How we met: It was a Saturday night in NYC (Cinco de Mayo to be exact) when I remember not wanting to enjoy the festivities due to working all weekend. Despite my efforts, I was dragged out of my apartment for a late night cocktail with my roommate. Scott happened be at the same bar with a good friend, Bo, also enjoying a night cap after studying for the CFA. He would tell you he “saved” me from other gentleman at the bar, and then tried to amuse me by saying he was employed as a weatherman. I knew right away this guy had a small ego, but I gave him brownie points for his sense of humor.
He refuses to admit this, but it took him some time to at least take me on an actual date! I remember we ended up going to great Italian joint down the road from my apartment, and we instantly clicked. From then on, we started dating, and he asked me to officially be his girlfriend with 2 pints of Ben & Jerry’s and a bouquet of flowers. Obviously, I couldn’t resist.
I had lived in NYC for 2 years, and it was about that time that Scott and I had discussed moving in together. Unbeknownst to me, the moving-in together was actually “I am now moving to Dallas for a huge promotion, I would love it if you came with me.” After the shock and awe of these words spilling out of his mouth, I immediately thought “Well, my mom is going to kill me.” I knew he was the love of my life, and I was not going to let him move without me.
So here we are in Dallas, Texas! Always warm, friendly, and never in my life thought I would be living in the South. Scott on the other hand, is very much used to this hospitality by having a home-town of Charleston, South Carolina. His backyard is literally the beautiful Country Club of Charleston. It is simply breathtaking every time we are able to visit. If you have never been to Charleston, it is most definitely one of those places that you need to visit in your lifetime. I always tell him how lucky he is to be able to come home to such a remarkable city.
How he proposed: It was such an exciting weekend! His younger brother, Jeff, had been deployed in the Navy for over 9 months. Scott had asked me if I could please come to Charleston with him and make the trip to Norfolk, VA to welcome his brother home with his family. We flew into Charleston, drove 7 hours to Norfolk, and the experience and vision of seeing this outrageously sized air craft carrier pull into base, was a sight that I will never forget. I remember being so emotional to see all of these sailors return home, some for the first time seeing their newborn child, I was overwhelmed with tears and just so excited for Jeff to get off that ship! It was a long, exhausting day, having been up since six 6am, and then waiting until the later afternoon for Jeffery to arrive, we were all ready to head home. So back in the car we go for another 7 hours and we finally arrive in Charleston around 12am.
The next day, Scott had plans for us to go to the country club for drinks with our good friends from NYC, Bo & Eloise (Yes, the same Bo that was there the night we met!). They had recently moved to Charleston and just moved into their brand new house, so I was thrilled we would be able to catch up! I had to be ready by 4pmand was completely clueless about what was in store for me. Scott said to jump in the golf cart since the club was only a short distance away, we wouldn’t need to take a car. Thank goodness the rain had stopped because I would have never gotten into that golf cart while raining. We began driving around the course, and I remember asking Scott “Why we are going in such a large circle?” He quickly replied that we had to stay clear of the other golfers and that we weren’t allowed to drive past them while they were teeing off. Ha of course not! We then pulled up to the 8th hole, and it was a beautiful location over-looking all of Charleston. Scott wanted to take a picture, and I thought what a great idea that would be! The view was gorgeous.
What happened next was so unexpected, I still don’t recall what was said. I remember him telling me how much he loved me, and I was still oblivious. He then had to grab me to get my attention, and I remember seeing this red box come out of his jacket pocket. I was speechless, I started screeching, he dropped to one knee, and asked me to marry him. I am sure he said other things, but I was in shock, and I had no idea what was happening! I said yes, which Scott doesn’t remember me saying yes, but I sure did!
The ring is just perfect, the moment was perfect, it was the proposal that every girl dreams of. To my surprise, he then tells me the whole moment was captured on film. Across the way, behind a small wall, I see our wonderful photographer waving enthusiastically at us! I didn’t think I could handle any more surprises after that. I couldn’t stop smiling!
We were on our back to the house, and the family was already prepared and ready for our news. Seeing his mom and brothers was the icing on the cake. They were so happy for us, it made me feel so special and loved, I could not think of being a part of any other family. Ms. Deke brought out the champagne and toasts began. It was an evening that was later filled with more family and friends (and of course Bo and Eloise), a spectacular meal, face-timing and calling everyone we know, and finally ended with arcade games at a local bar. They whole day was flawless.
Knowing that I get to spend the rest of my life with such a wonderful, handsome, caring, man makes me smile every day. His family and friends are incredible, and I can’t believe how lucky I am.
A special thanks to my future mother-in-law and his brothers. Thank you for making our day extra special. I love you all from the bottom of my heart.
Photos by Jennings King Photography