The Proposal (2 versions)

I wrote my version of the proposal but I thought it would be fun to hear from Harry's side as well. He was really nervous. Enjoy!

Liz's Version:

So 7/21/18 I woke up super grumpy at Harry- it was 7:30am like WTF we are on vacation! Or was that 7/20? When did we go to Duluth lol anyway, before or after breakfast- must've been before because I broke out my thing of Milk Duds lol anyway haha I remember him saying, "Come here! I want to document this day." That was at 9:05. I text Chrissy and told her because she asked on Friday if he was going to propose and I said no. After I sent that text she said, "OMG, OMG, OMG!" I said, "Don't get your hopes up." She said, "He's going to do it!" I said "hahahahaha stop."

Fast forward to the Black Sand Beach- I don't remember the drive up there at all. I am sure I wasn't thinking he would propose. He told me he wouldn't. He told me he was going to do it two weeks ago (July 7th) in Rockford but it turns out that was a lie lol and that was also why my mom couldn't get off the phone fast enough when I questioned her about knowing about the Rockford engagement plan. Back to the Black Sand Beach- it was busy- no parking. As we walked to the porta potties (Harry always has to pee) I remember looking at his shorts- kinda but not because if he was going to propose I wanted to be surprised. That morning I also stayed out of his bag. My allergic reaction had already started I believe. Right, Harry? I know I needed a razor, lotion, and chapstick. I usually help myself but again, I didn't want to ruin a possible surprise.

So we get to the beach and there are a lot of people. Harry and I like quiet and to be alone so we went all the down and then a family joined us haha. That's when Harry suggested we climb the rocks so we did. I was taking selfies and Harry was collecting my flowe bouquet just like he did the year before. It was beautiful up there. We discovered a private spot across the rocks so I told Harry I would grab our stuff and meet him over there. I left his phone and the selfie stick on the rocks. He said he would come with me because he needed more twine for the stems. I was walking down and slipped. I yelled, "HARRY!" He always leads me down but he didn't this time.

I made it down and I honestly have no idea where Harry was at this point. I think I went to our towel to sit but Harry started walking to the water so I walked too. He said he was hot and sweaty. I said I was too but he ignored me lol. The next thing I knew, he started to get down on one knee and said, "Well, this is it." I exclaimed, "In the water?" After that I remember him saying, "Will you?" I saw the ring and said, "OMG! Is that my ring?" I grabbed his hand to see it and exclaimed, "Yes, Harry! Yes, yes, YES!" He tried to put my ring on my right hand and he was putting it on gently so I took over and did it myself- you  know, helped a brother out. I tried to hug him but he was kneeling and I was standing and with each wave the rocks would shift and he would start sinking deeper into the freezing cold water. In the pictures, I look like I'm tackling him.

On our way back to our towel, he went up to a mom and daughter (the ones of the family that joined us) and they handed him his phone. He had asked them to take photos and videos- I had NO idea! He's a sneaky guy. We thanked them and I took his phone to Facetime my mom. My dad answered and I was shouting, "Look, look, LOOK!" My dad said, "Hey, congratulations!" My mom was outside so he went to get her. She was happy too. I couldn't see either of them because the sun was so bright but it was fun to talk with them.

After that, we climbed to the private area on the other side and I played in the water while Harry balanced rocks. The water in Duluth is COLD- a whole 43 degrees. We took a billion photos. I didn't have my phone so I didn't post to social media which was phenomenal. It was just us and it was so nice. As we were talking Harry said, "Imagine what I could have done without the time frame." I wrote in my Meet the Teacher letter at the end of April that I was recently engaged. The letter goes out at the end of August so I wanted/ needed to be engaged or I'd look stupid.

We left around 1 and I was so looking forward to eating at the Rustic Diner or Inn- idk the name but their Club Sandwhich is amazing! By the time we got there it was almost 2 and there was a long wait so we did not stay. Harry told me we had reservations between 3 and 4 at Grandma's. I was like how can a reservation be between 3 and 4? Also, I'm pretty sure they do not take reservations for the rooftop. I forget what he said to me.

We made it back to the hotel. Harry asked if I was going to shower. I was like, "No. Why would I shower?" He said, "Because you're engaged!" He took a shower while I sat outside texting my closest people (that was only 8). Harry wanted to look nice, smell fresh, and shave. I didn't even change lol I think it was about 4 when we started walking to Grandma's. Harry went to the counter. I went to look at clothes. As I turned to walk over I heard, "For 6?" He said yes but I was like 6?! Then the person said to look for the green boots so I thought how fun and I went to look for the green boots. I couldn't find them anywhere but that is because it turns out the guy said booths!!

