Momentous Mendocino Marriage Proposal!

[Madbride2009]

We are from Gainesville, Florida and recently (June) went on a vacation out West to see my girlfriend and her new husband in Santa Cruz, Ca. On the way we visited several wonderful places... we flew into Seattle, Wa., took a seaplane to San Juan Island, drove onward to Portland, the awesome Redwood National Forest, all really romantic spots begging for a proposal!

and then came MENDOCINO!

The night before the proposal, we had an incredible dinner where we were staying, the Maccallum House (please visit, you'd LOVE IT!). We were supposed to be getting the dinner comped and needless to say, after a full no holds barred dinner, the bill came! We didn't deal with it then, not wanting to ruin the evening and it eventually was taken care of (phew) but it left me preoccupied. So, the night was less than romantic... I'll leave it at that.

The next morning we were due to check out after breakfast. As we were waiting for our food, Josh disappeared for a really long time! He finally came to the table and nothing appeared wrong, so we ate and went back to the room to pack the car and leave. The B&B had a journal in our room that guests could write their thoughts in. I had written in it the previous day. Josh commented that, being an illustrator, he had added something to what I had written and I should read it. My back was to him as I opened the leather journal to our page... nothing was there! I turned the page and written there were the sweetest words imaginable, "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" I turned around and there he was, on one knee with ring outstretched! We both started crying and laughing and were so excited we put the ring on the wrong finger!

Out the door we went. I was in shock! A really nice woman happened to pass by and we asked her which hand was correct... she took my hand with the ring and noted it was shaking! She confirmed that indeed, we had it wrong, and gently prompted Josh to do it again! He did and we jumped in the Prius and rolled onward to Santa Cruz!

Apparently EVERYONE knew before we left that he was planning this. My parents had our itinerary and each day they were sure that day would be the day! It was wonderful... truly a trip of a lifetime.

I hope this wasn't longwinded... thanks for letting me share! Madelyn

[Jen5372]

It sounds so fun and sweet! I love that you guys had the wrong finger! That makes it even more memorable-I think proposals should be fun-and yours sure was! Congrats!

[hanna]

HI! I live in Gainesville, FL too! I am actually from Northern California pretty close to Mendocino... and my fiance's name is Josh... crazy!! Hopefully we aren't dating the same person.. hahaha.. when and where are you thinking about getting married?

[Christi]

What a great proposal story...and in Mendocino (love it there), how romantic...congrats!

[Madbride2009]

Thanks Christi... I was kind of scared to post but the responses, like yours, have been really sweet!

[Madbride2009]

I read this aloud to my Josh and he said, suspiciously, what's her name?! Ha, Ha... We live in the NE, how about you? Our wedding is in Tulum, Mexico on November 6th, 2009. When is yours? Why'd you ever leave N Cali? We LOVED it there... of course we have no idea how to afford it, but we were smitten nonetheless!

[Madbride2009]

Originally Posted by Jen5372

It sounds so fun and sweet! I love that you guys had the wrong finger! That makes it even more memorable-I think proposals should be fun-and yours sure was! Congrats!

Talk about memorable! I laugh my tuckus off every time I think about it! I've often wondered how many times that woman retold the story... we must have been quite a sight!

[hanna]

Nice! We live in Uptown Village Apts in NW Gainesville. We left Cali cause my Josh is attending Grad School. I am working at GRU. Have you decided on a resort yet?

[Abbie]

congrats! that is a really sweet story :) happy planning!

[LadyP]

that was so sweet.