This is the tale of the proposal...that Andrew made. Janet proposed many, many times after many, many glasses of wine during their first year together.

Janet and Andrew moved in together at the end of January 2018. Andrew knew he was going to propose, but was struggling to think of the best time. Janet got a new job as a Consultant in April and told Andrew that she would need to go to Pleasanton, CA for two weeks for a certification. She reached out to her dear uncle and aunt, David and Krissy, who live in San Jose; she thought she'd sneak in a visit to see them after her training. David and Krissy graciously agreed to host Janet and invited Andrew out to California for the weekend as well. The visit would include a trip to Napa Valley; specifically, it would include a trip to the Duckhorn vineyard. Duckhorn wine is the wine that Janet's family drinks on every special or happy occasion and Janet was over the moon that she would have the opportunity to go there.

Andrew got to thinking and decided that Duckhorn would be the perfect spot to propose to Janet. He had the ring already (they shopped for it the month before), he had the love in his heart for Janet, and he knew he had the support of his parents. On Mother's day, he trekked over to Naperville to speak with Janet's parents. He brought flowers for Janet's mom and grandma and he enjoyed a lovely meal. After the meal, he said to Janet's mom and dad, Bob and Beth, "I have a question." Without pause, Janet's mother started crying and welcoming him to the family. Needless to say from there, he had Janet's family's support.

Andrew flew into California on Thursday, May 17th and spent Friday relaxing by David and Krissy's pool; it was a great day. Janet had passed the first part of her certification and there was much to celebrate. Janet's cousins, Adam and Colin, and Colin's girlfriend Megan joined everyone to wine and dine that evening. The following morning, the crew left early for Napa and no one but Andrew knew what would transpire that day.

The Duckhorn vineyard was stunning; Janet was instantly overwhelmed by her happiness: to have passed part one of her certification, to be together with her California family members, to be with Andrew, and to be at her favorite winery, and to have the opportunity to drink a lot of her favorite wine :). Janet told Andrew that she wanted to walk around after the wine tasting and see more of the grounds.

The wine tasting began and Janet told her uncle how she frequently proposes to Andrew when drinking wine and they had a laugh. The family conversed and laughed about other things and enjoyed the beautiful day.

Then, Janet excused herself to use the restroom. Andrew promptly told David that "it's happening now." All were shocked and excited and thrilled! David recommended the nearby fountain for the moment and Megan quickly volunteered to take pictures and Andrew told Megan that Janet "looks around when she gets nervous" so she went to hide in the bushes.

When Janet returned from the restroom, Andrew was standing up waiting for her. He asked her if she wanted to take a walk and she instantly knew something was up. She said she would and they made their way to the Duckhorn vineyard fountain. Andrew asked "You know I love you, right?" Janet said she did. Then, Andrew held her tight and told her she was his everything. He got down on one knee and Janet promptly asked "Is this happening? What's happenining? Is this happening now?" And, guess what? She began looking around...luckily, Megan was very well hidden in the bushes :)

Janet said YES! Then, she promptly asked Andrew to propose again because it was so wonderful. Andrew told her she was a "goof" as usual and they made their way back to the family for hugs and squeals! Andrew and Janet -called their parents, their siblings, their grandparents, and Janet's maid and matron of honor, Heather and Mollie.

On cloud nine, David and Krissy drove everyone to the Domaine Chandon champagne vineyard for more celebration and delicious champagne. After the champagne, they had a delicious meal in San Francisco. It was a wonderful, wonderful day and a happy celebration.

BIG THANKS to David, Krissy, Adam, Colin, and Megan for helping to make this engagement day so fantastic!