Throwback Thursday...The Engagement

Robert and I were married the summer of 2013...June 15th. And man was it a special day.
{to see all the details of our wedding, click here}

But before the wedding, there was an engagement. And man that engagement was so darn special. And the time {a year and two months to be exact}of being engaged was so darn special. Moments that will always hold a dear place in our hearts.  The moment we got engaged is one I want to document, so I will never forget all the small and beautiful details.

So, let's do a little Throwback Thursday. Shall we? 2 and half years ago to be exact.

Let's begin with the story, the behind the scenes if you will.

Bailley's side

It was Easter weekend and Robert, my family and I headed to my grandparent’s house for Easter with family. Since we were out of town, Robert proposing never crossed my mind!  On Saturday the girls of the family spent a wonderful day in town shopping and getting manicures! It was so fun.   That night I was told to try on my new dress to show my aunt. I just thought ok, no big deal. Lights were not coming on yet. Once I was dressed, I walked out of the bedroom and the journey began. I walked out to a trail of balloons and my brother recording the whole event. I followed the balloons through the house all the while laughing and smiling, not knowing what to do with myself! At the end, I saw that the balloons were leading me to my Gigi and Poppy's beautiful backyard, a place that hold such a special place in my heart.  What was about to happen set in and the tears started to flow! What I saw was absolutely breathtaking. It was nighttime, and lights were strung from all the trees. In the middle of the yard, surrounded by candles, was the love of my life. I got to Robert, heard the most beautiful words, watched as he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. To which, of course, I SAID YES! I cannot describe the joy and love I felt, such a surreal moment. Soon after I said yes I heard exciting screams from the corner of the yard where my amazing family and to my surprise all my sweet, sweet friends were watching!  It was such an amazing night. One that I know only happened because of our Savior. So thankful for a God who has a divine plan.

Robert's side

After lots of planning and phone calls, the day finally arrived! I knew I needed Bailley out of the house so I could set up the backyard, so the girls of the family took her to Amarillo to do girly things while us men set up. We spent a couple hours hanging lights and setting up, and then it was time to wait. At this point I wasn't so nervous because I was getting things done. That would change as the afternoon turned to evening, and the evening to night. After we had dinner, Bailley promptly went to Gigi's room to change into her dress. I immediately changed and went outside to find the candles lit and the lights looking beautiful, thanks to all the help I had. I then proceeded to wait, surrounded by candles, in the middle of the yard. I was concentrating on what I was going to say when I saw Bailley walk out of the house. She was stunning, and any sentences that I had formed in my mind were immediately lost. As she walked towards me I collected my thoughts, really trying to remember the moment, seeing as how it was one of a kind. I got down on my knee and asked Bailley to be my wife. It is only by God's good grace that she said yes. We celebrated afterwards with family and friends, and it became a night both Bailley and I will cherish for the rest of our lives.

Look at that handsome man!

I walked out and saw the love of my life and the tears just kept coming. It was such a surreal moment {kinda like your wedding day}, and by surreal, I mean "one of the best moments ever and you don't know what to do!".

My fiance! We are engaged! And yes...the tears were still coming. I am a little bit emotional, if you haven't noticed.

I could hardly contain my excitement and little sister was right there with me.

Some of the bestest friends put together this basket for me full of wedding goodies. It was so, so thoughtful.

We could not ask for more amazing people in our lives. It was so special that they could share in this special moment with us, the people we do life with. So much love in one picture.

So much JOY!

This man, this man...I am just twitterpated by him {thank you, Bambi;)}.

The next day we took some pictures...the first as an engaged couple! I will never forget how much "giddiness" is behind those smiles.

Love this man, now my husband, with all my heart. He is a true treasure, a gift from God

Happy Throwback Thursday, everyone!

I kinda like this social media tradition, gives us all a chance to reflect on such special times.

Linking up with Home of Malones for Thoughts for Thursday and Treasure Trump.

One Year of Marriage

Warning: Sappy Post.

Today, Robert and I, are celebrating one year of marriage!

 I really cannot believe it has already been a year since the day we said "I do". The day we were married was one of the best days of my life, but man this first year of marriage has by far surpassed that one day.

Marriage ia an incredibly beautiful thing, a true gift from God. 

This past year has been full of ups and downs, laughs and tears, lots of learning and a whole lot of love. 

