I’m engaged!!!!
My handsome gentleman asked me to marry him on Monday, and I said YES!!!
First off…I know a lot of you have been praying for us over the last two years, and so I just want to thank you for thinking of us, and sharing in this wonderful news!!!
It was truly the best day of my life.
And if you’ll indulge me, I’d love to share with you how it happened. (And if you want to see a video of the proposal, I will have it posted on my Instagram stories tonight — @beauty.beyond.bones).
Let me start out by saying, I was TOTALLY SURPRISED. Truly. That’s not me just pretending to be surprised to make Steven feel good. No – I was completely blindsided.
To set the tone, if you’d like to turn on and listen to this song while you read the post, feel free! It is our song — in Tagalog — and it was playing during the proposal.
My handsome gentleman, Steven, asked me to marry him at his parent’s home in Jersey City. I thought I was meeting him there to go out to brunch with his family for his little niece’s third birthday.
It was my job to get the cake, and I thought I was LATE! My Uber hit traffic coming over from Manhattan and Steven told me that they were all waiting for me to go as soon as I got there! So I was rushing and trying to just slip inside without them noticing, put the cake in the fridge and not keep them waiting any longer than I thought I was! I mean, how could I keep a little sweetie pie waiting to go to her birthday party!!!
Steven texted me that he left the door unlocked and to just come in because he was helping his parents with something in the back.
So I stealthily try to sneak inside — I’m carrying the cake, and my birthday gift for his niece, and two other bags filled with groceries and things that I had brought for the birthday party — I’m juggling my coat — basically, I’m just a HOT MESS.
So I open the door, and the first thing I noticed, were that there were flower petals and candles on the floor. And I thought to myself….Waaaaait a minute, that’s rather odddddd for a three year old’s birthday.
Then I heard our song (that you’re hopefully listening to right now) playing over the speakers.
And then I looked up and saw my handsome gentleman standing across the room, all dressed up, smiling, watching me enter the room. And the path of rose petals and candles led right to him.
And that’s when I knew…this was the moment I have been dreaming of.
And that’s also the moment, that I was so overcome with joyful emotion, that — oh my gosh — I began sobbing. Like, almost wailing. hahah If you watch the video on Instagram, you can hear it, and see me trying to sneak inside. But I was sobbing. Ugly crying. Makeup all over the place. I was just so overcome with joy.
Steven’s sweet 3 year old niece then met me with a beautiful red rose, and I walked over to my now-fiancé, and he shared such beautiful words with me, and asked me to spend forever with him!
But before doing so, he informed me, that not only was his entire family present — and filming the entire thing!! — but that my family was also present — Steven had set up a Zoom call with everyone on the laptop that he had placed strategically right in front of us — giving my entire family front row seats.
And finding that out….queue the waterworks…I lost it again!!!
Everyone I love, all there, all witnessing our love and joy.
He bent down on one knee, presented me with the absolute most beautiful ring I have ever seen in my life, asked me to marry him, and I said YES!!
Y’all, I was shaking. Like, my hand was trembling when he put on the ring!!! My knees were weak. And I was so nervous and flustered that, when I bent down to kiss him, I missed his lips and kissed his EYE instead!! hahahah Oh my gosh.
But it could not have been more perfect.
Steven did such an amazing job making it the most special day of my life…complete with asking me on 4/4…knowing that my favorite number is four 🙂
But what was so meaningful, was that both our families were there to witness it. Family is so important to both Steven and I, and to have everyone present — physically or virtually — it meant the world.
I am so grateful to be engaged to such an incredible man. On top of the nine years that I have known him as a friend, these past few months have demonstrated his remarkable character: How he will move mountains for his family, and is the most staunch support to the people in his life. His generosity, his compassion and love — I am one lucky girl.
So that’s my big news!
I think most of you guessed it on Monday, but I didn’t want to confirm or deny! 🙂 hehe
Thank you for your prayers, thank you for your support, and thank you for allowing me to share this beautiful and special day with you.
I would love love love to hear YOUR engagement story, if you feel like sharing in the comments section. I love love 🙂
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398 responses to “I’M ENGAGED!!!!”
Congratulations on the engagement and marriage, you deserve all the best, you are wonderful and beautiful
Thank you so much!!! 💛
CONGRATULATIONS! Marriage is a gift from God! All the best!
Thank you Michael!!! Yes it is!! Hugs and love xox
No wonder New York has been more friendlier these past few days! Stoked for you two, my friends. Can’t wait!
Haha Awwww thank you so much!!!
I had a feeling this was coming! Congratulations!! What a beautiful proposal story. Wishing you both every happiness and blessing
Aww yes!! Thank you so much!! I really appreciate that! Hugs and love xox
literally screamed out loud when I saw this. CONGRATULATIONS!!
Aw Rachel, you are too sweet!! Thank you so much!! We are over the moon! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations! May the Lord bless you with many years of joy in His love and grace!
