When it comes to surprises, my fiancé is a romantic genius. Nate had arranged what appeared to be a "couple's photo shoot" for us with his older sister, Beth, in order to help her "expand her photography portfolio." While I was overly excited to spend a weekend at the beach in early November, Nate acted as if he needed convincing to go. What I didn't know was that he had sneakily devised this exact weekend trip with his sister several months prior.

After I had exercised what I thought were some pretty impressive convincing skills, Nate and I "spontaneously" decided to travel 6 hours to his beautiful home in Emerald Isle, NC on November 2, 2016, to take part in his sister's photo-shoot. That very afternoon, we arrived at Nate's parents' home, said a quick hello, changed into our pre-coordinated outfits, and met up with Beth on the beach (despite Nate's pretend reluctance).

After we recreated a variety of poses while Nate's sister captured numerous pictures of us, Beth asked if we could follow her to one last specific location - the dock where Nate had first told me he loved me. It was there that Beth had me looking out onto the ocean for a "particular pose" while Nate knelt behind me without my knowledge. Suddenly, Beth's camera "had difficulty focusing," so in the midst of her "attempting to resolve the issue," I heard the sweet sound of Nate's voice saying my name. I quickly turned around and was completely taken aback by the sight of my then boyfriend kneeling down on one knee with a gorgeous silver, Solitaire engagement ring in his hand, asking for my hand in marriage.

You can imagine how the story ends. I was completely overcome with joy and excitement, and immediately accepted his offer. We all then headed back to Nate's home to celebrate, while Beth and Nate explained to me how this had been my romantic future husband's plan all along. :)