12.29.2010

a surprise engagement!

Well the exciting news is that Sean and I got engaged over the Christmas holiday! And as for calling it "a surprise engagement," I mean that quite literally as it was a surprise to the both of us! The story:

We drove up to Ohio last week to visit all of my extended family and for Sean to meet most of them for the first time. We arrived at my grandparent's house and I think they were both more excited to see Sean than to see me! They'd only met him once before at my college graduation about three years ago. We talked and they asked about our future plans and if we were engaged and we gave our usual answer of "No, not really, not officially, we might as well be, but no." They both looked disappointed, my grandfather looking quite mad actually.

Later that night my grandmother said she wanted to talk to Sean and I in her room. So we followed her in, scared to death that we were going to get a lecture on "living in sin" and such. She closed the door and told us to sit on her bed, so we sat, our stomachs dropping. She fumbled around a bit, saying she was embarrassed to ask and afraid of stepping on Sean's toes in case he was planning something himself, but that she and Grandpa had talked about it for a long time and wanted me, as the oldest granddaughter, to have her mother's ring for our engagement, a family heirloom from the 1920s. She wasn't sure when to ask but was afraid she wouldn't get another chance to do so because of her age. Sean said he was fine with it because he doesn't have the means to ask right now. I said I didn't mind either, of course. So she gave the ring to him and he put it on my finger and then the three of us stood in a circle, hugging and crying and laughing about what nerds we are!

Seriously though, it means a lot to me to know how much both Sean and I mean to my grandmother for her to do something like that, especially as she's only met him twice. I don't think I'll every forget what she told us... So, it's not a "normal" engagement story but it's fun and it's different and it's ours. And so we're engaged! Officially! Finally!

Oh, and I absolutely love the ring and think it's absolutely beautiful! It's basically exactly what I've always wanted but wouldn't have known unless I saw it, you know? I love how detailed it is and that it's different and old and has a history. And it fits perfectly!

Source: Andrea Despot

22 comments:

Jane Flanagan said...

Congratulations!!

Erin said...

Congratulations Andrea! What a beautiful ring!

Vlatka Prest said...

What a beautiful story and the ring is stunning too! Congratulations Andrea! :)

First Light Photography said...

Andrea ... you are blessed with a wonderful and loving family! That's an amazing thing for a grandmother to do! Your ring is stunning and I adore how different it looks!
Congratulations to you both. Oh, and don't ever leave your ring in some place you might forget it ... like a shelf over the kitchen sink and it falls down the drain!!!
Peace to you both!
Sue

Tina Crespo said...

OH MY!!!!! CONGRATS!!!!
The ring is sooo beautiful, Andrea!
Your story got me all choked up, what you grandmother did was such a nice thing.

Molly Page said...

I think it's a beautiful story! I think it's a beautiful ring! And I'm soo, sooooooo happy that the weather didn't prevent the visit and you were able to celebrate (even MORE than the Holidays) with your family!!!

Yipppeeee.
Best Wishes to the bride to be!

Leaving the House in THIS?!?!

Charlotte said...

I knew it! Somehow, I just knew you got engaged! I am terribly, terribly excited for you. :) I can't wait to see pictures of all you're thinking for the wedding and pictures of the actual wedding, I know it'll be beautiful. Congratulations!!!

Laura Evans said...

congratulations again chica ... & such a wonderful story! xx

samantha ramage said...

um, this is absolutely amazing!!!!!! what a gorgeous story and something you will remember and cherish always. congratulations!i can't wait to hear your plans! i am getting married next sept!

xo
sami

Isadora Filković said...

Wow, such a beautiful story, Andrea!

I'm really happy for you two and even happier for your grandma to love you soooo much! I have a very close relationship with my grandma myself and to read the story of your engagement made me think of her and how deep these bonds are.

I wish you and Sean the merriest of lives :)



Ps.: What a wonderful engagement ring! I agree with you, it's absolutely beautiful and it couldn't be more perfect ;)

Devon Adams said...

I cannot wait to meet you, Andrea. I am so excited for you both!!

linda said...

oh my goodness, andrea! this is one of the greatest engagement stories i've heard yet! that is so thoughtful of your grandmother to give you her mother's ring. and what a sly one she is...cornering you two like that. but with all the best intentions, of course.

congrats to you and sean. you two look adorable together. =)

Celine said...

oh wow! that is amazing! and your grandparents sound like the sweetest people ever!
congratulations! what a memorable holiday!!! you must be over the moon!

Anonymous said...

Well, I knew from FB that you were engaged, but now that I read the story behind it, I am smiling even more! How wonderful and perfectly timed! And the ring is gorgeous!

T@PoppyPlacePdx said...

Congrats Andrea, what a beautiful story and a gorgeous ring. What a lovely connection thru the generations in your family!

Happy New Year. (one of your fPOE buddies :) T.

Caitlin said...

Wow~ what a goregeous ring.... And you don't often hear such unique engagement stories, especially when it's a surprise for both people! Congratulations!

Amie McCracken said...

Congratulations! That ring is soooooooooo beautiful. I have my grandmother's diamond in a new setting. It's wonderful to have a ring with history.

Huong said...

Such a beautiful story! And the ring is absolutely gorgeous ... such a precious moment! Congrats again!

rachel said...

eek, congratulations!! such a beautiful ring, too! lucky girl :)

Sara said...

Wonderful story! Congrats!

k said...

OK so when I read your email I kind of had a suspicion..CONGRATULATIONS!!! I think that is the best engagement story I have ever heard! Seriously...how special to have your grandma involved - it kind of made me teary eyed after having spent time with my amazing grandma over the holiday :) I'm so so so happy for you and the ring is GORGEOUS. Wish I could give you a huge congratulatory hug!!!!! ...and california eh?? :)

Daniella said...

What a cute story! Your so lucky to have such a special piece like too, amazing! Hope you have lots of fun planning the wedding!