Thank you so much Robert!! Hugs and love xox
Oh what joyful news! Congratulations! God’s best to you and your fiancé! I appreciate your blog and should write more often to tell you that! This seemed like a good time to do so! Keep up the wonderful work! (I’m already looking forward to the post with a hundred wedding pictures!)
Thank you so much Tim! We are thrilled!!! I appreciate that 💛💛💛 The photos will definitely come!! (In due time!) Haha Hugs and love xox
so excited for you – congratulations !!
Aw thank you Anna! I appreciate you sharing in the joy with me! Hugs and love xox
That is so awesome, Caralyn! Congratulations! 💕💖💕💖💕
Aw thank you so much Paula!!!! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations to you both! Your faith is rewarded. For our proposal,I love puzzles, so Douglas bought balloons and patiently wrote a letter each, spelling out WILL YOU MARRY ME? It was perfect. Keep smiling!
Thank you so much!!! Oh my gosh what a sweet story! That is so romantic! Good job Douglas! ☺️ thanks for sharing that! Hugs and love xox
So happy for you. Thank you for sharing.
Aw thank you so much!!! I appreciate it! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations.
Thank you so much Douglas!!!Hugs and love xox
Congratulations!!! What a handsome man and beautiful couple. Mahalo Ke Akua … God bless you both!
Thank you so much Scott!! 🙂 I appreciate that, and will pass that along! (He’ll love to hear it! hahaah) Hugs and love xox
Congratulations!!!🥰🥰
Thank you so much Vicki!!! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations to y’all. I’m happy for y’all.
Thank you so much HJ! I appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
🤗 & ❤️
xoxo 🙂
I am so happy and excited for you!!! Thank you for sharing your story. May God’s name continue to be praised in your life!
aw, thank you so much!! Amen to that – God has been so good to me, I am very grateful! Hugs and love xox
CONGRATULATIONS!!
My husband proposed to me at a restaurant called Amore on lovers lane. So corny and so adorable!
Thank you so much! awwww!!! that is so sweet though! I am all about the corniness when it comes to love! hehe thanks for sharing that! Hugs and love xox
I am so, so happy for you.
aw, Jack – that really means a lot. thank you so very much. Hugs and love xox
Congratulations.
aw thank you so much!!n we’re over the moon! Hugs and love xox
Mazel tov!
Thank you Clinton!!! it was such a special day! Hugs and love xox
Oh my gosh!! I am sooo happy for you two!! I suspected this may happen the other day, Caralyn, God bless you guys and your families! And, thanks for making my eyes all wet… 😂 ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Hi John! Oh my goodness, thank you so much 🙂 we are absolutely over the moon. What a week it has been. thank you so much for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
So happy for you two! Congratulations!
thank you Ivan! I appreciate that, and will pass along your kind sentiments! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!
Aw, Susan! thank you so much! we are so happy too!!! Hugs and love xox
How wonderful!! Such a romantic proposal, too. Many congratulations!! 🍾🎊
thank you so much!! It really was so romantic and meaningful! like out of a fairy tale!! i’m a lucky girl! thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
So incredibly happy for you!! You are a rare young woman of faith who deserves someone wonderful to love her!
Aw, Becky thank you so much for that! I am truly so touched by your kind words! He is an amazing man — it is an honor to be loved be him. Thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Both of you are so beautiful on the outside, because of what is overflowing from inside of you. May the LORD bless and keep you. Nothing formed against you will prosper. Please share wedding photos from the big day.
Aw, you are too kind! thank you so much for such kind words! Amen to that! It is such a blessing that we both share the faith, and love God. He is going to be an amazing husband. Yes! I certainly will! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations 💞🥰
thank you so much Lois!!! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations 🎊 👏 what a heartfelt proposal! ❤ thank you for sharing one of your best days of your life! 🥰🥳 love the song from my hometown too!! That was remarkable and memorable. ❤
My husband proposed in the Philippines where we had our quick getaway somewhere in Bohol (chocolate hills). 🍫 and the rest is history. This reminds me how much i love the person who love me first! All the best to both of you! Continue to inspire and be a blessing to others.💝 love from NZ!!
Aw, thank you so much Pamela!! it really was so special and meaningful! Oh my gosh, you’re kidding! that’s from your home town!!!! that’s amazing!!! we both love that singer: Moira Della Torre I believe is how you spell it. Her voice is so angelic. And wow that sounds so special! (and delicious 😉 hehe ) thank you for sharing that story with me! Steven and I hope to get to the Philippines some day soon! His parents are from there!!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Congratulations!!
Thank you so much!! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations! I am so happy for you! I recently came back to my blog after a heartbreak. That being said, seeing your beautiful story and seeing the joy all over your face, It brought me hope for my own. Your blog always comforted me during my struggles. However my comment is to say – Congratulations because you deserve all the happiness in the world!
