentious way of calling each other "fiancée", and starting to figure out where we go from here.

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As for anyone else that's reading, here's the ring in it's proper place:

A special thanks goes out to Brett Linskens @ The Diamond Center in Madison, WI. His helpful demeanor, and positive attitude made the whole experience great! Thank you also to Jason, Caroline, and Tricia for making every stop memorable! If you live in Wisconsin, I highly recommend you seek out The Diamond Center - they're local, and when it comes to buying something so important, going to Jared's or Kay's just isn't worth the hassle.

The End of Life as I Know It...

Dear Future Wife,

When you had me watch "P.S. I Love You" with you, I knew from that moment that it would come up at some point if I decided to ask you to be my wife. I can't remember the day we watched it, but it had a deep and lasting impact on me. I just watched it again last night. I decided a long while ago that I would watch it the night before I was going to propose to you, and work it into this blog.

To be honest, Gerry said it best... Caroline, from the time we had our first kiss, it was the end of life as I knew it. There are reasons behind why I decided to write this blog. It's because I knew I needed to do two things:

1) To paraphrase the movie: "I needed to tell you how much you have moved me... how you changed me. You've made me into a man by loving me, and for that I'm eternally grateful."

2) I needed to do it in a way that I wouldn't break down sobbing while trying to ask you to marry me, and to tell you why you're the one that I want to spend all the rest of my days with.

So, when you're ready... I'd like to ask you a question...

P.S. I love you.

Murphy & His Shenanigans

Dear Future Wife,

So, by now you know that I have had quite the crazy past couple of days. Murphy tried to pull some crazy stunts, but he has been defeated.

Now you also know why I had a bunch of mason jars sitting in my apartment that day... Totally going to have to make jam now, aren't I? What's funny is that these were hiding in plain sight this past Thursday.

I thought of another to add to the jar on the left...

"Because you're the strongest person I've ever known."

I picked up your ring yesterday... and felt the heady realization that it's finally going to happen, and happen the right way. It's so beautiful, and I cannot wait to see it on your finger.

"Everything's Shiny, Cap'n!"