WE ARE ENGAGED

WE ARE ENGAGED!!! Surprise!! I can’t even believe it still!! I mentioned the hike to Lassen’s peak and a surprise in my NorCal blog post, but I wanted to put the whole story in its own blog post. So here’s the whole proposal story!

We were hiking up Mount Lassen Thursday afternoon after we had already done a three mile hike to Bumpass Hell. I had a cold so I wasn’t feeling my best, and the hike was so hard. I struggled up the mountain the whole way. 

I also had zero idea that my life was about to change. 

We finally got to the top of the mountain and were admiring the amazing view at 10,400 feet. It’s absolutely stunning looking out over the lakes, trees, and valleys. There were still some patches of snow too! I felt like we were on top of the world.

My brother asked me if he could take a picture of Connor and I, and I said yes!

Little did I know, that was the code word my brother and boyfriend had worked out before hand. So, after I gave my brother the phone, I sat on a rock and turned to Connor who was on a knee!

I cannot describe the shock that went through my brain and body. I literally couldn’t believe it. I thought for a second I was in a dream and that it wasn’t real, but it definitely was real. As my mind was processing what the heck was happening, Connor started saying a beautiful speech that I didn’t hear at all.

He was so cute and smiley. Halfway through though, I was like, “Oh my gosh, get it together Ceighlee or you won’t hear what he is saying!!”

So I blacked out for the first part, but got myself back to the present moment before he asked me to marry him. I still couldn’t believe it was happening. I said, “Of course!” and then realized that wasn’t technically yes, so I followed up with “yes, yes, yes, yes!”

We kissed and it was truly a dream come true. I hadn’t even looked at the ring until the next moment when he put it on my finger. That part felt so surreal because I’ve always pictured getting engaged, but never really imagined him putting the ring on my finger. And now, just having a ring on my ring finger blows my mind every five minutes. I absolutely love it. Plus, he picked the perfect ring. I’m in love with it, it is so perfect for us.

Everything felt magical, and it still does.

My brother got the whole thing on video, including the cold winds on top of the peak. I couldn’t believe everyone had kept it a secret! I had no inkling whatsoever and was completely shocked.

My brother and his girlfriend were so sweet and took tons of pictures for us up there. We were the only ones up on the peak, so we weren’t interrupted nor were we bothering anyone. It felt like we had the whole mountain to ourselves.

I’m over the moon that my brother and his girlfriend got to be there though. That was extremely special to me. I am so happy we all get to share these amazing memories together, and it makes me tear up thinking of them being there to support and love us. It meant the world to me.

It also meant the world to me that Connor planned an engagement party for us at my grandpa’s house! Connor had my dad and my dad’s wife drive down to join my aunt, uncle, grandpa, cousin, brother, and brother’s girlfriend for our dinner and celebration. My aunt made a fully gluten-free and dairy-free dinner for us with a dessert and champagne toast too. Everyone was so happy and excited for us. It was an amazing night, and I’m so happy I got to spend it with my family. I missed my mom, but I called her as soon as we got down from the mountain to share the news.

Sharing the news has been so amazing. Getting to surprise friends and family has been super fun. We both Facetimed family and friends over the next few days to share the news and excitement before we posted to social media. Thank you to everyone who has sent us messages or called us to congratulate us! We have seen an outpouring of love and support which has me beaming every day. Thank you!!

I’M ENGAGED TO CONNOR SMITH!

I literally cannot believe it! It is my dream come true. He is the best man I have ever met, and I am looking forward to forever together. I’m beaming that he chooses me and loves me every day.

Every time I look at my ring, I get excited all over again. I love his family so much as well, and cannot wait to join our two families in matrimony.

I cannot state enough how excited and full of love I am to be a part of his family and for him to be a part of mine. I think both families accepted, supported, and loved us both for years, so I think both sides are excited to be gaining another family member.

The few days following our engagement were a dream. We flew to Denver to look at apartments for our next chapter, and we got to do it as fiancés! It was so much fun.

Now, not only are we moving into engaged life, but we are moving to a new city! We are both so happy and excited. Thank you again to everyone who has supported us and loved us through this journey. I hope you are all ready for the next chapter!