Thank you so much Maria, you are too sweet! And gosh, I’m so sorry to hear that you went through heartbreak — that is so tough. I’m glad you took some time to heal. and absolutely — there is hope!! One hundred percent! All in God’s perfect timing…that’s one thing I have definitely had to learn over and over and over. hahah aw, thank you again! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for your kind words. It just happened a month ago. ( I left my blog because of the pandemic, which I recognize was not wise, but it was my way of coping.) I am reeling from nightmares and dreams about my past life with him. We were engaged actually, and that makes it hurt so much worse. Now, I don’t really know who I am. With my writing, I feel it’s the only way to swim through. Yes, God is the way to get through asking him for direction.
Your blog always was and is a beautiful spirit of words wrapped and woven with a beautiful soul – which is you!
Thank you for who you are.
Thank you for your words of strength.
oh Maria, my heart is with you right now. That is so tough. so very very tough. Yes – going through difficult seasons myself, I found that writing really was the most cathartic thing. Even if just in a private journal for myself — it really helped me verbalize my feelings — which in itself is a really powerful exercise. Because in doing so, it sends a message to your heart that your feelings are valid and worth feeling and acknowledging. I will absolutely be praying for you. Seasons of trial, though we fell lost and like we don’t know who we are in that moment, they’re actually shaping us into who we are created to be. They are transforming your soul. Your spirit. Your heart. And you are growing from it, albeit painfully. Hang in there. You are gold, being refined by fire. I love you, sweet friend. God is carrying you right now!!! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for much. This message, these words touched my heart. Your prayers mean so much. I wish all the best for you! I can’t wait to discover what’s next for me. The fresh air I got today really exhilarated me!
aw, that makes me so happy! fresh air is truly good for the soul!! 🙂
I am so happy for you. I had a feeling… yay congratulations to all the happiness and joy with each new day. 🥰
Thank you so much Debbie!!! Aw, I really appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations! What a sweet story! I am so happy for you two! God bless you both ♥️🌹♥️
Thank you so much Bridget!!! it really was such a special moment. Thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
When you said earlier in the week you had great news, I figured that might be what it was! I’m so excited for you! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!
Hi Angie!! Aww, thank you so much! Yes! I knew the “teaser” could really only be one thing! But yes! I wanted to be able to share photos and a video — because a picture is worth a thousand words! haha Thank you so much for sharing in the joy with me!! We are over the moon!! sending big big hugs!
YAY!!!!!!! Hallelujah!!!! Praise the Lord!! May God’s Face always shine upon you and Steven and may the Love of Christ uphold and enrich the love you both have for each other! Jehovah Jireh!
Myron!! thank you so much my friend! Yes! God has certainly blessed me with a wonderful man and a wonderful family I’m going to be joining. I am very grateful. Hugs and love xox
CONGRATULATIONS! I think I remember, a while back, trying my best to convince you that letting God do it is the best way. He used those other guys to help you know in your heart the kind of man you wanted and needed. Having a “help” mate is a wonderful thing. I am happy for you both!
Thank you so much Mark!!! hahah you’re right about that! God’s timing is always perfect, even when we don’t understand it. Steven was definitely worth the wait! hahah I love that – a help mate. THank you for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations! A blessed journey is ahead for you both 🙂
Thank you so much my friend! i appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations!! Blessings to you both.
Thank you so much!! I appreciate it! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations!
Aw thank you so much Barb! We’re over the moon! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations Caralyn. May the Lord’s blessing be upon you both.
Thank you so much Manu! We are overjoyed! Hugs and love xox
Yay yay yay! And Amen! Best day ever, and for me it was the same!! My husband surprised me (blindsided me completely) in the same way–with a carefully prepared proposal, beautiful ring, and the happiest of memories. Now, 33 years later, I’m still in love with my very best friend. I pray you will have many many years of wedded bliss and joy in serving Jesus Christ together! Blessings to you and congratulations to Steven!!
Here’s my proposal story…about “promises kept”: https://lightbournecreative.com/2019/03/15/day-14-the-privileged-life-promises-kept/
Oh yay! I can’t wait to read it! thanks for passing that along! Hugs and love xox
Thank you so much!!!! yes!!! best day ever indeed! and oh my gosh — 33 years, that is so beautiful and really something to celebrate! What a beautiful love story you two share! Thank you for your prayers and for sharing in the joy with me! I will absolutely pass along your kind sentiments to Steven!! Hugs and love xox
Will keep you both in my prayers!
thank you! I will pass that along to Steven. means so much. Hugs and love xox
This makes me so happy! Congrats, Caralyn!!!! What a way you’ve come from the girl hiding behind the hat❤️❤️❤️..
Aw, Heather – thank you so much my friend!! Yes!!! hahahha oh my goodness that’s too funny! Hiding behind the hat — God has certainly taken me a long way since then! I am very very grateful! Thanks for sharing in the joy with me! love you friend! Hugs and love xox
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! God is so good!!
aw, thank you so much!! Yes He is! I am so grateful that He brought such a wonderful man into my life! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉 Have a blissful union❤️❤️
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate that! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations, Cara! I am so happy for you two!!
Thank you so much Melissa!!!! We are absolutely over the moon. Thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations and God’s blessing on both of you!!
