Engaged in Portland, Maine: Part I

Eek! It feels so crazy to be writing this out, but here it is – we’re engaged!

It still feels entirely surreal, but a good surreal, like I knew we were going to get engaged at some point, but I can’t believe it’s here.

But, it is! And it’s the best.

So, I knew I had to share the story with you! Here goes nothing.

Engaged in Portland

Tim planned for months, and I mean months. The first thing I said when we got in the car after he popped the very exciting question, was “I want to know everything!” Who knows about the proposal? How long ago did you tell them? I was just so darn curious.

We had been dating for over three years, and openly discussed getting engaged multiple times. I have to admit, I’m sure I bugged him a bit – I was just so antsy and excited at the prospect of taking the next step, you know? We were surrounded by other couples getting married, getting engaged – the whole nine yards. I was simply anxious for our turn. And now, here it is!

Why Portland?

Well, we visited Portland, Maine for our second anniversary on January 1, 2016. Sure, it was freezing and snowing – but we had the best time. We stayed for two nights and ventured out to new favorite restaurants, cozied up with an old fashioned in a local distillery, and drove out to the lighthouse right before we were heading home.

If you haven’t been, it’s a darling little city in Maine. It’s got great food, tons of personality, and lots of little spots to explore.

If you’re heading to Portland, here’s a Portland city guide for your trip! Pro tip: Get the puffy tacos at Taco Escobarr. You won’t regret it.

How it Happened

Now this is where Tim’s planning really comes in, and perhaps also his experience in logistics. That guy can plan, I tell you!

I’ll try to keep this succinct – we’ll see how it goes. I started the weekend out in Portland with two gal pals. We were up there for a shoot with Lark Hotels (a New England favorite!), and we had been there since Friday. The morning we were heading back to Boston, Gabby had to take an early train to get to work in Beacon Hill, so Kelly and I decided to stop for coffee before visiting the lighthouse.

Kelly mentioned stopping at the lighthouse a few times, and I was totally up for it. We loved visiting the Portland Head Light back in 2016, and I knew it was going to be a nice day so I certainly wasn’t opposed. We start heading to a different lighthouse (or so I thought). Before I knew it we were at the Portland Head Light. We found a spot and started exploring a bit. I brought my camera to grab a few last-minute shots of the floral arrangement (which Kelly designed and as you can see, is STUNNING). She mentioned a path she saw and we headed that way. Shortly after, we happened to “run into” my friend Emily and her husband. I didn’t think much of it because they live in Portland, rather I was just glad I got to see them again before heading back to Boston!

And, before I knew it I saw Tim running at me with a ring box in hand. It all happened so quickly – I saw him, then I turned to my friends and saw them taking photos, and BAM. He was on one knee and asking me to marry him! What a surprise, right?

I, of course, said yes. We celebrated with our little group by the lighthouse and laughed about me unknowingly making Tim wait because I wanted to get some work done at Tandem Coffee Roasters (typical). We grabbed some photos and even met the tiniest, cutest golden retriever puppy – who I’m still obsessed with.

It was the most perfect day. Tim even booked a night for us at The Press Hotel, so we got to stay in Portland an extra night! We gallivanted around town with our little secret and stuffed our faces with delicious food and cocktails. Can you think of a better Sunday? I sure can’t. I am so excited for all that’s to come, but for now I’m still glowing over the best April 2, yet.

Next up: Tim’s side of the story! My part was easy – I suppose because I was the one being surprised. Stay tuned, he’ll be sharing his soon!

Oh, and there’s more exciting news coming your way soon 😉

g.