When love is your business, every detail counts. As a Southern California luxury wedding planner, I have the honor of bringing love stories to life every day. I help couples plan the most meaningful moments of their lives, crafting experiences that reflect their unique journeys together. But before I became immersed in this world of romance and celebration, I lived my own love story—one that shaped not just my personal life but also my deep connection to the work I do today. So, today, I’m sharing mey engagement story. It’s filled with anticipation, surprises, and the kind of nervous excitement that makes love stories so special.

How Our Engagement Story Began…

The summer of 2018 changed everything. That’s when I met Mr. Jasper and Lane—the man I’d later call my husband. From our first conversations and those magical early dates, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he might be “the one.” About six months in, he began planning a trip back east so he could meet my dad.

The trip overflowed with laughter, family bonding, and moments that felt like warm embraces. But the real surprise came when we returned to California. My dad called me, and in his usual straightforward style, blurted out, “Guess who asked for my blessing!” He was so excited that he couldn’t keep it to himself. In that moment, I felt the gravity of what was happening. As one of his daughters, I knew his enthusiasm wasn’t just about tradition—it was about his belief in our future together.

From that point on, I found myself waiting. My mom began dropping subtle questions about rings—asking what styles I liked or what would feel most “me.” I envisioned something timeless, a blend of antiquey charm and modern elegance. By spring of 2019, I started getting my nails done regularly, always wondering if this week might finally be the week.

Anticipating the Proposal

Spring turned into summer, and summer gave way to fall, but the proposal still hadn’t happened. As the holidays approached, the anticipation grew nearly unbearable. One weekend, Mr. Jasper and Lane suggested we plan something “Instagram-worthy.” Naturally, I assumed, This is it! I bought two new outfits, prepared myself mentally, and waited for the moment. But it didn’t come. Instead, we had a weekend filled with incredible dates, delicious meals, and quiet moments of connection. Later, he confessed that he simply wanted to spend quality time with me after a hectic work season. To this day, I still tease him about how misleading that weekend was!

Thanksgiving passed without a proposal, and Christmas loomed. I began questioning everything. Was I overthinking it? Over-expecting? Finally, I told myself to let go and trust that it would happen when the timing was right.

Then, Christmas Eve arrived. I brought my gifts to his apartment, and we exchanged presents together. With no ring in sight, I felt a wave of disappointment and decided to take a nap, hoping to reset my emotions.

That’s when everything changed. Mr. Jasper and Lane gently shook me awake, pacing the room as nerves overtook him. His usual calm demeanor had vanished, replaced by a mixture of determination and hesitation. My heart raced as I tried to interpret his behavior. For a moment, I thought, Is he breaking up with me?

Finally, he dropped to one knee. His words spilled out — I won’t share his whole speech because part of it I couldn’t hear. I was freaking out internally. It took a moment before I realized what he was asking: “It’s stupid we aren’t already engaged. I can’t imagine spending my life with anybody else. Will you marry me?”

In that moment, everything—the months of waiting, the guessing games, the nail appointments—faded into the background. None of it mattered anymore. All that mattered was him, me, and the life we were about to build together.

Looking back, I laugh at how I “knew before I knew.” Love has a way of surprising you even when you think you’re ready for it. And honestly? That’s what makes it so magical. If you’re newly engaged and ready to start planning your dream wedding, I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Let’s create something unforgettable together.

Stay Inspired—Join Our Newsletter!

Get exclusive wedding planning tips, behind-the-scenes/personal stories, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Don’t miss out on curated content to help you plan your dream day! Sign up today!