Aw, thank you so much! God is so good! I will definitely pass that along to Steven ! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations, so happy for you both. Praying for life’s richest blessings.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your prayers! Sending big hugs xox
You are more than welcome….can I ask a favor, and only when you have time can you read my last 6 posts….I always respect your opinion. Thank you so much
Absolutely – I look forward to doing so!
Congratulations!!!! I have prayed for you both (you a lot longer because I have known you longer). And just a heads up, I also had prayed that after you married that you would be blessed with a baby together down the road a bit. So happy for you both, soon to be one!! Praise God for your blessings!!! He always answers prayer in the right time. Love you as always, my beautiful friend. Hugs! XO😃❤️
Aw, Tonya, thank you so much for your prayers and support and wonderful friendship over the years. It truly means so much, and I consider you a great friend! Aw, yay!! We both want children and a family, so that’s so great that you’ve already put in a good word with the “Big Guy Upstairs” 🙂 heheh God is so good!! You’re right about that. His timing is always perfect. thank you for your kindness and for sharing in the joy with me. Love you friend! hugs xox
😃❤️😃❤️
xoxo 🙂
Really happy for you both. This is the love that God has had for you since the beginning of time. He has prepared you both for this. Enjoy!
Aw, thank you so much M! I really appreciate that. You’re right – God has been working on both of our hearts. I mean, we’ve known eachother as friends for nine years, so we have a solid foundation that we’ve built upon! Hugs and love xox
Yippee yippee yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!
Aw thank you JB! We are absolutely over the moon! Hugs and love xox
Aw. You are very graciously welcome. I hope that you and your very special hunny have too much fun for the rest of your life.
my special hunny 🙂 heheh 🙂 🙂 Thanks again my friend. xoxoxo
You are welcome again oh amazing one.
xoxo 🙂
Congratulations!!!! I’m so excited for you both ❤️
Ellen! Thank you so much, my friend! We are over the moon! Thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Awwww, this is all so wonderful! I’m really happy for you both. I love how he included both your families. What a great way to start your lives together, surrounded by family. God bless you guys!!
Thank you so much Patty! That really means a lot! I know! I loved that everyone was able to be there and be present. Such a gift. He is a very thoughtful man. God is good! Hugs and love xox
Glad to see your man honoring the “great tradition.” He did it right. Anyone who follows your blog isn’t all that surprised, either. Congratulations. Since it was she who got me to accompany her to church services (after 40 years of backsliding on my part) I figured it was only proper that I propose to her in the empty chapel on the church grounds. It worked and, almost 19 years later, it’s still working. Let no one rend asunder what God has brought together.
Thank you so much Rollie! you’re right about that – He did it right. I’m so blessed to have such an incredible man to soon call husband! You’re kind to say that. Thank you. And oh my gosh what a beautiful proposal! That sounds like a scene from a movie! oh my gosh! amen to that! thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn & Steven may each step you take before the wedding from choosing the readings for Mass, to selecting your garments, making choices for invitations, and continuing to choose one another, lead you through to the day that begins your marriage.
<3
Teri
Hi Teri! Oh my gosh, thank you for this beautiful note. I am so touched. Yes. Yes yes yes. Continuing to choose one another – what a powerful sentiment. I will absolutely pass this wonderful note along to him. Means so much. thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations! Now we can read your posts from way back and see how the story has developed over time… it’ll be like traveling through time!
Thank you so much Marcelo! hahaha Yes! It’s so very true! He’s been my friend for nine years! So he’s been there through it all! 🙂 thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations!!! I’m so very happy for the both of you!!!
aw thank you so much for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations!! Outside of Christ giving Himself to me in salvation (John 1:12), marriage for 41 years has been the highlight of my life!! May I encourage you to both to read Love & Respect by Emerson Eggerich.
Thank you so much Dale! oh wow, 41 years! that is so beautiful and truly something to celebrate! Oooh – yes, I will take you up on that suggestion! thanks for the recco, I have heard amazing things about that book! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations!!!
Thank you so much Dino!!! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations!!!
Thank you so much! We’re overjoyed! Hugs and love xox
OMG congratulations girl!!!
Hi Pradipta!! Thank you so much!!! We are absolutely over the moon. thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Hahaha! I knew it!!!! I could see this coming for the longest time! I am jumping for joy for the both of you! Congratulations💕
Hi Laura!! Oh my gosh, thank you so much! You are too sweet. we are both overjoyed. It was such a special moment – he did such a great job making it meaningful. So grateful to God for bringing such an amazing man into my life. Thanks for sharing in the joy with us! i will definitely pass along your kind words to Steven! Hugs and love xox
Oh he was definitely tailor made for you and you for him…and it shows. You are a very special lady who would need someone as special, to complete you.
I’m so grateful that God in His perfect timing, brought you two halves, together at last.
