The Birthday-Engagement Tailgate Weekend!

Yup.. you read the subject line correctly! 

Let's get right to it, friends!

While Eric and I went to Austin for his actual birthday weekend, we wanted to also have something to celebrate with friends. His mom had the great idea to celebrate his 30th at our tailgate! If you've been following awhile, you know we're pretty die hard TU fans and have a regular tailgate spot with Eric's familia. :) His mom did a ton of work and made the tailgate really special with special touches all the way down to personalized water bottles with Eric's photos! 

Annnnnd that's where I'd be focusing this entire blog if not for what happened NEXT! 

Midway through the tailgate, Eric came over and said he wanted to say a few words to thank everyone for coming. I looked at him strangely and said something like "Nah.. You've already thanked everyone personally.." He said "Ya think?" I said "Yeah..." He was like "I'm going to say something..." I was like "I really don't think it's necessary, but okay..."

So, I stood there, beer in hand (classy) as he got everyone's attention and proceeded to thank them for being there and celebrating his 30th...

And then, he said "And I also want to thank Jackie for an awesome birthday weekend in Austin last weekend." I thought "Aww...that's nice.." and continued sipping my beer, totally oblivious. 

Around this time, friends reported seeing him fidgeting with his back pocket. Again, I was oblivious. Sheez. 

Then he said "As most of you know, Jackie and I have been together 4 years..." I still thought nothing was up until he finished that sentence with "And she is my best friend in the entire world.." My eyes got wide and my jaw dropped. I turned around to put my beer down and saw ALL of our friends with their iPhones ready to snap photos... I thought "Ohmygosh, they think something's happening, too! OHMYGOSH!" 

I turned back around and Eric dropped to one knee...

And the whole world fell silent in my head. It was like we were the only two people there. It was pretty crazy. I saw him open the little red box and extend it toward me. I wanted to leap over and hug him, but I had to mentally say "Let him keep talking!" I'm pretty sure I wasn't breathing. He asked me to marry him and I said "YES!" at the same time I dropped to my knees and hugged him so hard I'm surprised I didn't take him down. Or at least I think I said yes.. I screamed it in my head, but Eric later said he wasn't sure I actually said it out loud til he asked me to confirm it a few minutes later.. haha! 

Our friends and family were SO awesome to capture the proposal in photos!  And a VERY special thank you to Eric's longtime friend, Matt, who is an outstanding photographer and captured almost every second of the best moment I've experienced in my 31 years. :) Matt is editing some photos, so I plan to use the final versions for facebook tomorrow or so, but I couldn't resist posting some unedited ones now! I actually kinda attribute meeting Eric to Matt. I don't even know if he knows that (Surprise, Matt!) But I know Matt and I were friends first...and that's how Eric and I first noticed each other. 

This is that moment I described where I looked back to put down my drink and realized something was definitely going on. Timberly's face is awesome!

I love his smile here!

It meant so much to have friends and family there. It made the moment even more special, if that's at all possible! 

Eric hadn't told ANYONE except my mom and his parents. So, everyone was completely surprised, too. I can't believe he managed to keep this a secret from everyone!

We got home and I was still grinning from ear to ear. He said "I have something else.." and walked out with some (fake) bling for Gracie dog, too!! I just love this guy so much...

We freshened up and met friends for (many) celebratory cocktails and champagne. This morning, I experienced the most well-deserved hangover I've ever had! haha! :) We got to continue celebrating at brunch with friends this morning (and mimosas...obviously).

I just can't believe he totally and completely surprised me...I had absolutely no idea and I'm not just saying that. I mean.. we've been together 4 years.. I was kinda hoping it was happening soon; don't get me wrong. But, I really believed it might be coming around the holidays. He floored me. And to do it at TU...somewhat full circle of our relationship... Just amazing.  It was just so perfect and I am so happy.

We never went ring shopping. I really wanted it to be a surprise and I know Eric has great taste (and also the great sense to ask my friends if he really needed help... haha..). He knew I wanted something original and antique-looking, but also simple and classy. He absolutely nailed it. I can't stop staring at the gorgeous jewelry on my ring finger and smiling.

We're getting MARRIED and I'm pretty sure nothing has ever felt so right!! 

As a funny to end this novel... I can finally change my pinterest board called "Celebrations" to "Wedding ideas!" I mean.. who was I kidding with that anyway? ;)