It was ECU Spring Break 2017. I had a full week of activities planned with family, friends, and my awesome boyfriend, Michael. I’m a big planner, but something happened during spring break that certainly surprised me. On Saturday, March 4, 2017, at around 5:00 p.m., the love of my life asked me the question I’ve been waiting for since I was a little girl. However, before I get into all of the details about the question which completely changed everything, let’s back up a few hours.

Saturday Morning

It was a regular morning just like any other. I was meeting with my sister, Jamie, to go shopping. We met up to ride together in the same car and head over to a Lula Roe open house sale. We easily spent way too much money that morning purchasing super cute clothes, but it was a lot of fun. After an exhausting shopping trip, we ended up treating ourselves to some delicious Starbucks.

Saturday Afternoon

Once Jamie and I finished hanging out, I headed back to my dad’s house to meet up with one of my best friends since high school, Sarah. At the time, I didn’t realize she asked me to get my nails done with her that day for a specific reason. We’ve gotten our nails done together multiple times in the past, so I wasn’t thinking anything was about to happen that day. Although, I’m so thankful she talked me into fixing my nails for what was to come.

Once our nails were both fabulous, Sarah told me that she needed to drop off some work keys to a co-worker since we were going to the beach the next day. I didn’t think anything of it. I figured we were just going to drop off the keys and then get ready to meet our boys for dinner that night.

She drove us to Sunset Lake where we were supposed to meet her co-worker and husband. Sarah convinced me to get out of the car with her so she didn’t have to go alone. So, I did. Little did I know what I was actually getting out of the car for. We started to walk around, and then all of the sudden Sarah pushed me forward and says, “You go first.”

The Shock

I was confused as to what was happening, but then I looked down at the ground and saw a path of pink flower petals. That’s when things started to click. I turned around to Sarah and mentioned something about me not looking presentable, but right after that nothing else mattered. I was in complete shock, but beyond excited.

The Proposal

I followed the path of pink flower petals that led up to my handsome boyfriend standing under a beautiful waterfall. Once I was close, he grabbed my hand and led me a little further until we were standing in the middle of a circle of petals. He held both of my hands, smiled at me, and said, “I love you with all my heart. You’re my one and only forever, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Michael got down on one knee and pulled out a Verragio box. He opened the box which showed a GORGEOUS ring and said, “Candace Frances Carter, will you marry me?” That was the question that set the course for the rest of our lives. Without any hesitation, I answered him and said, “YES!”

After he placed the ring on my finger, we embraced one another and reflected on the unforgettable and special moment that we just shared. Then Michael told me to turn around, and I saw my friends Sarah, James, Ethan, and Alyssa. To my surprise, Ethan recorded the entire proposal and Alyssa photographed it!

If you haven’t seen it yet, take a look at this perfect video that Ethan Britt Films put together for us.

 

Our proposal date will forever hold a special place in my heart. Not only was it the day that Michael and I became engaged, but it also was the anniversary of my Grandma and Granddaddy Searcy’s wedding, March 4, 1961. Knowing that this date held so much meaning, made it felt as if Grandma was right there with us celebrating and smiling down from heaven.

After the initial shock sank in, we told our family and friends. We also stopped by to see some of our closest family members to share our great news with them. Everyone was so excited for us!

March 4, 2017, will always be a date that I will never forget. Our engagement has been a dream come true! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us!

 

Thank you, AG Photography, for capturing some amazing photographs from the proposal!

Candace and Michael’s Engagement: Saturday, March 4, 2017, around 5:00 p.m. at Sunset Lake, Holly Springs, NC.