Proposal Date: 6/20/2010
Lacey's side of the story:
I began our vacation never even considering that Ryan would ask me to marry him in Puerto Rico. He is, apparently, a fantastic liar b/c I had no idea it was going to happen (and come to think of it, I'm not sure I really appreciate that quality....hmmm)! I was simply excited to go on vacation w/ him and two of our best friends (Jessica and Jeremy Cozart), lay on the beach and get a tan!
We arrived at our beautiful private house (www.caracolche.com) on Sat afternoon and spent the rest of the day looking around the 3-acre grounds, unpacking, and swimming. The bedrooms were upstairs on the 3rd floor and Ryan and mine had french doors that led out to a huge patio with an amazing view of the ocean. Here was our view at sunrise:
On Sunday morning, I woke up to him opening the curtains in the room and him showing me how beautiful of a day it was. He laid down next to me, gave me a kiss, and reminded me (I already knew so maybe I should say he mentioned...) that it was our 4 year anniversary. A few more "sweet nothings" were said but I was still a little drowsy so I definitly didn't catch on to what was happeneing. (Although, right before he asked me, I do remember thinking "huh...he sure if being sweet right now..." Haha!) Then he asked if I would spend the rest of my life w/ him -- and I woke up reeeeally quickly! I couldn't really breathe, I was in total shock - esp after I saw the most perfect, gorgeous, amazing ring! - and through a few tears I said yes!
Then, all of a sudden, Ryan says "Jess and Jer - come on in!" and they walk around the corner w/ a video camera!!! Here I am, laying in bed w/ bed-hair, morning breath, and tears rolling down my face - all caught on camera!
We spent the rest of the day laying out, calling our friends and family, and I couldn't stop smiling! It was an absolutely perfect day!
Ryan's side of the story...
After realizing that I couldn't spend the rest of my life without Lacey, the planning needed to begin. While in New Orleans for New Years Eve '09, Jeremy Cozart and I started plotting the details of pulling this off during our week-long vacation in Puerto Rico. Obviously the first step was getting the ring to Puerto Rico without Lacey suspecting anything. So I had the ring shipped to Jeremy (in NOLA) the week before we left to avoid any awkward security run-ins.
Upon arriving in Puerto Rico, I had Carlos (the owner of the house) give me a tour of the 3-acres the house sits on to find the perfect, romantic location to pop the question on Sunday night. Sitting around at breakfast on Sunday morning with Jeremy and Jessica (Lacey was still sleeping, of course!), the proposal details came up in conversation. The original plan was to spend the day enjoying each other and then at sunset, ask The Big Question. But being that it was such a perfect morning, the idea to wake her up from her dreams - to the man of her dreams - w/ the ring of her dreams - was too much to pass up! So I made my way upstairs to our bedroom with Jeremy and Jessica awaiting, with video camera in tow.
I drew the curtains back, opened the french doors, and laid next to her in bed with the ring in my pocket. I woke Lacey up to remind her that the day was our 4th anniversary. After confessing my love and admiration for her, I asked her to be my wife! Obviously shocked and surprised, Lacey broke into tears and said yes!
Upon hearing the good news, Jeremy came around the corner to film the reaction of the blushing bride-to-be, while Jessica presented her w/ her first wedding magazine. Though not the original plan, the proposal turned out the be way more perfect than expected!
Our first picture as an engaged couple!
