One day while at work, I got a phone call from my best friend's boyfriend, Josh. I answered because I thought it was rather strange for him to be calling me, especially in the middle of the day.
After some formal "hello's" and "how are you's" and "what are you up to's," I flat out asked, "So, why are you calling?" Then, I felt immediately bad because I sounded unintentionally rude. Whoops!
Josh said, "Well, I was wondering if you and Kalman want to go to the zoo with me and Jestine next Sunday?"
I replied, "Yeah, that sounds fun." I started getting a little anxious and giddy because I had a feeling about what was to come next. My coworkers were standing by watching me with curiosity as the grin on my face grew by the second.
Josh then goes on to say, "And, I would like for you to bring your camera. I am going to propose to Jestine and I want you to photograph it."
AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO EXCITED!! JUMPING UP AND DOWN AND TEARS IN MY EYES TRYING NOT OT SCREAM!!!! (my coworkers were about ready to call 9-1-1 because I just scared them with my reaction!)
I replied, "OF COURSE! Yes! I would love to do that!!"
Josh goes on to tell me about the ring, the proposal details, and about their first date at the zoo. He also told how Jestine took him to the wedding garden at the zoo on their first date. It was there that she told him she would like to get married at that location someday. I found out later that it was then that he decided he would propose to her there someday if their relationship progressed in that direction. 12 months later, here we are! Swoon! How adorable! The conversation ended with Josh swearing me to secrecy. Eeek! I am terrible at secrets (which is why I only told all my coworkers, my mom, my husband, and the neighbors...but nobody else)!! Oh--come on--I had to tell SOMEONE or else I would have exploded with excitement! I wasn't even able to tell Jestine's will-be-matron-of-honor, Courtney (a mutual best friend). Ahhh! I decided that I will need to avoid Jestine and Courtney as much as possible until "Game Day." Sorry girls!!!
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Fast forward a week and a half. It is July 17, 2011. Jestine, Josh, myself, my husband, and Kalman (my son) are on our way to the zoo. "Game Day" is here. Josh decided he wanted to make the most of the zoo and the 94-degree heat. So, we walked around. A lot. And saw ALL the animals. And sweated. A lot. Three hours later, we made our way to the Wedding Garden and Conservatory. Sorry, Josh, I should have intervened and told you to speed things up. :)
After some resistance from Jestine due to the heat and fatigue, we headed into the gardens. Actually, she was pretty adamant about not going. Sneaky Josh sweet-talked her into a stroll. Then, another conundrum. Josh wanted to propose where brides and grooms stand during weddings. Jestine was NOT okay with walking around the place anymore. Josh had to sweet-talk some more and ignore Jestine's wrath. Josh-2 points. Jestine-0 points. :) Josh and Jestine made there way to the "spot" and I walked around pretending to take pictures of flowers. Here are the photos of what happened next...
I am trying to pretend like I am photographing flowers. Josh is starting to reach into his pocket. All the while he is talking about a dinner he had with a "little ol' lady [Jestine's mom] and a little ol' man [Jestine's dad] over pot roast last week." (Or, something like that...Josh, correct me if I am wrong.) :)
Jestine is confused about why he is talking about pot roast and has not even noticed how long he is taking to pull that little box out of his pocket.
And, here it begins....
She finally said "yes!"
BEAUTIFUL ring!!! Good job, Josh!
Jestine saying, "I am in shock" over and over and over again. :)
First phone call--her mom. Hi Christine!!
Josh filling Jestine in on the days leading up to the proposal. He said he hid the ring in the pots and and pans so she wouldn't find it. hahaha! Just kidding!
Kalman approved of the ring!
Congratulations Jestine and Josh!! So happy for you and your future!!
