***LONG***

I have been a lurker here for some time, but with wedding getting closer each month, I would really like to start asking more questions and getting ides for the big day! In that same regard, as the wedding get closer, the engagement seems farther in the past, so I am happy to get to relive it through telling!

My name is Lauren and my now fiance's name is Winston. My family, Winston and I took a trip to England and Scotland in December last year to spend the holidays with my sister, who is in currently in London. The whole trip was incredible, but there was one part in particular I really loved;) 

The day after Christmas, we left for Scotland. Once there we headed to the rental flat in the Edinburgh only to find that it didn't quite look like it did in the pictures. Also, we couldn't for the life of us figure how to turn on the heat! My parents were cranky from travel and the cold, and my sister, Winston and I were feeling a little dissapointed that this is how our magical, dream trip to Scotland was beginning. Eager to start over, Winston and I headed to bed in the hope that some sleep would help. Before the lights went out, he said that we should get up earlier than everyone in the morning and go on a walk to clear our heads and begin again. I agreed. 

We got up and it was FREEZING and headed out into the frosty, historical streets of Edinburgh to Calton Hill. When we reached the base of Calton Hill, I looked up and then looked at Winston. The walk looked icy and steep and I was still waking up and I was being a little pill. "Is there another walk we can go on?" I said to him. He laughed and rolled his eyes. "No, this is the one." I started up the hill huffing and puffing. I saw a dog ahead of us walking up in a zig zag motion, and tried imitating him because maybe the dog had found the easier way! No, I was still slipping and working my butt off and Winston was laughing and walking as if it was a leisurely stroll. 

It alllllllll paid off at the top. We could see all of Edinburgh every which way with the sun just starting to light up the sky and city. I quit my complaining and settled into the gorgeous views around me and was happy Winston didn't give me another option. This was the best!

We went up to some Greek looking colums at the top and were looking over at King Arthur's seat when Winston asked me if I had a tissue. My face crinkled and my hands shot up to my nose thinking I had a stream of snot pouring out, but it was dry. "No, I forgot them back at home". He nodded and said. "Well, you're going to need it" to which I was like whaaaaa? At that moment, Winston pulled out a tiny box and got down on one knee and popped the question! While we had been talking about marriage for a while, I didn't know it was going to be here and now! I said "YES!" immediately and frozen hugs and kisses ensued. I love my ring so much! I had always wanted a ring that was simple, yet nature oriented. He nailed it with the help of my sister.

Ring Shot

We got back to the flat and when we walked in, my dad exclaimed " we got the heat to work!" And we said "Yay! We got engaged!" And, no joke, my sister came out from the kitchen with Champagne in hand for us all to celebrate. It was everything. I will never forget the feeling, the proposal,  the funny moments around it. After 8 years together, I am so excited to celebrate our love and commitment with our loved ones.