I’M ENGAGED!!!!

I’m engaged!!!!

My handsome gentleman asked me to marry him on Monday, and I said YES!!!

I’m engaged!!!! On Monday, the #love of my life asked me to share forever with him in the most beautiful, #fairytale way ever! Sharing about it on the #blog! #engagement #catholic #life #family #recovery #engagementring #faith

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.

I’m engaged!!!! On Monday, the #love of my life asked me to share forever with him in the most beautiful, #fairytale way ever! Sharing about it on the #blog! #engagement #catholic #life #family #recovery #engagementring #faith

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.

I’m engaged!!!! On Monday, the #love of my life asked me to share forever with him in the most beautiful, #fairytale way ever! Sharing about it on the #blog! #engagement #catholic #life #family #recovery #engagementring #faith

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.

I’m engaged!!!! On Monday, the #love of my life asked me to share forever with him in the most beautiful, #fairytale way ever! Sharing about it on the #blog! #engagement #catholic #life #family #recovery #engagementring #faith

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.

I’m engaged!!!! On Monday, the #love of my life asked me to share forever with him in the most beautiful, #fairytale way ever! Sharing about it on the #blog! #engagement #catholic #life #family #recovery #engagementring #faith

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.

I’m engaged!!!! On Monday, the #love of my life asked me to share forever with him in the most beautiful, #fairytale way ever! Sharing about it on the #blog! #engagement #catholic #life #family #recovery #engagementring #faith

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.

I’m engaged!!!! On Monday, the #love of my life asked me to share forever with him in the most beautiful, #fairytale way ever! Sharing about it on the #blog! #engagement #catholic #life #family #recovery #engagementring #faith

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!!

I’m engaged!!!! On Monday, the #love of my life asked me to share forever with him in the most beautiful, #fairytale way ever! Sharing about it on the #blog! #engagement #catholic #life #family #recovery #engagementring #faith

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.

I’m engaged!!!! On Monday, the #love of my life asked me to share forever with him in the most beautiful, #fairytale way ever! Sharing about it on the #blog! #engagement #catholic #life #family #recovery #engagementring #faith

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’m engaged!!!! On Monday, the #love of my life asked me to share forever with him in the most beautiful, #fairytale way ever! Sharing about it on the #blog! #engagement #catholic #life #family #recovery #engagementring #faith

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’m engaged!!!! On Monday, the #love of my life asked me to share forever with him in the most beautiful, #fairytale way ever! Sharing about it on the #blog! #engagement #catholic #life #family #recovery #engagementring #faith

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 🙂

To hear my story, click here.

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398 responses to “I’M ENGAGED!!!!”

    • Aw Rachel, you are too sweet!! Thank you so much!! We are over the moon! Hugs and love xox

  1. 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

    • Aw thank you Anna! I appreciate you sharing in the joy with me! Hugs and love xox

  2. 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

    • Thank you so much Scott!! 🙂 I appreciate that, and will pass that along! (He’ll love to hear it! hahaah) Hugs and love xox

    • aw, thank you so much!! Amen to that – God has been so good to me, I am very grateful! Hugs and love xox

    • 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

    • aw, Jack – that really means a lot. thank you so very much. Hugs and love xox

  3. 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

    • thank you Ivan! I appreciate that, and will pass along your kind sentiments! Hugs and love xox

    • 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

    • 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

    • 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

  4. 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

  5. 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!! 🙂

    • Thank you so much Debbie!!! Aw, I really appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

    • Thank you so much Bridget!!! it really was such a special moment. Thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

  6. 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!

  7. 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

  8. 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

    • Thank you so much my friend! i appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

  9. 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!!

    • 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

    • 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

    • Thank you so much Melissa!!!! We are absolutely over the moon. Thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

    • Aw, thank you so much! God is so good! I will definitely pass that along to Steven ! Hugs and love xox

  10. 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

  11. 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

    • Ellen! Thank you so much, my friend! We are over the moon! Thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

    • 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

  15. 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

    • Hi Pradipta!! Thank you so much!!! We are absolutely over the moon. thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

    • 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

    • 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

  16. 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

    • 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

    • 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

    • Thank you so much Melissa! You are so sweet. I’ll definitely pass that along to Steven! Hugs and love xox

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. 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

  20. 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!!