I am filled with joy and celebrating the love you both have deserved and waited for.💕
His perfect timing — that is exactly right! So grateful for how He orchestrated everything. We have a good, good Father.:) Thanks again – your comments always bring a smile to my face! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
THAT took some effort. He’s a keeper. Congratulations!
Yes, it really did! He is one heck of a guy. And the craziest thing is that all of this was supposed to take place in my backyard in Cincinnati. He got his whole family airplane tickets and my best friends airplane tickets and everything, and was going to surprise me in Cincinnati, because I was supposed to be home visiting this week. but due to unexpected last minute circumstances, I had to cancel my trip and be here, so he made it happen here. 🙂 He moved mountains to make it happen. He really is a keeper. what a great guy. thanks for sharing in the joy with us. Hugs and love xox
I actually got tears of joy with your announcement! Congratulations!! It was like when our own children got engaged and I have never met you! I am so very happy for you and Steven, two very, very special people. May the Lord continue to bless both of you as you start your lives together as one.
aw, you are too kind! thank you so much! Gosh I am seriously so touched! I will absolutely pass along your kind sentiments. Amen – God is so good! thanks for sharing in the joy with us. Hugs and love xox
Congratulations Caralyn! Wow, what a surprise. I’m so happy for you guys. Good luck and Godbless!
Reid
Thank you so much Reid!!! it really was a surprise. It was the best day of my life! God is good! thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations! The photos tell your wonderful story. And thank you for sharing the video. You have overcome. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Thank you so much Debra!! You’re too sweet. 🙂 absolutely! i think the video really conveys how incredibly beautiful and meaningful the moment was! thanks for watching and sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations!!! Knew this day would come🥰🌹❤
Aw thank you so much! We are absolutely overjoyed! Hugs and love xox
Wonderful 💙 So happy for both of you ⚘
Thank you so much Krista! I so appreciate that! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations, Cara. I am so happy for you two!
Thank you so much Melissa! You are so sweet. I’ll definitely pass that along to Steven! Hugs and love xox
Straight up, BRAVO, and God Bless. Your blog is not always my cup of tea, but for this news, this chance for you both in Nuptial Bliss, for sure, GOD BLESS.
Thank you so much Jeff! I appreciate that. Nuptial Bliss…bring it on!!! 🙂 hahah thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations! I’ve been following you for maybe five years now (??), and have prayed for you as God would bring you to mind. When Steven entered the picture, I wondered if this was “The One.” 🙂 So happy for you, and I pray God blesses your marriage in amazing ways. Keep the Lord first and foremost in your marriage, go to Him when times are hard or when Hubby just won’t listen (because sometimes he won’t–haha) and you’ll ride out the storms that love & life inevitably bring. <3
Hi Laurie! Oh my gosh this was the sweetest note! Thank you so much! I will definitely pass along your kindness to Steven. And thank you for this amazing advice. Your prayers worked, my friend! I couldn’t be more grateful for your friendship and support and prayers over the years. you are amazing! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations. May your days together be filled with contentment
Thank you so much Steven! (I like your name! Haha) Hugs and love xox
Congratulations! So exciting and such a lovely story! Blessings as you prepare for your wedding and life together!
Thank you so much Melanie! I appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, congratulations to you and Steven. May the Lord bless you and keep you, as you plan for your marriage. So good to know that you will joining together in marriage with someone who cherishes you and their extended family! Abundant blessings of joy, love, and hugs!
Thank you so much my friend! That is so kind. I will definitely pass along your sentiments! And yes! I’m very grateful to now have TWO wonderful families!!
Hugs and love xox
Congratulations! May God’s best blessings be yours–we would say “y’all’s” in Texas–in this wonderful new chapter!
Thank you so much Curtis! I really appreciate that! And haha I love a good y’all!! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations!
I don’t have an engagement story to share, and you don’t want to hear any of my stories about relationships… actually, that’s not entirely true, I did have two relationships that ended on good terms. So I’ll share the story of how I met one of the nice exes, because it’s a funny story. I’m 6’4. One of my friends from college (the guy who Ramon from DLTDGB is based on) was in a band in the early 2000s, with some of his friends from church, based in the major city about 100 miles from me (as opposed to the still pretty big city of whose suburbs I live now). I was at one of their shows, standing a few rows back from the stage, when I felt a tap on my shoulder. A girl standing behind me asked, “Excuse me, I don’t mean to bother you, but could you maybe step to the side a little? I can’t see the stage very well. I don’t have to say this often, because I’m 5’11 and in heels, but you’re REALLY tall!” So I did. She and I talked a little after the show; I learned her first name and how she knew the band (she went to church with them).
The next day, I was looking at the band’s Myspace page. (This was 2005, remember.) I had been to enough of their shows that I was starting to recognize some of their other friends who came to a lot of shows. They had somewhere around 150 followers on Myspace; I sent friend requests to a few of them whom I recognized and had met in person at shows before, including the tall girl. And we just hit it off from there.
oh my gosh what a story! That’s a time when your height REALLY came in handy! And i’m impressed! 5’11 is tall for a girl! What a great story! I’m sorry it didn’t work out, but hey — that’s one closer to the right One! thanks for sharing that! Hugs and love xox
This was the news we were all expecting. Congratulations to you both and I’m so impressed with how your fiancé engineered the whole thing – so romantic. Of course, we’re all now looking forward to your big day. So happy fir you both.
