The Proposal

Are you ready for a photo and story overload? I'll try to start from the beginning...

Last Christmas we recieved a hot air balloon ride as a gift from Chris' family. Little did they know that Chris isn't exactly cool as a cucumber with flying and I have always been terrified of heights.

But nbd. We played it cool and were excited to get a once in a lifetime gift.

Months pass and we kept putting off the ride. Finally, in September we decided October would be the perfect time to take the ride because of the cool weather (it's warmer up there) and all the leaves changing colors. Who could ask for a better view? Fall is my favorite season after all!

The day before our ride I saw a hot air balloon fly over my parents property. I don't know what it was, but after seeing that (which we never have before) I knew I was meant to take the ride and I had to stop being such a chicken. Of course the only thing out of my mom's mouth that night was "Oh my, the balloon was SOOO high. I'm so glad it's you and not me". She said this probably five times. haha Thanks mom!

Little did I know she knew what was about to happen the entire time and my mom, like myself, is horrible at keeping good news a secret!

A lot of people ask me, "how did you not know?" "that's a perfect set-up if he didn't use that opportunity he is an idiot". Well peeps. Little did anyone know... we are looking to buy houses and the day before I was having mini anxiety and heart attacks filling out loan applications and going to see houses by myself. I even went into Chris' bank account to grab his information and I was so stressed I forgot to print the bank statements. Yup. I am Mrs. Oblivious! Also, we were both already so nervous about the flight it didn't cross my mind that he might be nervous to pop the question!

And so begins the proposal day.

This is our balloon. I had no idea the balloons were so large and the baskets so small! I prepared everyone else on our flight that I was a nervous talker and I was petrified.

Chris was asked to help fill the balloon with air. Look at that fire!

Hey Cutie!

Us before take off. Bob Barker was our pilot and he couldn't take his eyes off our love. hahaha But really, doesn't he look like him!

The view of the runway as we took off. About this time I asked if this was a test ride and if we were afraid at this height could we go back down. They obviously laughed at me and we kept getting higher and higher! Note to self: work on my scared face. It apparently doesn't work.

Chris looking amazing! We were about as high as the top of trees here.

Proof that my face can in fact look as round as a pumpkin. They invented the term pumpkin head for me... :)

The view. I love how the trees had started changing colors. It was so beautiful.

The cows look like ants from up above!

Our pilot offered to take some model shots. I obviously was holding on for dear life.

Can you spot the two corn mazes.

Then came the best part of the ride. My best friend proposed to me.

Is this the right finger?

I was so happy. As soon as he started reaching into his pocket I burst into tears. I have dreamt of this moment my entire life and have asked myself a million times, "will I cry?" You bet your cute butts I did!

Thankfully our pilot realized what was going on and we tossed him the camera mid speech so he could catch these moments for us!

I said yes!!!

Floating back down to earth, but I was still on cloud 9!

(and still am. I don't plan on coming down anytime soon)

We landed! So overwhelmingly happy!

The ring. He did perfect! 

We announced that we had lived to tell the tale...

That we were engaged!!

(Notice how I'm not used to standing on the right side?!)

Two days later our couples photo shoot became our engagement shoot.

It's been a whirlwind week, with more than just these events going on. I am definitely the luckiest girl in the world and feel so blessed to call my best friend and partner of 4 years my fiance and soon to be hubby!

We are planning on an October wedding in 2012.

<3

Beer Battered Avocado and Fish Tacos

Can I just say how excited I am for next weeks weather? Mother nature you better keep your promise of 77 degree weather for our photo shoot because I couldn't think of better weather.

It's time for another WIAW... but per usual I like to mix it up. I showed you guys photos I have been swooning over for our upcoming shoot, but I also have been obsessing over ideas of how to transform areas to make just the right setting.





But first! I made my first ever beer battered avocado fries and fish tacos. I used some cider ale I picked up at the wine market the other night, old bay seasoning (who could live without), minced garlic and your plain ole' flour. It turned out great, but next time I need to make a sauce to go with it! Chipotle Ranch sounds amazing as my girl Sara suggested! She made avocado fries just recently too :)

Beer Batter for Avocado Fries and Fresh Cod Tacos
Ingredients:
1-1.5 cups lager beer or ale - I liked my batter less thick
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons oldbay
2 cloves garlic, chopped finely - I used minced garlic
2 large avocados
1 large cod fish filet cut into 2-3 inch sections
salt as needed
vegetable oil as needed
1 small pot
Directions:
Mix your dry ingredients first in a large bowl. Add your lager/ale and stir. Done! dip your avocado slices (6 slices per avocado) into the batter making sure it is fully coated and shaking off any excess. Heat your oil and cook the avocado until a nice brown. This will happen quickly! I tested the avocados before cooking my fish and they turned out perfectly cooked. :)

 Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

Hi, the 1970's called - they want their plates back. I highly suggest sprinkling with salt after you take out of the hot oil.

I also made some homemade mexican salad to serve along side. I chopped up half a jalapeno, half of a small onion, 1 tomato, half of a yellow bell pepper and 1 avocado added lime juice and salt. It was the perfect compliment :) Plus the leftovers are great to add to a bowl of lettuce. Hello pre-made toppings.

 Doesn't that look so fresh and delicious? Thanks to my dad I have a new camera to fill with random pics of food.

Now onto the design stuff...

I think making a few of these and tying to tree branches to hang above us combined with stringing lights would be dreamy at sunset.

Laying out a blanket under the tree surrounded by lights and those lightbulb planters. I'd go with a touch more feminine. I have the perfect pale blue blanket in mind.

Top of a barn shot. maybe with mason jar candles on either side like this...

I may be dreaming, but this is why I am in love with weddings and parties. I love the planning!

Here are a few more shots I love...