    • Thank you so much Curtis! I really appreciate that! And haha I love a good y’all!! Hugs and love xox

  21. 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

  22. 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.

  23. 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

  24. 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

    • hahah good intuition!! hehe thank you so much! i will pass that along to Steven! Hugs and love xox

    • 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

    • 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

      • Thank you Ian – absolutely! this blog is not going anywhere! in fact, it’s just getting started! haha Hugs and love xox

  25. 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

  26. 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!

    • aw thank you so much! that is so kind. I appreciate your prayers! I will pass that along to Steven! Hugs and love xox

    • 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

  27. 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

  28. 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

    • aw, thank you so much Paul! I really appreciate that. it was such a special day! Hugs and love xox

    • 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

  29. 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

  30. 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

    • aw thank you so much Paul! that means a lot! I will pass that along! Hugs and love xox

    • thank you so much!! aw you are so kind, I will pass that along to Steven! Hugs and love xox

    • aw thank you so much! i will pass along your kind sentiments! Hugs and love xox

  31. 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

  32. 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

  33. 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

  34. 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.

  35. 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

  36. 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

  37. 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

    • Hi Andrea! aw thank you so much! Yes He does! Steven is definitely an answer to my hearts deepest prayer! hugs to you xox

  38. 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

    • Aw, thank you so much! i would have to agree — it was such a special moment. Hugs and love xox

    • Hi Lauri!! aw thank you so much!!!! we are absolutely overjoyed. Thanks for sharing in the excitement with us. Hugs and love xox

  39. Congratulations! Such a sweet engagement story! ❤❤❤❤ Many blessings and happiness to you both.

  40. 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

    • 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

  41. 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

    • 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

  42. 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

    • 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

  43. 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

    • Thank you Cress!! oh my gosh you’re too sweet. that really means a lot. thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

  44. Kathy and I met in April, when she was 18, and I was 19. Ironically, I met her through my former girlfriend. We immediately clicked and were soon dating. After 8 months of dating, on Christmas Eve, we were celebrating a traditional Christmas at my parents home in Wisconsin, and I had bought her this light yellow parka that she had liked. I had placed her (boxed) ring in the right pocket and zipped it closed. She was so happy with receiving the parka, she had not noticed the pocket, and I had to ask her to check it out completely. She soon found the ring, and I asked her to marry me as my family watched in equal surprise. I was a college freshman, and she was as yet, undecided about her education plans. Well, we were married in August,18 months later. When all was said and done, she became a Registered Nurse, and I received an MBA. We went on to have 2 sons, through some great and some challenging times… And we will be celebrating our 45th Anniversary this August 6th, 2022. ❤️✝️. Where God Lives, Love flourishes. Congratulations to you, and may God bless your lives with many years of joy. Wishing you Peace, Love, and Compassion. And the two greatest gifts of marriage; Compromise and Tolerance. So happy for you!

    • Hi Michael! Wow, thank you for sharing that! what a precious proposal! so romantic!! I can only imagine the surprise and joy on her face finding the ring! and wow – 45 years, that’s really something to celebrate! So beautiful. (August 6 is my birthday too!) Compromise and tolerance — wise words! thank you for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

  45. Congratulations! I have always tracked you and my daughter together, Caralyn. My daughter’s boyfriend just asked for my permission to marry her. God bless you both! Ted

    • Thank you so much Ted! awww, that’s so sweet. And how exciting!! I love love!!! Thanks for sharing in the journey and the joy with me. I am truly so touched.Hugs and love xox

    • Hi Krista! aw, thank you so much for sharing in the joy with us!! didn’t he do a great job!? It keeps distracting me when I’m trying to work! hahahah I will pass along your kind words! Hugs and love xox

    • Hi Krista! Aw, thank you so much!! He really did a great job, I absolutely love it! 🙂 and I love looking at it, know that he thought of me when he saw it! 🙂 I appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! i’ll pass along your kind words to steven! Hugs and love xox

  46. And the two shall become one. So very happy for you, and May the Lord bless you, as you grow together as one in the Lord. 🙂

    • Thank you so much! That is so kind, I appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! sending big hugs xox

  47. I’ve always known your day would come. I was like you once – lonely and wondering if I’d ever meet someone. I did…in God’s time. Now You have also! Congratulations!!! 🌹