Thank you so much Sheree! It really was SO romantic! i appreciate you sharing in the joy with me!! i will pass along your kind words! Hugs and love xox
❤️
xoxo 🙂
Happy happy news! 😊 congratulations to both of you! May you have much joy love and happiness in the years ahead! Love from Jeanne ❤️ 💙 💜 💖 💗
Thank you so much Jeanne! that is so sweet — I will definitely pass that along! Hugs and love xox
I am so happy for you and Steven! Tears are in my own eyes! This is such wonderful news! What a beautiful proposal. God bless you both.
Aw thank you so much Delores! you are too sweet!! I will absolutely pass along your kindness to Steven! big hugs to you xox
Yes I guessed. Very many congratulations and blessings to you both.
hahah good intuition!! hehe thank you so much! i will pass that along to Steven! Hugs and love xox
Wonderful news! So happy for you. Huge congratulations and every blessing to you both. This has made my day.
aw, thank you so much! I really appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! it was a really special day! Hugs and love xox
It’s an answer to our combined prayers and we are all happy for you both 🙂
aw, Ian! You’re so great – thank you so much for the prayers and support and for being a great friend! i will pass along your kind sentiments to steven! big hugs to you xox
Keep up your positive blogging as it is a ministry. Now you will have a good partner in your ministry.
Thank you Ian – absolutely! this blog is not going anywhere! in fact, it’s just getting started! haha Hugs and love xox
Congratulations that was beautiful. So pleased for you both. I thank God for answered prayers because He heard and answered. I pray you will have a blessed, long and fruitful marriage. ❤️
Thank you so much!!! Yes! God is so good! Thank you so much for your prayers, and your kind words! i will absolutely pass them along to Steven! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations Caralyn and Steven! I am so overjoyed. I felt I was there too, sharing this wonderful moment in your life (well, both of you!) how could I not, I am a Filipino! It chills me with kilig to the bones while listening Moira’s song! I pray nothing but all goodness and beautiful moments to come -. God bless you! Prayers from me, Mahal ko kayong dalawa! Mabuhay kayo! regards to Steven!
Thank you so much Ofelia! You are too sweet! and oh my gosh, isn’t Moira’s song amazing! I just learned the work kilig on Saturday, and you’re right! ALL THE KILIG! hehe Thank you for the prayers and support and love! Steven is sitting next to me right now and I just read him the tagalog! He says, “Salamat” 🙂 Sending the biggest hugs and love!
God bless you both. You are a living proof of all we read of in Psalm91. You are now both in my daily prayers
aw thank you so much! that is so kind. I appreciate your prayers! I will pass that along to Steven! Hugs and love xox
What a beautiful proposal Caralyn. Congratulations to you guys and may there be many blessings and love for you both 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋
Thank you so much Mark! That really means a lot! It really was. Steven did an awesome job making it so special and meaningful. sending big hugs to you xox
Wow, love the proposal. Congratulations to you both and blessings as you start the new journey 🙂
xoxo
Thank you so much Hannah! Didn’t Steven do an incredible job making it such a special moment!?! i really appreciate that! Hugs and love xox
Beyond words, had me in tears of joy looking at it. Very special thing he did. Bless him for making it so special for you. 🥰🤗💐
awwww, you are too kind 🙂
💐❤️😊
xoxo 🙂
OK, so I’m letting this sink in and am getting weepy myself. Your news is what I need to hear too, after all the craziness in our world today. God bless you both. And your families, too!
awww, David – you are too kind. thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words! i will pass that along to Steven! he’s sitting right next to me working! Hugs and love xox
The Good Guys are winning! That’s my takeaway from your good news.
awwww! yes!
Congratulations sister! 🥳🥳🥳💜
thank you so much!!!!! we are over the moon! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations Sis, you deserve this. You have shared so much love and hope with others and so I thank God for the wonderful fiancé he has given you. I can see he is quite a romantic and detail oriented gentleman. I wish you a blissful future together.
thank you so much Judith!! oh my gosh you are so kind, and I am truly touched by your words. Amen to that!! God has been so good to me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for such an incredible man. VERY detail oriented!! I will tell you this — so every time he went to the ring shop to look at the ring, and make the decisions and take his family to show it, he always made it a point to wear an article of clothing that I had given him. Isn’t that so sweet?! Thanks again for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Congrats! And best wishes 🙂
Thank you so much!!! i really appreciate that! Hugs and love xox
Omg, so sweet!!! I got goose bumps and am happy for the love birds. So lovely and thoughtful. You guys make a great couple!!!
