A Charlotte Engagement: Sally and Gabe

Hands down the best engagement story I heard this year came from Sally and Gabe, and I am so excited to share it today!

An Engagement Story

She had no idea it was coming. All she knew was that one minute all four of their children would be home that weekend, and the next all four magically had “other plans.” And, just like that, Sally and Gabe raced to the airport and hopped a plane to Mexico.

The day was warm. Gabe’s heart beat a lot faster than normal, partially because he’d just run up each and every stair to get to the top of an ancient Mayan Pyramid and partially because he knew his time to get everything perfectly ready was limited. He had a plan, after all. And it was a good plan…as long as everything went according to that plan.

And they’d had plenty of moments when it seemed that everything was going south. Just that morning, in fact, it had seemed like all of Gabe’s careful plotting would be in vain. Their resort staff informed them that the bus for Sally’s chosen excursion –which was actually the one that Gabe had maneuvered their whole trip in such a way to ensure that Sally would pick– wouldn’t be running like normal! Sally, being a good sport, tried to suggest that they do something else instead, but Gabe was determined. And, miraculously, they figured out a way.

So, while Gabe sprinted up the Pyramid, Sally grew more and more angry. He’d left her in the dust, after all. There they were, on a romantic trip to Mexico, supposed to be doing something together, and he just up and left her! By the time she reached the top, Sally. Was. Fuming.

And, she (understandably) stayed mad for a little while, too! Even Gabe’s big moment of getting down on one knee at the top of an ancient pyramid with a world class view of Cancun couldn’t make up for it. Not at first, anyway. She thought he was joking. Playing a trick on her. She wanted proof that he was really asking her the question she’d been waiting for, but Gabe refused to offer any further proof until Sally gave her answer.

The moment she said, “Yes,” and Gabe opened that ring box to reveal her gorgeous, sparkling engagement ring, every ounce of anger she’d been feeling just seconds before dissipated entirely. And then all of the plotting and the sudden plan changes and the determination to go on this particular excursion made sense. Just like that, Sally went from feeling the angriest she’d felt in a long time to the happiest.

Congratulations, Sally and Gabe!

Sally and Gabe, I know you two have many years of laughter, joy, excitement, pranks, and love ahead of you. From my first communication with you I was able to tell that you love each other and all of the people in your life so well, and every interaction since has only confirmed that more and more. Your sense of humor and the way you interact with so much fun and respect makes the two of you a joy to spend time with. Your engagement session was so fun, and I have a feeling that your Charleston wedding is going to be even better! I can’t wait!

For more engagement goodness from this fall, check out Penha and Andy’s Boone engagement! Or, if you’re curious about what it’s like to be an Amy Ledyard Photography bride, check out a bit more of the experience!