When She Said Yes: Amanda and Jon

Jon was home for R&R from Afghanistan and amidst the crazy, busy, but fun-filled two weeks, we decided Tuesday, February 28, was going to be our day alone together. I remember even turning my phone off at one point to focus solely on enjoying my precious time with him. We checked in at the Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel and decided to spend the rest of our afternoon exploring North Hills! It was the end of February but felt like a perfect spring day! The pink dogwoods had just bloomed and we enjoyed ice cream in the park, shopping and lunch before returning to our hotel room to relax and get dressed up for the night!

Jon had planned for us to go out to dinner at Coquette, a French Restaurant, where we had an amazing time and enjoyed drinks, escargot, duck and flounder! After dinner we had planned to walk around and enjoy all the beautiful lights that lit up North Hills, but it was rather chilly. Instead, Jon wrapped his arms around me and we decided to retreat to our hotel. When we walked in the room I was in awe! Jon had arranged for the hotel staff to set up the room impeccably with lights fixated to illuminate a big heart on the ceiling! Jon invited me to stand by the floor to ceiling window with him and admire the spectacular night view of the downtown Raleigh skyline.

Looking at me with his sweet grin, he whispered sweet nothings in my ear! Then, without hesitation, he reached into his pocket, took my hand, went down on one knee, and said those four words every girl dreams of hearing from the man she loves… “Will you marry me?”

All I could get out was a blissful “Yesssssssssssssss!!!” Leaning down to kiss his forehead, he slid the ring on my left hand! Perfect fit! And absolutely beyond gorgeous!!! In that moment, I couldn’t ask for more! With shrieks of excitement, Jon popped opened the champagne, poured two flutes, and we toasted, “to us!”