Engagement Story
Andrew and Shelby at the lower falls of Treman Park
It didn’t take long for me to realize Shelby was the one. As quickly as we had fallen in love, I learned that I couldn’t live without her. Bringing her down to Colombia and seeing her hitting it off with my family was just the icing on the cake. As we returned to North America in the late Winter of 2009 I began planning our engagement, an event that I knew we’d remember for the rest of our lives – it had to be perfect.
I spent the first two weeks back from Colombia educating myself about diamonds, settings and looking for jewelers. While still making decisions about exactly what I was going to get her, I spent the next week secretly trying to assess her ring size and get an idea of her taste in rings and jewelry. One day, I finally sat down and found the perfect stone online. I went with a white gold setting that I knew she would love and took the plunge that day.
I’m horrible at keeping secrets, but I’d have to say I did pretty good with this one. Making all the right excuses without inducing scrutiny, I smuggled the ring into my coat pocket, ready for action on February 14th. Yes, Valentine’s day- I’m a total sap.
Lower falls at Treman Park
That Saturday morning we got out of bed (after a nice breakfast in bed!) and headed to our favorite place in Ithaca: Treman Park, for a hike we had been craving since our recent return. We arrived only to find that both main trails were closed. As nervous as I was, I was a little unsettled by this setback but was determined to propose to her right then and there. We walked over to the only open area in the park, a beautiful little spot by the lower waterfalls surrounded by hundred foot cliff walls and a beautiful river flowing. We parked ourselves by the falls and I made her three promises:
- I would never cheat on her.
- I would do my best to always protect and take care of her.
- I would also do my best to never do her wrong.
I told her that I had something for her, and as I always do when giving gifts, I had her close her eyes. Heart racing, and more nervous than I had ever been in my life, I got the ring out. When she opened her eyes, I was down on one knee with the ring in front of her.
I really couldn’t help but smile and said “Shelby, will you marry me?” In complete shock she nodded and as she teared up she said “are you serious?” I said yes and she responded “Yes!” We hugged and tried the ring on and were both completely in shock.
We finally headed back to the house, dropping by the Ithaca Commons to drop the ring off for sizing. We spent the rest of the afternoon calling all of our closest family members and friends and spreading the good word. There’s nothing more amazing than the feeling we had that day and still share as we continue this journey together!
-Andrew
Here are a few re-enactment pictures of the engagement. We went back a few days later to take pictures of the scene. Enjoy!
Re-enactment
Re-enactment
