The Wedding Lens Blog – Wedding Planning Tips & Advice

Here is another sweet engagement story that we thought you would enjoy! This is a little longer than our other stories, but it includes get to see both people’s perspectives. Enjoy!

Lauren’s Perspective

“For my last college Spring Break, I traveled to New York with a student organization. The official trip ended Thursday, but Ryan agreed to join me for the weekend. He told me he had never been before, so I planned a weekend of tourist attractions.

On Friday, Ryan and I had breakfast, went to a museum, and had lunch.  I noticed Ryan wasn’t hungry, which is very unusual, but I thought nothing of it. After dessert, we wandered around until 3:00, when we walked to the entrance of Central Park.  Ryan had planned a carriage ride through the park. 

Many carriages were waiting, but Ryan insisted we wait for one driven by Sergio, who was apparently running late. Although I usually stress about being late, I was uncharacteristically calm and Ryan was visibly nervous. He walked from carriage to carriage asking for Sergio. Eventually, Ryan found Sergio, with his white horse and black carriage.

We climbed into the carriage and Sergio took pictures for us. It was cool outside, so we sat under a blanket while enjoying the scenery. I noticed our carriage went on a different path than the others, but I thought Ryan was just spoiling me. Throughout the ride, we were uncharacteristically quiet.  Taking in the view, everything was perfect.

When Sergio dropped us off, he pointed us towards a castle. There were several forks in the path, but Ryan always knew which way to go. I commented how good he was at directions, especially considering he had never here before. When we got to the castle, Ryan suggested we look at the view from the top balcony. Looking out over the city, I leaned against Ryan as he started to talk.

He said the most wonderful things and it wasn’t until the middle when I realized what was going on. I pulled back and asked “What?” several times before Ryan concluded by getting on one knee and asking “Lauren Nicole Calvert, will you marry me?” I yelled “Yes!” and threw my arms around him for the biggest hug and kiss. Ryan showed me the most beautiful ring he designed and introduced me to his friend who took pictures of the engagement. I was floating on cloud nine as we called our family and friends to tell them of the wonderful news! As we walked away from the castle, we passed countless people offering congratulations and applause.”

Ryan’s Perspective

“Although I proposed to Lauren in March of 2008, my story begins much earlier.  

In the fall of 2007, Lauren decided to spend spring break in New York and asked that I join her for the weekend.  I had conspired with her best friend to find the perfect ring and thought the trip would be the perfect time to propose. There was, however, one hitch: How was I to plan a proposal when I had never been to New York?  So my roommate and I purchased tickets to visit in January.

The next two months flew.  In February, I visited Lauren’s parents to ask for their blessing – a very nerve wracking activity.  There was waiting, scheming, and story-telling to throw Lauren off the trail.

Finally, March 14th arrived and Lauren and I were walking around New York.  Though I seemed calm on the outside, I was a mess of emotions on the inside.  I put the ring in my camera case.  Lauren and I started the day with breakfast and a museum.  By lunch, I felt sick to my stomach.  Although I managed to choke down a sandwich, I felt like I could throw up any minute.  We finished lunch and headed toward Central Park. 

Steve, the carriage owner, had a meeting, but he assured me that his driver, Sergio, knew everything.  We got to Central Park and there were a ton of drivers, but no Sergio.  We waited about 15 minutes before Sergio arrived.  I introduced myself, but my plans were news to him.  Regardless, he agreed to take us on our special ride.  Just as Steve promised, Sergio took us on a special trip away from other carriages and the standard tour.  It was truly magical, even with my stomach in my throat. 

We stopped and Sergio pointed us towards the Belvedere Castle.  I remember wanting to sprint to the castle, but Lauren slowed me down to enjoy the picture opportunities.  We got to the castle, but it was packed with kids.  My heart sank.  How would I make this special for someone who deserved so much?  But then I heard a whistle.  A teacher was calling the kids to leave. So I took the opportunity and I asked Lauren to come to the top of the castle to “check the view.”

A friend arranged for another friend to be there to take pictures.  When we got to the top, I noticed him waiting there.  We walked to the perfect location and took in the moment.  That’s when I told her that “I had been thinking…”  I told her that I had been thinking about our past and foundation and of our future and opportunities together, and the present, and how much I was excited to share that moment with her and have the opportunity to ask her to be my wife.  (That’s when I dropped to one knee and received an exuberant ‘YES’!)  I also introduced the friend who had been taking pictures, and we received congratulatory applauses from other passersby.” 

If you recently got engaged, check out our free photo albums and then send us your story: editor[at]theweddinglens.com