    • Hi Jeff!!! aw, it’s SO GREAT to see you back on here! I’ve missed you! thank you my friend. You’re right — God’s time. He is always at work, and answering prayers. Thanks for sharing in the joy with us. Thinking of you, and praying for you everyday! sending big hugs to you and your girl xoxo

    • Thank you so much Carole! Good news indeed! Thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

    • Thank you so much Meghan! I appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

  48. Awww what an awesome surprise, and you were totally unaware of what you were arriving (late) to! Such a sweet entrance for you to, how romantic and thoughtful – Congratulations to you both!!! 🎉❤️

    Caz xx

    • Thank you so much Caz! It really was such a special moment. he did such a great job! i will pass along your kind words! Hugs and love xox

    • thank you so much Pete! 🙂 I really appreciate you sharing in the joy with us. it was a super special day! Hugs and love xox

  49. Cara, one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed your blog is because I remember when I was a single, young Christian woman, so I could relate to your story. I am honestly overjoyed for you. God bless both of you in your upcoming marriage!

    • awwww, oh my gosh this is so touching! we have definitely been on quite a journey. God is good, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the man God brought into my life! thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

    • Aw thank you so much Shakiya! I appreciate your kind words! I will pass along your kind words to Steven. We’re over the moon! Hugs and love xox

    • Thank you so much! You’re too kind! I will pass along your sentiments to Steven! Hugs and love xox

  50. True congregations to you both! How wonderful for a Christian lady to be engaged to a Christian man. All the best forever.

    • Aw, thank you so much HJ! I truly am thanking God for sending me such an incredible man. I will pass along your kind words to Steven! Hugs and love xox

  51. Wonderful news! Congratulations! . . . I rarely comment on your blog, but use it to great effect in discipling the young women in my church (including my daughter). You are truly an inspiration and I wish you all the best!

    • Thank you Wes! hahah, aw you’re too kind. I’m glad it’s come in handy 🙂 thank you for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

  52. Congratulations, Caralyn!
    I had guessed this was what you were cryptically teasing on Monday, so this wasn’t a surprising blog entry. But the story was sweet enough to squeeze some tears out of this bitter old fruit’s eyes. Well-done, Stev/phen! (Sorry, I always choose the wrong spelling of that name, so I slash it now to cover my bases and acknowledge my lameness!)

    • Hi Galby! Thank you so much! hahah – yeah I didn’t want to confirm or deny! haha awwww, it really was such a sweet moment. steven did an incredible job! I am so lucky! oh haha — all good! (He’s a “V”!) Hahaha Hugs and love xox

    • thank you so much for sharing in the joy with us!! we are over the moon! Hugs and love xox

    • Hi David! Aw, thank you so much! I would have to agree — he did an amazing joy making the day so memorable and special. He’s an amazing guy! I will be sure to pass along your kind words to him! Hugs and love xox

    • Hi Veronica! Aw, thank you so much for sharing in the joy with us! We are absolutely over the moon! Hugs and love xox

  53. I don’t know why I’m smiling while reading this haha! Truly happy for you both. Filipina here, I could totally relate to that song. Hoping to read articles on marriage soon! Congratulations again! 🧡🧡

    • awww, Keziah, you’re so sweet – thank you so much! and oh my gosh yay! Isn’t Moira’s voice just so angelic? We love her music! thanks for sharing in the joy with us! I’ll pass along your kindness to Steven! Salamat! Hugs and love xox

    • Hi Jo!!! Aw, thank you so much my friend! We are absolutely thrilled. Its exactly one week today!! 🙂 thanks again for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

      • I’m hoping to get out your way this summer. I’ll be with my daughter who is a travel nurse, so I want to explore all the New England states. I wanted to go to NYC and see The Music Man, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to yet. It would be fun though. I’ve never been to a Broadway show.

      • oh my gosh that’s so fun!!! i have heard terrific things about The Music Man! I was actually in that show when I was younger: I played Amaryllis! heheh

    • aw, thank you so much! i really appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! i will definitely pass along your kind words to steven too! Hugs and love xox

    • Hi Jenetta! Aw, thank you so much! we are absolutely over the moon! Hugs and love xox

    • Thank you so much for your prayers and for sharing in the joy with us!! Hugs and love xox

    • Thank you so much!!! We are absolutely over the moon. thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

  54. Aaahhhhhhh!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS MAM!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you have a great time, and i hosp you well enjoy! I am soo excited!!! Congratulations to the both of you!!!

