I still cannot believe it and some days, it still feels like a dream. We browsed rings for fun last year during our anniversary trip to Vegas and we’d speak casually about our futures and timelines in car rides, but I didn’t expect this to happen during 2020. It has been the highlight of my year and the better reason as to why 2020 will be my unforgettable year.
The original plan: The girls and I have been planning a girl’s getaway to Paso Robles for a few months now. We had the Airbnb booked and in an effort to make everyone’s lives a little easier, I sent out a breakdown of the itinerary for our weekend – from the meals we’d cook, the games we’d play, and even a pajama + skincare night. I now know why they were all so agreeable to everything – they all already had other things in mind.
Arrival to Paso Robles, Friday: We wasted no time – within the hour of everyone arriving, we had Moscow Mules lined up, shots of Tequila and Hennessy being refilled, and Chef Tiffo prepping our fancy dinner with such ease (bruschetta – currently new fav thing to make, muscles and clam, crab cakes). We had Gryffin playing on full volume and girls dancing in loungewear. By 10:30pm, we were knocked out – realizing we’re not in our early 20’s anymore.
The Wineries, Saturday: Up before the sunrise, we had hours to get glammed up – it’s my favorite thing to do with the girls. Sharing beauty tips, catching up on life, and retelling funny memories. Two wineries were expecting us this day – Adelaida Vineyards & Winery and JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. We left to Adelaida Vineyards for our first tasting and the fun was just beginning. Little did I know, the moment we left the Airbnb, Thomas & the engagement crew arrived – they rushed to get ready, showered, took a few shots to loosen up the nerves and a little pre-celebration, and departed to JUSTIN Vineyards. Meanwhile at Adelaida, the laughs continued, we took some great photos, and some spilled wine later, we made our way to JUSTIN Vineyards.
When we arrived to JUSTIN Vineyards, Christine announced that we got a group wine tour (hmm, eyebrow raise) and an employee instructs us to return to our cars as she escorts us out of the parking lot and to a separate gated entrance. We’re driving up a hill, through acres of vineyards, my car is silent and I look out the window thinking how lucky we are to get a private wine tour. We reach the top of the hill, unbuckle our seatbelts, and walk out. In that moment, the employee (whose name I later find out to be Amy, the amazing coordinator) looks directly at my eyes … ‘Shayna please follow me’ and in that moment I knew – because my tears began to flow before my feet can take their steps.
The proposal: My first sight is Thomas, all dressed up holding the largest bouquet of flowers with the widest smile on his face. My mind is racing with a million thoughts as I am speechless and crying my way up the hill and staring at Thomas’ eyes as he’s embracing both my hands.
They say a picture is worth a million words, so here’s the video:
My after thoughts: The amount of love I felt in that moment and in the days that followed is a blessing – we were showered with congrats from families and friends – and I am just so grateful. Reminiscing on this day, I don’t know how I deserved a fiancé that put so much thought into this day and to all my friends who helped orchestrate the weekend and were able to successfully keep a secret.
We have been a part of each other’s lives for 11 years and being engaged takes you back to the honeymoon stage – I love it.