 

God has taught us more than I ever could imagine through this union. We are learning better to love like he loves. To show grace in all circumstances. And to forgive always. We are experiencing just a glimpse of how great His love is for us. 

We love because He first loved us. 

1 John 4:19

Robert, Thank you for loving me with an indescribable love. Thank you for leading our marriage in the way God had instructed you to. I  am so grateful for your kind heart, your patience and your never ending hugs. Your positivity even in the tough times is inspiring and your love for all those around you constantly encourages me to be my best. Thank you for making me laugh like no one else can, for singing at the top of your lungs in the car with me and for all the kisses and hugs. You make life fun, exciting and just plain the best. Thank you Jesus for this man, my husband. Thank you for the gift of him and the gift of marriage. Robert, I am so grateful for you. I love you more than I could ever explain, but I promise to always try. You are one incredible man, friend and husband. I am so glad and so incredibly grateful I get to do this life with you, my love. I love you forever and ever, with all my heart, to infinity and beyond. 

Happy one year baby!

 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs^.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

1 Corinthians 13: 1-8

End Sappy Post :)

Bahamian Honeymoon

For our honeymoon, we went to Sandals Royal Bahamian in the Bahamas! First off, I cannot say enough good things about Sandals. We always had wonderful service, friendly staff, amazing food and the whole resort, including the rooms, is beautiful! All Sandal locations are all-inclusive which is the way to go-especially on your honeymoon. Our agenda for the week? Tons of relaxation and pool time. And eating plenty of delicious food!

I think this was after 3 hours asleep. A very early flight but we were excited!!

We are here! You can hardly see it, but down that pathway is a hammock, a wonderful hammock. Pretty soon after we arrived, we decided to relax in the hammock for a bit. 5 minutes later we were OUT. Probably, the best 30 minute nap I have ever taken.

 A view from one of our favorite lunch spots...

Hanging out by the pool, our itinerary most days. Robert got to rap a little ice ice baby...

They had some sort of entertainment each night. It was always very fun!

 The view from our room. The color of the water was incredible. This was my first beach vacation and I was blown away.

 Room service. One of our best ideas.

 A huge perk- they have another island you can take a short boat ride to. We loved it there...

 The best part? There are hammocks everywhere. So relaxing. We also took a massage class and it was so fun! We learned the proper way to give back/head rubs, it was so great and helpful!

More food. I am telling you it was delicious. We were very impressed. Let's also talk about drinks, one of there famous drinks at the resort is a Humming Bird. A crazy combination of stuff but oh so good. That's the almost gone drink in the picture...

 my handsome groom!

The boat ride back was a little windy...

 One of our favorite things to do at night was to relax by the fire pits right next to the beach. Most nights with live music!

We got to go snorkeling one day and it was soo neat. I had Rob stay by me the whole time though, I am a little bit of a scardy cat, but I so enjoyed it at the same time.

Each day they had games like bingo by the pool. We also participated in some relay races with other couples, it was really fun!

So many gorgeous flowers...

One of our favorite meals. This night after dinner, we sat in comfy chairs and listened to jazz music.

yes, we did watch the NBA finals one night. Don't judge. 

My favorite meal. I got this wayy too many morning for breakfast. 

Our resort was in Nassau, the same place as the Atlantis hotel. I used to be a huge Mary-Kate and Ashley fan, so visiting Atlantis was a must for me. Holiday in the Sun, anyone? We took a little day trip to the resort, which we scheduled once we got to sandals.

It was very neat to see the resort, it is huge and pretty incredible. But it was also packed. The outside is basically a huge really nice water park. It was very different than what we had gotten used to- calm and relaxing. This place was loud and crazyy busy. After a little exploring and some water slides (so fun), we headed back to our resort early, but it was still neat to see.

A beautiful sunset on the beach...

One of the prettiest restaurants. The day you arrive you can sit down with a concierge and plan out where you want to eat each night. Some restaurants require a reservation, so you tell them what you want each night and they will set it all up for you! Easy peasy.

Our last day. Robert's face says it all. We were not ready to leave.

A few pictures around the resort. If you are thinking of this destination for a vacation?? Do it!

Of course, the traditional, write your last name (or the shorter version of it) in the sand picture.

We had such a fabulous honeymoon- it was the perfect time away and I cannot wait to go back one day! I sure do miss that place. Swimming in the pool, laying on the beach, pizza by the pool...does not get much better.

Any other questions about this resort? Shoot me an email!