As my husband and I’s one year anniversary is quickly approaching, today’s shared proposal is particularly close to my heart (and not just because it involves wine).
Paul and I met in our high school Pre Calc class. With an alphabetical seating chart and last names of Shoup and Simpkins, it was all but guaranteed that we would be sitting next to each other for the year. Little did I know, I wouldn’t just be meeting my best friend, but my husband as well.
Fast forward 10+ years, Paul and I planned a vacation to California for two friends’ weddings that, ironically, were occurring on the same weekend in South Lake Tahoe. This coincidence lead Paul to start looking into an opportunity to make this trip one to remember.
After a wonderful weekend attending both weddings, Paul and I packed our bags to head to the airport and fly back to Orlando… or so I thought. When we arrived at the airport I began walking towards the airline check in. However, Paul quickly stopped me and said we had to go outside. Immediately, my heart started pounding with excitement. I just knew this was the moment.
As Paul and I walked out the airport doors, I saw a limo waiting for us. Paul told me the surprises were just beginning, and instead of flying home we would be taking the limo to Napa Valley for the next three days!
When we arrived in Napa, Paul dropped me off at a spa to relax while he “checked into the hotel” (aka ran some last minute errands). I spent the entire time trying to relax, but my mind was racing! Trying not to fidget for an hour while you’re trying to figure out if you’re about to get engaged is not the easiest thing in the world.
After the spa, Paul told me I had one hour to get ready as the limo was picking us up for a special wine tasting. We were in Napa after all! We drove up the mountains until we arrived at a vineyard blocked off by a gate. Paul had booked a reservation at Viader Winery, one of the most beautiful vineyards overlooking the valley.
The winery was extremely intimate with no one else in sight. Paul and I were given a private tasting and tour of the vineyard, although if I’m completely honest I didn’t listen to a word of what they were saying. Every corner we turned my heart stopped as I wondered “Is this it!? Is this the moment!?”. Finally, once our tour was finished, Paul asked me if I would go for a walk with him through the vineyard.
As we were both standing at the edge of the mountain, Paul looked me in the eye and got down on one knee. Most people say they black out during their engagement, but I remember every single second. I remember the way Paul set his wine glass down (there was really nowhere to put it so it was slightly entertaining). I remember his tears of joy. I remember Paul’s simple, but perfect speech in which he told me how much he loved me and if I would spend the rest of my life with him. I remember crying – something I was convinced I wouldn’t do. But most importantly, I remember saying YES to the love of my life!
But wait, there’s more! (I told you Paul was full of surprises!) After the tasting, Paul surprised me with a special six course tasting menu with wine pairings at Redd in Napa. As we pulled up to the “restaurant”, I made a (sarcastic) comment that dinner appeared to be in a hotel. As I was getting out of the limo, thinking we were at the restaurant, I was SHOCKED to see not only Paul’s parents and sister, but both of my parents as well. Our families had flown to California the day before to surprise us for our engagement!
After a perfect dinner, two wonderful days in Napa and (another surprise) day trip to San Francisco, Paul and I flew back to Orlando engaged. It truly was one of the best days of our our lives and I couldn’t be more thankful for the most perfect, special, and unforgettable proposal a girl could ask for.
Champagne & Lace 