Thank you so much! aww, that’s too sweet! I’ll pass that along to him 🙂 thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Lots of love to you both! Have a great weekend.
thank you again! 🙂
🙂
xoxo 🙂
Oh My God, Congratulations
haha thank you so much!!!! we are over the moon! Hugs and love xox
Mazal’Tov!! Blessings on this new chapter of your all’s life!
aw, thank you so much Paul! I really appreciate that. it was such a special day! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations 🎉🎊🍾
Thank you so much!! oh my gosh, it was such a special day. thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you both.
Aw, Mary! Thank you so much! I appreciate that! Hugs and love xox
I’m crying happy tears for you sweet friend, dreams really do come true 💕 God is so so good!
Aw, Steph you are too sweet! thank you so much for sharing in the joy with us! Yes He is!! Hugs and love xox
Mazel Tov.
Thank you so much James! I really appreciate it! Hugs and love xox
CONGRATULATIONS! God had been so good to you! May he bless you both with a truly blessed marriage! God bless 😊
oh my gosh thank you so much! He really has, I am so grateful that He brought such a terrific man into my life! thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations, wish you all the best.
aw thank you so much! i really appreciate it! Hugs and love xox
May you both be blessed with a lifetime of friendship, cheer, and happiness. Congrats!
aw thank you so much Paul! that means a lot! I will pass that along! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations!! Praying for you both and wishing you guys all the best!! God Bless!
thank you so much!! aw you are so kind, I will pass that along to Steven! Hugs and love xox
Yay! I am so happy for you both! Congrats!❤️
aw thank you so much! i will pass along your kind sentiments! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations ♥️♥️
Thank you so much!! we are over the moon ! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations!
Thank you so much Karac! we are over the moon! Hugs and love xox
WONDERFUL! So glad to hear this fab news! May you both walk together with the Lord, “…though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Keep us posted with all the joyous plans! ⚘❤⚘
Hi Lisa Beth! Aw, thank you so much for sharing in the joy with us!!! I will pass along your kind words to steven. I love that quote so much! a lot of truth there! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations I wish you two a happy life. Here is my story since you sked.
In the beginning
Both Pat and I went to the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Library Science in 1968/69. On Fridays, some of us went pub crawling as soon as they opened at noon. We called it POETS Corner. Yes, you guessed it: it’s an acronym for Piss On Everything, Tomorrow’s Saturday. On Friday, November 15, 1968, Pat was a fellow student’s date at the Red Lion. I was attracted to her and sat beside her. When Steven Horne left her alone to talk to some of his buddies, I was there and since it was by now late afternoon, I asked her to supper. She said yes. She went home to Rochdale to change and I picked her up there. Rochdale had just opened and there were a lot of graduate students there, so you can’t assume that Pat was a hippy. (But we were kind of hippies – long hair and all.) We went to Hungarian Village on Bay Street. We had the Transylvanian wood platter for two. That is, three salads, rice, fried potatoes, beef tenderloin, Hungarian sausage, bacon, grilled pork chop, Wienerschnitzel, cabbage rolls, and pickled beets, all accompanied by a full bottle of the Hungarian wine known as “Bull’s Blood”. Between us (though mostly Pat), we polished it all off. Then we had apple strudel and two each apricot brandies (remember, we started the date drinking beer all afternoon!). After Hungarian Village, we went to hear Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry at the Riverboat in Yorkville where we also had pastries and coffees. The date was not over yet, though it was past midnight. We went to Plaka, a Greek nightclub on Queen Street where we listened to Basuki players from Athens and threw dishes. There, we had two Zombies and a sharing tray of Greek cheese. I was thinking, boy, can this small girl ever eat and drink. I’m a foodie and was truly impressed. Got her back to Rochdale early Saturday morning and, after getting to know each other Hippie style, I proposed to her. She said “no.” Didn’t get much sleep before having to head off to my Saturday job at the undergraduate library at U of T. After work, I dropped by her place to ask her to Church on Sunday morning. Pat accepted, and came to the Church of the Redeemer with me on Sunday; this confirmed that Pat was the girl for me. I used to pray nightly that the first girl that attended Church with me would be the girl I married. It took two more askings but on February 9th (4 days after my birthday), she said she loved me and would marry me. On Valentine’s Day, we went together to buy her engagement ring. Her finger was so slim the jeweller had to cut down a size 4. We were married at St. Stephen’s-in-the-Fields on June 21, 1969.
Oh my gosh what a beautiful love story! thank you so much for sharing it with me! and my goodness, what a marathon date! I am so impressed by the stamina to throw Greek dishes after midnight, after being out all day! Also – I love that you capitalized by her moment alone at the bar! it was meant to be! this is such a sweet story. i really enjoyed reliving it with you. Hugs and love xox
Congratulations and best wishes to you both. Thank you for sharing you joyful news, it is comforting to see and know there is still happiness and good in this world.
Thank you Ann! I appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! yes! it was such a happy moment for sure. i will pass along your kind words! Hugs and love xox
GOD the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favour look upon you, and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that you may live together faithfully in this world, and in the world to come you may inherit life everlasting. Amen.
Amen to that!!! thank you again!
