Long weekend trips to Florida have been a tradition for Kristin ever since she moved back from Florida in 2013. The 2019 edition began like many others with a Friday evening flight from Detroit to Fort Myers. Kristin and Steve were met at the Fort Myers airport by Mr. and Mrs. Wasil who drove them back to the condo where they were staying for the weekend. After arriving they settled in by unwinding and enjoying a glass of wine before heading to bed. Saturday morning greeted them with 70 degrees, sunshine, and the aroma of coffee as the four of them “planned” their day on the lanai. Barefoot Beach, Kristin’s personal paradise, was the unanimous choice where they were to be met by the Davis’, members of Kristin’s “Florida Family” while she lived in Fort Myers. They placed their orders for lunch, packed a few beach essentials, and hit the road for what was to be a life-changing day.

Before we continue, we need to take you back to the weekend prior to set the stage for the rest of the weekend. On that Saturday, Kristin and Steve visited a local jeweler to try on a few rings. Originally Kristin had always told Steve that she wanted a single round solitaire diamond with a plain white gold band. Well after trying on over 500 rings, she found the perfect ring that was anything but plain. What Kristin didn’t know is that Steve had visited the jeweler multiple times before their visit together to pick out diamonds and craft a plan for when Kristin came into the store. As part of the plan, the jeweler made sure to mention that setting the diamond would take 4-5 weeks after the diamond was picked out. Kristin was now convinced that there was no possible way an engagement would be taking place in Florida. Moving forward with the plan, Steve visited the jeweler on that Tuesday to finalize the setting and the ring was picked up on Thursday, one day prior to the departure.

While securing the ring was going exactly to plan, the proposal plan was hitting a few snags. Weather, rough seas, and a bout of strep throat forced Steve to develop plans B, C, and D the night prior to departure. With a little help from Kristin’s friends in Minnesota and Fort Myers, plan C was set and put into motion on Saturday morning.

After battling 45 minutes of traffic, Kristin, Steve, and Mr. and Mrs. Wasil finally arrived at Barefoot Beach where they set up their gear and prepared for a nice relaxing afternoon in the Florida sun. Before settling in, Steve mentioned that his back was bothering him from the drive and asked Kristin if she wanted to take a walk. Kristin gladly accepted and the two were off to enjoy the sun, sand, and the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore. After about 15 minutes of walking, Steve eyed the perfect spot. While approaching Steve asked Kristin if she was happy about being at her favorite beach. When Kristin told him that she was extremely happy, he responded “Good, because I couldn’t think of a better place to ask you to spend the rest of your life with me”. Steve then proceeded to get down on one knee and remove the ring from his pocket. Kristin jumped into Steve’s arms screaming “Is this really happening! Yes!” as small groups passing by cheered and offered congratulatory remarks. When they arrived back, they were greeted by an excited Mr. and Mrs. Wasil and later by the Davis’ who arrived ready to celebrate with champagne and drinks. The rest of the afternoon was spent enjoying the moment and announcing the news to family and friends back home. For the newly engaged couple it was a perfect setting for the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. They look forward to the continued celebration with family and friends on September 21st, 2019 in Traverse City. They can’t wait to see you there!

OUR engagement STORY