I came across our long lost wedding website the other day and realized I wanted to capture all of our sweet story in a place I'd always remember. I haven't blogged since I met Austin, moved to Panama City, changed careers and got married - whew! Talk about a whirlwind!
How We Met
We have our lovely mutual friend, Mrs. Sarah Connor, to thank for our introduction (thanks for getting married, Sarah and Brett!!!). Austin and I finally met face-to-face the weekend of Sarah's wedding.
Sarah lived in Panama City near the Beasleys for years while she and Austin were growing up. Then, I met Sarah when we were both attending the University of Florida. We mentored at a church together, became great friends and then became sorority sisters through ADPi.
Austin's name came up several times over Sarah's bachelorette weekend. She mentioned that she thought we may just be perfect for each other...but of course, there was no pressure :) A few weeks later, Austin wrote me on Facebook and we started texting and talking on the phone every day. After racking up hours upon hours of long distance phone conversations, we both began to anticipate and dream about our upcoming meeting at the wedding.
The last day of May 2012 finally came, and Austin and I met on a Thursday evening in Knoxville, TN. He walked up to the group of girls I was standing with, we locked eyes and I heard that precious lil Southern accent that I'd been waiting to hear in person for a MONTH say "there she is."
With a line like that, you can imagine that the rest was history! Essentially, he had me from the first 'hello.' Austin says I played hard-to-get for the next couple weeks, but that didn't last long. We became best friends and fell in love quickly and perfectly.
It's amazing to think about God's incredible timing in introducing me to my husband. Sarah had invited me to Panama City during my sophomore year of college to go hunting with her friend, Austin. At that time, I couldn't go because of other plans, but Austin and I often discuss how much we've learned and grown since then. It's undeniably obvious that God was preparing both of us for a lifetime of happiness together.
How He Proposed
"I found the one my heart loves...I held him and would not let him go..." Song of Solomon 3:4
My future husband certainly knows the desires of my heart, and his proposal proves just that! Austin and I talked about getting married......well, probably much quicker than most people would think comfortable.The Lord had brought me the perfect man for me, my best friend and the one with whom I knew I'd spend forever. So, needless to say, I knew it was coming, but I had no idea when, where or how. I actually had myself convinced that Austin would probably propose in Panama City.
Because we talked about our future together quite often, Austin and I both thought it would be nearly impossible to surporise me with a proposal...BUT, he did :)
My mom started a group text between herself, Michael and me the week before. She said she wanted to take us to dinner before Christmas when we'd all be in town. We decided on the Chef's Table in Winter Garden. I said Saturday would be better for dinner, but of course Mom and Michael (and Austin) had already plotted to get me to agree to Friday.
Austin picked me up from work on Friday (I'm sure his version would tell you about what a pain in the booty I was! BUT, since I'm the author of this story, I'll leave those details out.). Regardless, I was done with work for two weeks, and I was as happy as a pig in the mud!! So, we started our drive to Winter Garden to meet the family for dinner (or so I thought). I just cranked up the Dixie Chicks and sang and danced the ride away...I thought Austin's quiet stares were simply because he was thinking what a dork I was :)
We parked downtown Winter Garden and decided to walk to the Christmas tree on the way to Chef's Table because we had been in Panama City when the tree was put up and lit. As we were walking by, Austin stopped me and pulled me to him. Then he said, "you are the hardest person in the world to suprprise!" He had the cutest look in his smile and eyes, and it didn't take too much longer before I figured out what was happening.
I think the precious words exchanged will stay between us, but the other parts of our engagement night were shared with family and friends, just like Austin knew I would want! My momma and the Beasleys were nearby witnessing the whole thing in my hair salon....helloooo, small town love :)
After he proposed, Austin and I spent some time taking pictures with the awesome photographer. Then, we actually did make it to Chef's Table to spend some quaility time, just the two of us, celebrating and staring at the GORGEOUS ring he had just put on my finger!
Austin told me he had one more surprise for me. He drove me down the street to my mom's house, and the tears immediately started flowing when I saw the vehicles of so many loved ones in my mom's driveway. We walked in to the best celebration a couple could ask for! Austin had arranged for his parents to come to town, for my crazy big family to all be in one place AND to have so many precious friends waiting to hug us and celebrate with us. We spent the night reliving his proposal, enjoying lots of yummy food and drinks, and dreaming about our new adventure together.