Congrats to you and your “special gentlemen”!🥂What a beautiful and touching proposal! You’re blessed with this young man as your future spouse-he’s too!! 🙏 P.S. I too am engaged and will be marrying legally this coming Monday-miracle story! 🙏 Lots of Love❤️ from Miami! 🌴
Thank you so much Giselle! oh my gosh it really was so precious! clearly i was moved to tears!! And oh my gosh Congrats to you as well on your upcoming marriage! that is so so exciting, and I’m so happy for you!! sending love to you! xox
Congratulations! Since you hinted a couple of weeks ago about looking for jewelry for your left hand, I suspect that it wasn’t as much of a surprise as you imply. Best wishes to both of you.
thank you so much JC! hahah right! but the proposal itself was truly a surprise!!! i will pass along your kind words! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations!!! So excited for you
Thank you so much Kristie! we are over the moon! Hugs and love xox
Allow me to be the FIRST 189th person on this blog to Congratulate you and offer you Best Wishes! 😁
But, truthfully, now the real work begins, and I’m not talking wedding flower planning. The work of two flawed people, for however ‘blinded’ you may be in the throes of infatuation, to blend your lives together in a way that is honoring to Jesus.
It takes the three of you to do it, You, Steven and JESUS!
❤️&🙏, c.a.
hahaha aw, CA thank you so much!!! we are absolutely over joyed! you’re right about that – i love that sentiment. so true: that blending of our lives is what I am most looking forward to. Journeying together towards Heaven. Thanks for sharing in the joy with us. I will pass along your kind words! Hugs and love xox
I am so happy for you. God answers prayers! Congratulations! ❤️❤️
Hi Andrea! aw thank you so much! Yes He does! Steven is definitely an answer to my hearts deepest prayer! hugs to you xox
Congratulations, Caralyn… you sincerely share your faith in God to help others, and He is blessing you, and will continue to bless you! Very happy for you 🙂
Thank you so much Scott! Aw, that is so kind of you to say. Yes, I am so grateful to God for such an incredible blessing in Steven. Thanks for sharing in the joy with us. Hugs and love xox
Congratulations… such wonderful news. Wishing you abundant joy and peace!
Thank you Rey! I really appreciate that! Hugs and love xox
Congrats!!! And perfectly arranged.
Aw, thank you so much! i would have to agree — it was such a special moment. Hugs and love xox
AAAAAGH! That is so very exciting!!! Congratulations!!
Hi Lauri!! aw thank you so much!!!! we are absolutely overjoyed. Thanks for sharing in the excitement with us. Hugs and love xox
Congratulations! Such a sweet engagement story! ❤❤❤❤ Many blessings and happiness to you both.
Thank you so much!! it really was such a special moment!! Hugs and love xox
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3
I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU. What a blessing to have followed you and watch your story unfold! I cannot be happier for you! Congratulations to both of you!
Thank you for sharing your life and story with people on the internet.
Hi Aimee! Aw, thank you so much!!! oh my gosh I am so touched by your kind words!! ThankYOU for sharing in the joy with us, and for your wonderful support. means more than I can express! Hugs and love xox
congratulations. God is good all the time. and all the time God is good.
Thank you so much Emmanuel! Oh my gosh yes. All the time! I am so grateful that He brought me such an incredible man. I appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Wow! I literally screamed and squealed when I saw this! Best news ever! I have been expecting this since the days of you hinting about “a special gentleman”. Congratulations Caralyn! You deserve all this and more. May God bless your union! Congratulations to you two!
Hi Temiloluwa! awwww you are the sweetest! thank you for sharing in the joy with us! it was seriously the most romantic, best day of my life. i am so touched by your kindness. and i will definitely pass along your sentiments to Steven! Hugs and love xox
So happy for you! May God bless you both! Btw I love your top! So cute!!
Awww, thank you so much!!! (it’s from free people a LONNNNNNG time ago! haha I appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations Caralyn I am so happy for you and your special gentleman. I had an idea this was coming but i want to say thank you for sharing your journey from being single to engaged!!! gives us hope for single gals like me that happy endings are possible!!
Hi Mythri! Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing in the journey and the joy with us!!! You are too kind! oh yes! God’s got your happy ending all planned out and is working behind the scenes to execute it perfectly, when the time is right! Hugs and love xox
What a BEAUTIFUL story and proposal! May God bless you both! You’re a wonderful couple! ❤
awwww, thank you Marla! It was such a special day! He did a great job making it so meaningful. I will absolutely pass along your kind words to Steven! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations! I’m happy for you two and may God bless you both! I actually just got engaged in December, and I took my fiancé to a Christmas lights in Bellevue Botanical Gardens (WA state). I took her around to a part overlooking the gardens where I got on one knee and asked her to marry me.
Aw, thank you so much Shawn! and oh my gosh congratulations to you too!! that is so exciting! And wowwwww what a romantic proposal! I’m sure she was absolutely thrilled! thanks for sharing that with me! Hugs and love xox