    Love
    Aadya

    • Thank you so much!!! yes! We are over the moon. i appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

  55. Congratulations! God bless you both as you plan your wedding celebration and a beautiful new life together as husband and wife ❤️

    • Hi Z! Aw, thank you so much for sharing in the joy with us! I will definitely pass along your kind words to Steven! Hugs and love xox

  56. So very happy for you! I’ve peeked in here and there on your journey and you have been amazing in sharing your story, recovery tips, and the power of your faith to overcome. CONGRATULATIONS !!

    • Hi Ms. Wanda! Awww, you are so sweet. Thank you so much for sharing in the journey and joy with me! We are over the moon! I will definitely pass along your kind words to Steven! Hugs and love xox

  57. Best news I’ve heard all day! So thankful that you waited, persevered, and God blessed you with the man of your dreams…who is worthy of you. I had a good feeling about him the first time I saw you two together on your blog. Friendship first makes the best relationships as there is no pretense. Blessings and love for a wonderful future together!

    • Aw, thank you so much Angie for sharing in the joy with us! yes! God is so so good. I agree. Hugs and love xox

  58. Oh my! I am behind checking my emails, so imagine my joy finding this out! The song was beautiful, and you described it all perfectly, right down to the kiss on the eye! My prayers will continue to be with you both. I don’t know you, but I love you!

    • Hi Barbara! that is so kind! thank you for your prayers and for sharing in the joy with us! i will pass along your kind words to Steven. Hugs and love xox

  59. How did I miss this? I followed your blog from the beginning. Such a helpful insight for me with a sister who struggles with anorexia off and on.
    I’m so happy for you! Such a testament to walking with God blindly through fault to reach the destination he has always had for you. The special gentleman is one lucky dude! May you have many many years of joy and happiness. Also continue the blog so I can continue to share your journey. I have never met you but love you like a daughter.
    Blessings,
    Rachel

    • Hi Rachel, oh my gosh thank you so much for sharing, not only in our current joy, but also for being with me through the whole journey. I am truly so touched. And I’m so glad this blog has been helpful to you. I will definitely be praying for your sister. she is lucky to have a sister like you who is being so proactive in understanding what she’s going through. And this blog isn’t going anywhere! 🙂 Thanks again for such kind words – i will definitely pass along your sentiments to Steven. Hugs and love xox

  60. Beautiful news! I remember when you were struggling with dating and I suggested that maybe it was a sign that you should consider religious life. But it seems that you have now found your true vocation, and that is a beautiful thing!

    • Thank you so much JP! We are over the moon! you’re right! God had other plans! thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

  61. Okay, so TOTALLY late to the party, here, but CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! That proposal recap was super sweet and I cannot be more happy for you Caralyn! I wish you the happiest of engagements, and of marriages!

    • thank you, Amanda. this has been such a bright spot of joy amid so much sorrow. Hugs and love xox

    • Thank you again, Sarah. This has definitely been a bright spot during a very sorrowful time. Thankfully, our late loved one was able to be at the proposal and witness this beautiful, joyful moment. it was truly so special and beautiful. thank you for sharing in the joy with us. Hugs and love xox

    • thank you so much, this has been a bright spot in the midst of a very sorrowful time. And our late loved one was able to be there and witness the proposal, making it all the most meaningful and special. thanks for sharing in the joy with us. Hugs and love xox

  62. Congratulations!! Praying for God’s blessings over the two of you as you embark on your next chapter!!! I would love to share my most recent engagement story, but it didn’t end too well, and yet again. I am single… and I’m trying to stay focused on God, although I am wrestling with Him. Especially now that my oldest was married in October, and 3 of my closest friends are either married already recently or about to be married. Again God’s many blessings ❤️❤️

    • Thank you so much Athena! Oh gosh, I’m sorry to hear that it didn’t end well, but that just means that God is preparing the heart of the *right* person for you. Praying that that person comes along soon 🙂 Wrestling can lead to increased and greater trust in God. Sending so much love. Hugs xox

  63. I’m definitely late in commenting, but congrats Caralyn! This is so wonderful and such a magical moment. Praying for a strong foundation in the Lord for a blessed marriage.

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