Anyway, Harry got there and stepped aside for me to step in but as I walked I saw my family!!!! My heart exploded!! I started crying. I looked at Harry and said thank you. Then I started crying, hugged Harry said thank you!! It was the absolute best. Best surprise. Best treat. Just so happy. When I got proposed to all I wanted to do was tell my family, show them the ring, and share the story. Harry came through for me. My family is incredible! Honestly, I am shocked they came and they brought Velma which was absolutely phenomenal.

After dinner, we walked the canal. We saw a huge thousand foot ship, walked on in the water, and took a bunch of family photos. In my favorite photo my mom has her hand on Harry!! She even told him to stand next to her. It meant the world. Leah, brought me a Bride to Be mug. My family brought a card and Leah legit wrote the sweetest thing. My mom wrote a nice note and signed it, "Mary and Duane aka mom and dad" because that's what I call them. My dad drew his cowboy guy with a heart. My hear was overwhelmed with joy. Everything was perfect. Harry did great. My ring is phenomenal! The proposal was cute. Harry having photos and videos was unexpected. Having my family come celebrate was the ice cream on the cake. It topped everything. It was the absolute best of the best. I am a lucky lady.

Harry's Version:  

Getting the ring about a month before I proposed created problems for me. First off, how do I bring it inside the house since Kate put it in a big box. Second, where do I put it with all the limited space I am allowed lol. Anyway, I hid the package in my boot and put the ring box in my short pockets. It would have been easy to hide in the winter. I came in through the back door with my bulging pocket and ran to the basement. I could hear you in the living room. I ended up hiding it in my suitcase. For about 3 weeks, I worried that you'll go downstairs and get rid of my suitcase since you don't like anything I own. I made sure to hint about how I need to return the suitcase to Bruce just so you didn't get rid of it. I checked every so often to make sure the ring was still there.

Fast forward to June 21st, our annual romantic Duluth getaway. I had to sneak back down stairs and switch the box for a little ring satchel. Proceeded to put it in my pocket. This time it was well concealed. I was trying to be silly on the car ride but you didn't want to be happy. I started reconsidering the whole proposal. I knew exactly where and when I was going to do it. I had your family and my sister on stand by. Anyway, I was able to cheer you up a little when we built the balancing stones. Oh, I also changed in the care into my swimming costume. I had to leave the ring in my shorts but made sure they were in my bag in the boot. I made sure I locked the car- twice. 


We went to Lake Superior but later on decided to go to the beach. We had to go to the car to get towels and while we were there I made sure to check if the ring was still there.


Later that day when we finally checked into the hotel, I was excited to see they had a safe. I played with it but realized it would be hard for me to keep the ring locked in it without you noticing. I ended up putting it in my jeans pocket and rolling it so there was no way I would lose it unless someone stole my bag.


On Saturday morning, it was the last thing I put in my pocket as we headed out to Black Sand Beach. When we got there, I was a little disappointed because there were more people on the beach than I expected. I don't like attention so when you decided we move to an isolated area, I sighed with relief. Soon after, a mum and her two kids also came  close to where we were. I said hi to them and at that moment decided that I'd ask them to take our pictures. Anyway, we set our towels down and proceeded to climb the rocks like we always do. While up there I waited until you were up and over on the other side of the lake before disembarking and talking to the family to see if they could take our pictures. I ran back up to you and started picking flowers for your homemade bouquet. However, you decided we needed to change camps and started to head back down and get our stuff. You insisted that I stay back but I lied that I needed more twine for the flowers. 

At this point, you had given me my phone back as I trailed behind you. You were a few steps in front of me when we walked past the family. I was able to toss my phone to the daughter who caught it without you seeing. Right before we gathered our stugg, I noticed the mum and daughter were already in position with their phones. I literally got hot and sweaty! I was anxious and nervous since I now had an audience. I headed for the water to take a dip to cool off and you followed me. That's when I decided I had to do it. 


I locked a spot on the ground where I would kneel and tried to take position. Luckily I quickly noticed that you'd be facing the people taking the pictures so I moved swiftly on the other side and sighed, "This is it" and knelt down...


No sooner had it happened then you decided to call your parents. I was paranoid when I saw you showing them your ring. I was afraid you'd see them in the car with Leah and Velma and you'd know they were up to something. Thank heavens they were still at home. 


We continued enjoying ourselves at the beach and even took pictures. We had to get back to Duluth since our families were meeting us there. When we walked in to Grandma's Restaurant and you saw your family, you hugged me and cried. I was happy to have made your wish of wanting to be with your family to show them your ring come true.

