Warning: the best blog post coming right up. It may induce tears, uncontrollable feelings of happiness, and the engagement of my very own sister!

Beth & Michael's story starts a long, long time ago. It spans a decade of emails, liking one another, prom, love, and now the biggest milestone of all. Engagement! Their love story began in middle school when they became friends, with affections starting to bloom in high school. Through cheesy (no really, with Cheez-it's) prom proposals and keeping their feelings under wraps until making it official almost 4 years ago, these two have a love that is tried and true. I just can't believe marriage is finally going to be a reality!!! My heart overflows for these two, who I've seen grow so much over the years and love so dearly. 

A large red and yellow balloon stood still, standing high against the calm Carmel summer sky. My dad, brother and I quickly parked the car at Connor Prairie and raced towards the entrance just as the balloon began to descend. Michael peeked over the edge of the balloon as we hid, hoping Beth hadn't seen us. Michael's parents and uncle joined us as we got to the balloon's landing, elated by the event that had taken place.

Michael asked Beth to spend the rest of her life with him. She said yes. 

The balloon pilot safely landed the helium balloon and let Michael and Beth out. Happy tears streamed down Beth's eyes as she gasped in surprise at seeing me all the way from Chicago for the weekend and the rest of the family waiting with huge grins, giant cameras and phones furiously taking videos and photos at the bottom.

Michael had told her he got a "special deal" of $13 tickets to ride the balloon and it "just so happened" that they had the entire balloon to themselves. He did an incredible job surprising her and also coordinating with all of us who by some miracle, kept Beth guessing. I'm so happy for Bethy and cannot wait to celebrate their next few months together as an engaged couple before it culminates in what's sure to be the BEST wedding at the end of the year!!! 

What Beth said was the biggest surprise of all...seeing me come in from Chicago. Cue all the tears (myself in my heart included).

Because Michael had rented out an entire private balloon ride, the best perk included all of us getting to ride the balloon with the happy couple! Absolutely incredible. Because it's tethered, the balloon is able to hold large groups of people and has 360 degree panoramic views of its incredible corn maze and surrounding city for miles on end.

Even more surprises awaited after this delightful evening in the sky. We met back at Michael's parents home where we enjoyed a quick break of fresh watermelon juice, strawberries and blueberries as we airdropped photos to one another's phones. At 7pm, we took Beth to her surprise reservation at Late Harvest Kitchen, a wonderful restaurant featuring food from local farms and perfect for the occasion. Beth showed off her new ring and custom created laser cut wooden ring box Michael created himself. 

We dined on delicious locally sourced entrees and giant sides with red wine. For dessert, our waiter even treated us to their award-winning toffee cake ice cream. Not too sweet and perfect to finish off the night. Amazing choice and treat by Michael. He did an INCREDIBLE job with the proposal and made not only Beth, but our whole families feel so loved and involved in the process. 

Love these two so much. Can't wait for their wedding and the months of planning and celebration to come! <3 We will all be praying for you and are elated to walk alongside you two in this wonderful marriage journey.