He Put a Ring on It

Nine short days ago, my lovely beau of six years asked me the four most wonderful words in the universe:

"Will you marry me?"

I of course said, "Yes!"

But I want to rewind and tell you all my incredibly romantic proposal story.

About a month ago, I went to a ring sale over my lunch break.

I put a ring on that gave me chills.

The lady wrote it down for me, and Travis went back that day, but it was sold.

I was heartbroken, but vowed to not be a part of this process any longer.

Last weekend, Travis insisted we go visit family since he had work off.

I was a bit suspicious, but I did not want to get my hopes up.

On the way home, Travis told me to go ring shopping with a friend that weekend to send him a report because I needed help.

I thought, "I guess he really doesn't have a ring."

On Friday evening, he took me out on a date and told me to dress pretty.

We went to a nice Italian restaurant, and I hinted at my suspicions.

He joked, "Just wait til you get to the center of that bread!"

Again, I thought, "Okay, not tonight."

Afterwards, we were driving to my house to watch a movie, when he stopped at my favorite little white chapel behind my house.

There, waiting for us, was a perfectly laid out picnic with a dozen roses and his quilt made from his grandmother's clothes.

It was beautiful

but no proposal.

We sat and reminisced over the past six years and enjoyed the scenery.

I was on cloud nine.

We laid down to look at the sky, and out of no where, he said,

"Will you marry me?"

No box.

No knee.

Just his sweet smile and the beautiful ring that he had told me was gone!

I called him a liar, said, "Of course!," and immediately put my favorite ring on.

Then he began to mess with his phone,

and shortly afterward, fireworks began shooting off in the distance.

It was magical.

He had given my best friend, Suzie, "the signal,"

and she lit them.

(She is great at keeping secrets.)

The next night, he had a whole party planned with our family to celebrate.

It was fun and perfect and a little quirky.

Just like us.

I still cannot believe I am a bride-to-be,

but I could not be happier!

Travis is the most wonderful man I have ever known, and I cannot wait to have countless adventures with him as his wife. :)

-Beth

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Could I Ask You a Favor?

With Christmas only six days away, it is beginning to finally feel like Christmas. I have finished buying, making and wrapping my gifts; I have redesigned my blog and seen one children's pageant; and I am home.

In the spirit of Christmas, I have a favor to ask of you lovely readers. I have recently entered the beau and I in a little contest, where the winner receives a free photo shoot. I would be forever grateful if you took one minute of your time to go vote for us. The contest closes on Christmas Eve, and "The Cutest Couple" will be announced on Christmas!

You can vote once a day, so feel free to vote every day this week, and share with your friends via Twitter and Facebook. Here is the full link to share: http://loveandluxephoto.blogspot.com/2011/12/love-luxes-cutest-couple-contest-vote.html. If you need more convincing, here is a video documenting our five year relationship. Enjoy!




Thank you for all of your help and support!

Merry Christmas!

-Beth Pin It

A Red Velvet Weekend

First of all, I want to apologize for the crazy absences. I have had some technology issues when I got back to the States everything from a lost phone to a dead computer. I promise to get back into the swing of things soon and share more Ecuador stories.

This past weekend was filled with another road trip to Tulsa with the beau to see his momma. We had a fabulous time with:

a random creek

skipping stones and dropping them

(he is full of many hidden talents)

a proper homemade spa treatment

red velvet ice cream

(is anyone else blown away by this concept? It was delicious!)

All in all, it was great spending time with the beau and his momma.

Is everyone else having a fun summer so far?

-Beth

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The City with a Front Door

I had the most lovely adventure over Spring break with Jay & Amber.

It was a perfect blend of coffee, culture, & community.
To start off where I left off,
We ventured out to Oakland for lunch!

At Oakland, we had the "ultimate Pittsburgh experience" at Primanti Bros.

These sandwiches included every side item on the sandwich for easy eating without a lunch break for people like truck drivers, sailors, & miners.

It was an experience.

Also, on a coffee note, we visited Ryan at the Starbucks where he works, and I got an epic Pittsburgh mug as my token sovernir.

Afterwards, we wandered into a magical old book store.

We found an incredible edition of Hobbit for Travis. :)

Then we went to the top of the city with a front door at Mount Washington.

Travis and Jay loved the statues.

That night we had dinner again.

It was so wonderful to be apart of that community for even just a couple of days.

It was as if we had always been there and would always be.

True community is such a beautiful thing, we sometimes take for granted.

They depended on each other,

worked together,

laughed with one another,

prayed in unison,

and LIVED life together.

Later, Travis, Jay, Amber, and me skipped out on Bible study and went for ice cream at Oh Ya's,

this place with millions of toppings that they blend all up for you. YUM!

We played spades (as usual) while the ice cream was being consumed.

Travis & Jay whipped me & Amber pretty good...but it was fun.

Tuesday, Travis & I explored Pittsburgh on own in a lazy fashion.

We walked Carrie & Scott's dog, Max,

and ate lunch at The Church Brew Works.

It was an old Catholic church transformed into a brewery!

It was definitely an experience with awesome food and homemade root beer. 

The booths were even made out of pews.

We spent the afternoon at Squirrel Hill at the Te Cafe and  the Library.

I think our entire trip could be boiled down to food, coffee, and books. :)

This adventure was amazing.

Pittsburgh is pretty much the coolest town ever.

I enjoyed Pittsburgh's coffee, culture, and community.

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My Valentine Got Me Pittsburgh

This year my Valentine, Travis, got me something extra special.

Instead of gifts, we decided to save our money to take an adventure together on Spring Break. Our good friends Jay and Amber live up in Pittsburgh, PA. Neither one of us has been to Pennsylvania, so it sounds really exciting.

If you recall my Train Ride Across America post, this is number four on my American Bucket List:
4) Visit my friends, Jay and Amber, in Pittsburgh, PA. They are doing some great work with Americorp, and I know their is a lot of coffee and history there.

I don't know what non-profit or coffee activity might take place or how to incorporate a train yet, but I am really excited for this adventure. I will keep you posted on every detail.

Have a very Happy Valentine's Day!

P.S. You only have 2 Days to Enter my BEE House Giveaway!!!!

YOU BETTER HURRY!!!

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