Wedding Date on Nov 18, 2019

I met Elizabeth back in April 2018, not long ago in the grand scheme of things but I knew pretty early on that I loved her and that I couldn't be without her. She's beautiful, she's smart and above all she makes me feel loved like nothing and no one else.As I've said, I knew way back then that I wanted to be with her forever and over the last few months I'd been planning and carrying out what can only be described as the perfect engagement for her. So I set about doing the proudest thing in my life, all of which I've detailed below.Firstly I needed to think about the place where I would do it. I considered where we had our first kiss and littering the area with a thousand candles but then realised that being such a public place that it wasn't just going to be hard but a complete logistical nightmare!I also considered somewhere abroad but that wouldn't necessarily be the easiest place to visit down the line, so I sat and I thought about where was truly special to her. That's when I had the epiphany to use the Butterfly Farm in Stratford-upon-Avon. She adores it (probably more than me!) and I knew it would be perfect!I'm a nervous kind of guy so I wanted to be able to tell her exactly how I felt but without the worry of not getting my words out so after numerous trips to The Range I had enough materials to build a large framed sign that could be positioned amongst the butterflies. It had a pine frame and a deep design so that I could use Scrabble letters to spell out exactly what she meant to me. Couple this with some decorations and a lot of super glue and I was in business.After collecting the parts for my sign the next big purchase was the ring. I knew roughly what she liked jewellery wise and I've got reasonable taste so I got stuck in with hour after hour of shopping. Eventually I found the perfect one. It was simple yet elegant and designed for no one other than her.I then knew that things were getting serious and I had to ask her father for her hand in marriage, something that would mean a lot to both of them. To put it bluntly I was shitting it on the day I decided to do it. Thankfully though her parents were over the moon and agreed to help hide my materials and importantly the ring until I had time to put it all together. Elizabeth and I live together so creating something like this was impossible at home.Two weeks down the line and we've arranged for Elizabeth's mother to take her out for the day while I went round to their house to get busy with my sign and to have breakfast with my potential new father in law, providing she said yes!Once I'd created my sign I took everything to my parents house and hid it all under my old bed.Somewhere in amongst all of this I'd started negotiations with the Butterfly Farm. I'd asked if I could make a donation to have the place to ourselves for half an hour but unfortunately it wasn't possible, frustrating but understandable. They did however recommend turning up first thing on a weekday because all being well the place would be empty. So I set the date with them, the 24th of April.I just needed to trick Elizabeth into going there that day, something that was much easier than expected! I messaged her from work a few weeks beforehand to say that I'd booked a meal for that date at lunch time in Stratford. I asked if there was anything she'd like to do while we were there and waited in suspense for her reply... She responded, much to my relief, to ask if we'd have time to see the Butterfly Farm. I said yes but only if we got there for when it opened because secretly I wanted it as empty as possible!So the sign was made, the ring was purchased and everything was on track. I arrange that her parents would come to ours for dinner so her and her mum could do their nails, hoping they'd stay in perfect condition for the day as I knew she want photos! I also arranged a photographer, the very same one from my brother's wedding so I knew he was good.Two days before the big day I dropped my sign off with the Butterfly Farm and with their help found the most perfect place to position it. I took detailed notes on where I'd pop the question so the photographer would know exactly where we'd be. I said I'd been helping my brother with his car so made sure to rub my hands in some dirt to keep things convincing.I later explained to Elizabeth that our meal destination would be a bit posh so dressing up would be required. I did this because I know how annoyed she'd have been had she not looked her best, something most women would understand!The night before I barely slept. I amused myself by secretly recording videos and leaving her messages around the house, some of which would certainly have given the game away had she spotted them... I was playing a dangerous game.On the morning of the big day I was getting nervous. The drive over kept me quiet and I started to feel sick with nerves. This only intensified when we got to the nearby pay and display car park and it was rammed. God knows how she didn't know something was up with my stressing!I made us go in 20 minutes early because I couldn't wait any longer. Luckily the gift shop was open so we milled around for a bit. I caught the eyes of a few people who worked there and their calmness reassured me that everything was set and ready to go. Next thing I notice was the photographer turning up. He was as early as us and had jumped ahead in the queue. We tagged along behind him with Elizabeth comically stating that there was a nature photographer there. I said that it was probably the best time for photos as the farm should be empty, or at least I hoped it was...We started our walk around and my nerves built. I was certain she'd say yes but there's nothing like asking the person you love the most to marry you. Anyway, the photographer managed to capture the whole thing and I'm happy to announce she said yes!