Current Playlist

These are the songs I want played at the reception (in no particular order):

- My Girl
- Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie :Bashful Blond
- Mr. Tambourine Man
- Be My Baby
- Daydream Believer :The Monkees
- Do Wah Diddy Diddy
- Leader of the Pack
- I Get Around
- Twist and Shout
- Pretty Woman
- Ticket to Ride
- Help! :The Beatles
- Give Love :Andy Grammer
- Ride Wit Me
- Semi Charmed Life
- Jump Around :House of Pain
- Yellow Submarie :Beatles
- Mmmbop
- (Everything I Do) I Do it For You
- One Week
- Bye Bye Bye
- Truly Madly Deeply
- Tubthumping
- Vogue :Madonna
- I Would Walk 500 Miles
- Wonderwall
- Good Vibrations
- Closing Time
- Stacy's Mom
- Mambo No 5
- All Star
- No Scrubs
- Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)
- Gold Digger
- Beautiful Day
- E.I.
- Lady Marmalade
- Complicated :Avril L
- Where is the Love?
- Ignition
- Wouldn't it be Nice?
- Fun Fun Fun
- Help Me Rhonda
- Here Comes the Sun
- Surfin USA
- We're Not Gonna Take It
- Barbara Ann
- American Woman
- You and Me :Dave Matthews Band
- Tainted Love
- Brighter Than Sunshine :Aqualung
- Bette Davis Eyes :Kim Carnes
- Wonderawll
- What's Love Got to Do With It
- Say Amen (Saturday Night)
- Shout
- Burn the House Down:AJR
- What a Wonderful World
- I Melt With You
- Jump Rope :Blue October
- Walk Like an Egyptian
- I Hope You're Happy :Blue October
- &Run :Sir Sly
- 8675309/ Jenny
- Wannabe :Spice Girls
- Fear :Blue October
- This is Me :The Greatest Showman
- My Sharona :Get the Knack
- Red Red Wine
- Love Shack
- Centerfold :J. Geils Band
- Play that Funky Music
- Never Gonna Give You Up
- Killing Me Softly
- Dancing in the Dark
- Mamma Mia :Abba
- Brown Eyed Girl
- You're the One that I Want :Grease
- Jessie's Girl
- Ring My Bell
- Uptown Girl
- The Greatest Show
- Don't Go Breaking My Heart
- American Woman
- Summer of 69
- Hooked on a Feeling
- Material Girl
- When Doves Cry
- You Give Love a Bad Name
- Billie Jean
- Bohemian Rhapsody
- Livin on a Prayer
- All the Small Things
- Walkin On the Sun
- Amazed (Lonestar)
- I'm a Believer
- I Love Rock n Roll
- Sugar Sugar :Everything's Archie
- Sweet Dreams (are made of this)
- Every Breath You Take
- I Got You Babe
- (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
- The Twist
- Kiss Me
- Good Vibrations
- Jump :Van Halen
- Wild Thing
- Girls Just Want to Have Fun
- You Can't Hurry Love
- I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)
- High :Sir Sly
- I'll Be There For You
- Don't Stop Believin :Journey
- Natural
- Simplify
- Keeping Score
- Your Man
- Rich Girl
- 1950
- Something Human :Muse
- Burin It Down
- Sunshine and Whiskey
- Gimmie That Girl
- Show You Off
- She's Dope
- Nothing's Going to Change My Love For You :Westlife
- Crazy Lucky
- I Want Crazy
- Beautiful Day
- We Will Rock You
- Marry You :Bruno Mars
- God Gave Me You
- Love Runs Out
- The Wire
- I Wanna Get Better
- Keep On Keeping On :Travie McCoy
- Body Talks :The Struts
- Runaway Baby :Bruno Mars
- Wanted : Hunter Hayes
- Beautiful in White
- I Wanna Grow Old With You :Westlife
- Little Bitty Pretty One
- How Sweet It Is to Be Loved By You
- Rockin' Robin :Bobby Day
- Ain't to Proud to Beg :Temptations
- Happy Together
- She's So Mean
- The Fighter
-  Accidentally in Love
- Sweet Home Alabama
- Beverly Hills
- Wobble Baby :V.I.C.

I Said, YES!!

The Proposal:

On Saturday, July 21, 2018, we went to the Black Sand Beach along the North Shore. The beach was crowded and Harry and I like quiet so to be alone we walked all the way down to the rocks. A few minutes later, a family came down at sat at one of the picnic tables. Harry suggested we climb the rocks so we did. It was beautiful up there! I was exploring and taking selfies. Harry was gathering flowers for my bouquet... he makes me one every year with wild flowers. As we were climbing, we discovered a private spot across the rocks. I told Harry I would go back down, get our things, and then I would meet him over there. He said he would come with me because he needed to find more twine for the stems.

I went to sit on our towel but Harry started walking to the water so I walked too. He said he was hot and sweaty. I said, "Me too!" but he ignored me. The next thing I knew, he was down on one knee. He said, "Well, this is it." I exclaimed, "In the water?!" After that, I remember him saying, "Will you?" I saw that ring and blurted, "Oh my God, is that my ring?!" In typical Liz fashion, I grabbed his hand to see it and said, "Yes, Harry! Yes, yes, YES!"