Our Engagement Story

So it happened. The scene I've watched a million times in TV shows and movies. The announcements that have filled up my Facebook news feed and Instagram timeline for the last couple of years. The moment that I've thought about my whole life! 

I GOT ENGAGED - and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

On October 20th, 2019, I had planned to go shopping and take some photos with my good friend, Megan (AKA: @ThatGirlwithPinkNails). We often get together to create content for our Instagram pages so I didn't think this day would be any different. After about an hour of shopping, I was ready to leave. However, Meg had other plans. In hindsight, I now understand that she was stalling, but at the time I couldn’t understand why she was taking so long. She must have spent 20 minutes in the home decor section, talking about which bathroom rug was the most absorbent! 

Earlier in the week, Megan had suggested going to a nearby trail for a photoshoot. So when we were finally finished shopping, we drove to the forest where the trail began. Along the way, I had made several suggestions to pull over and take photos but Meg suggested we come back later because she was really excited about this one location - weird, but I went with it. 

When we arrived at our destination, it made sense why she was so eager! It was gorgeous. The trees hadn’t lost any of their leaves yet and the colours were breathtaking. I was so excited to start taking photos, but Meg insisted that we walk along the trail. She explained that the type of photo she wanted, had to be taken from inside the forest. So again, I went with it. 

I grew up 40 minutes North of Toronto, on a country property in the middle of the woods, so this was super nostalgic for me. I even remember saying, “Wow, this reminds me of where I grew up!”

I was taking my sweet time, inhaling deep breaths of fresh air, and telling Meg to do so as well. Obviously she didn’t want to stop and smell the air, since she knew what was about to go down!

Suddenly, along the path I saw a blanket with pillows and flowers laid out on the ground. I remember thinking to myself,

“Someone must be having a picnic”.

It wasn’t until Jordan stepped out from behind a tree with a bouquet of flowers that I understood what was happening. The next few minutes were a complete blur as I tried to process what was going on. Jordan prepared a really nice speech, which I don't remember at all. All I remember is him going down on one knee (as I followed him), and saying one word: “Yes”.

The rest of the day was filled with so much happiness and excitement. We Face-timed our parents, called our friends and took a million pictures. Jordan told me how he had planned everything, including how he asked my boss to "gift me" a manicure, so I would have my nails done for the photos -- he thought of everything!

It’s a weird thing getting engaged. For me, I always wondered how it would happen. Would it happen on a trip somewhere, in my apartment, on a walk? Regardless, I would play the scenario over and over in my head and could never understand how I could be nervous in that moment. Jordan and I have known each other for seven years, been dating for six and have lived together for three. So how could I be nervous? But in that instance, everything comes to a halt. You feel as though you have left your body and are just experiencing someone else’s story. So when this moment comes for you, whether it’s during or after, make sure you give yourself a minute to take it all in. Take pictures, write about it, retell it to everyone you know. Do anything and everything you can to remember this moment - because I promise you, it’s a good one.

Love always,

Jen

* A special thanks to Classic Creations for creating the engagement ring of my dreams!

Meg, thank you for taking these photos and being a part of this special day. It wouldn't have been the same without you!