Our Engagement!
- Madison Hutcheson
- Feb 7, 2024
- 4 min read
Before I even tell you about our engagement, I first want to warn all the ladies out there.
If he gives you $200 randomly to get your freshly painted nails re-painted. Do NOT get baby poo green.
Having been through our annual Asheville trip, I was under the impression I would be waiting some time for a proposal. So, when my mom asked a few weeks after my return if I wanted to get my nails done. I didn't think anything of it.
Spence, before I went in told me, "you have a disc golf tournament in a few weeks and you'll need to practice."
Now, if you know me. I take my nails seriously. I love nails, they help to boost my confidence just a tad. However, going in this time with my mom, I had my head in the game for this disc golf tournament.
So, I went in and I came out with all neon pink nails and hand drawn hearts on my ring fingers. Spence absolutely despised them, but I assured him "don't worry, I got short nails for the tournament. Figured I would do something out there. It's whatever, they'll be gone in a few weeks"
The pink nails of doom as they are now referred
To his luck, my roommate at the time totally slaughtered me for these nails. I was told multiple times how childish they looked. So when he handed over his 'spare' $200 to get them repainted, what did I do?
I went and got a $10 color change. To baby poop green. I figured, well at least I'll keep them short for the tournament and they are a fall color.
Like I really gave myself baby poo green but its fine
Two days later, I finally understood why my boyfriend was so perturbed by my nails. In retrospect, duh.
It started as a normal date night. We got dressed, I drove us over to The Durham Hotel, where they have a beautiful rooftop bar. We grabbed a drink, and were just sitting and chatting.
When we arrived, the staff had not arranged the rooftop how they had discussed with Spence. Luckily for him, I have the bladder of a squirrel. So when I disappeared to the restroom, him and the staff quickly re-arranged the rooftop for the perfect setup.
After returning from the restroom, I was guided over to look out over the city. As I turned back, I noticed Spence drop to one knee. I was floored.
Actual Initial Reaction
Looking back on it, I probably didn't have the "desired" reaction. The photographer slipped out a little early, and what can I say, I am nervous in front of a camera. I don't think poor Spence even got out what he had been dutifully rehearsing in his head on the way over (seriously, I was very concerned he was so quiet on that car ride.
My "very obvious overreaction" at least according to Spence
The Ring!
Alas, we sat back to a bottle of champagne on the rooftop and enjoyed newly engaged bliss.
Then we walked downstairs.
When I tell you, I have never been so flabbergasted. This man put so much time and dedication in. I just have never felt so loved and admired as I did that day.
As we walk out of the building, I see a black limousine parked out front. I think I even made the comment of "oh that looks so fun, they must be having a wedding."
Then my grandmas head popped out and I was greeted with "Bet you didn't expect to see us here!" It is truly one of those memories that are imprinted into my skull forever. I'd include pictures of our fam but I imagine they'd rather us not.
Manifesting my true calling: walking the red carpet
So we were driven to downtown Raleigh for dinner at the stunning Young Hearts Distilling. Yet another stunning rooftop, we had a pre-set meal served under the charming market lights and stars of the Raleigh skyline.
Pre-set plates at Young Hearts Distilling
It was a fantastic dinner, and gave our families an opportunity to properly meet face to face. It was full of smiles and laughter, and mainly my Papa showing photo evidence of my awkward tween and teen years. It's fine. I still love you pops.
The Raleigh Skyline truly set the ambiance
So, you'd think the night was over, right? WRONG.
After dinner, the limo took us to Nantucket Grill and Bakery in Chapel Hill for my favorite strawberry shortcake. I truly wasn't expecting this but it may have been the best part of the night.
See, by this point in the evening, a LOT of people had handed me champagne. And a newly engaged woman cannot refuse champagne, right? So to be fully honest with you, I was pretty blasted off my rocker, and cake was sounding like the perfect top off of the evening.
I indulged, and got to share one of my favorite pieces (ha! Get it)of my city with my family who'd never had it.
Our Favorite
We capped off the night at He's Not Here in Chapel Hill! Having dropped off our family, and with another hour left of the limo rental, it only seemed right to head out for a drink. We met up with Spence's groomsmen, Mason, who was through the moon excited for us.
It was truly so cute to see Mason be so excited for us and having a brew really helped calm down the adrenaline I had been riding on the whole night.
He's Not Here!
Finally, we were driven home by our very chill limo driver who provided the toons and didn't judge when we popped our final bottle of the evening. It was lovely to get to recount the evening and enjoy the after effects of this joyous occasion.
We thus set off into our year of wedding planning, which I will attempt to document in a later blog so stay tuned :)
Locations / Venues:
The Durham Hotel:
Young Hearts Distilling:
Nantucket Grill & Bakery:
Lifestyle Limousine Company:
Comments