pre-engagement planning
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2008
NIXA, MISSOURI
6:30 PM
On Monday night, November 3, 2008 Christopher and Lindsey had planned to meet together for "date night" following the completion of Lindsey's classes that night. What Lindsey didn't know is that while she was instructing her students, Christopher has planned a trip to Nixa, Missouri to speak with her dad to ask for her hand in marriage.
According to Christopher the trip was both nervous and relaxing. "Showing up unannounced isn't necessarily the best idea I've ever had" he said "but I had no other way to get in touch with him without giving away the element of surprise."
When he arrived at the house, not only was Lindsey's father home, but her older brother Jason was in town as well. "I'll have to admit, seeing Jason threw me for a loop. I had only met her dad once before and I had never met Jason before. Then, suddenly all three of us were all together cooking venison burgers outside on the grill! For such an impromptu meeting I think it went very well!"
As they sat down on the couch following the dinner, a nervous Christopher tried to prepare himself to ask the big question. The pre-election Obama campaign ads were running constantly and as Gary, Jason and Christopher talked finally Christopher interrupted "I have to be honest, I've been listening to everything you've been saying tonight but I haven't really been paying attention... Gary, there's something I want to ask you."
Silence fell across the room as Christopher reached into his pocket. "I know Lindsey and I haven't been dating for a very long time, but she means so very much to me. Both her and I have been praying very specifically for the Lord to bring someone into our lives and we believe our prayers have been answered in each other. I love your daughter very much and I want to ask your permission for her hand in marriage."
"Well, wow, yes, yes I absolutely give you my full blessing" Gary responded. "I know Lindsey and she's said a lot about you and the kind of man you are. I also know she wouldn't just say yes to anybody. Do you know when and how you're going to ask her? Oh, well nevermind" he continued "we can talk about that later! This is a time to celebrate, Jason, get out the grape juice!"
For the next half-hour Gary, Jason and Christopher talked, laughed and shared stories about Lindsey until Christopher headed out with a blessing, a smile and a ring. As he arrived at Lindsey's he was very late for "date night" and had some explaining to do. Fortunately, Lindsey was understanding and didn't hold a grudge for his late arrival! Little did she know the real reason behind his delay, but in four short days the secret would be revealed!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2008
OZARK, MISSOURI
7:30 AM
Waking up with a plan and a smile, a coughing Christopher got out of bed and called into work to take the day off. This would be the day that changed everything. He had been holding on to an engagement ring for several weeks now, waiting for this moment and with the blessing given earlier in the week to proceed, Christopher was preparing to take a step towards destiny.
Getting dressed in work clothes, he headed out to his Jeep. It was time to plan and prepare the place of the engagement at the Wilson's Creek/South Creek Greenway. It was a cold, dreary, overcast day. He said a quick prayer for sunny weather, at least between 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm, when he would be proposing, and set out to begin his preparations.
When arriving at the initial location, Christopher changed his mind, determining that the location would not be the best place for the proposal after-all. This began his search for the "perfect place" which would end up taking much longer than he anticipated. After searching along the creek for over an hour, he discovered the place he would propose - a quiet little clearning with rocks leading out into the river. A small little area tucked away from the path perfect for a proposal, but it would need some work. The area was over-grown and full of falling leaves.
He left the newly found area after scouting out two areas for the hidden photographers, Brad Wilkinson and Amy Martin of The Glass House Photography, to capture the event and headed to a friend's house to gather a rake and lawn mower. Upon arriving back at the location and hauling the lawn supplies with him, Christopher discovered the lawn mower did not work. With time running short, he tried to determine what the best idea would then be. With a 12:30 PM appointment at Starbucks in Springfield with Brad and Amy, the time he had spent searching for a new spot was beginning to catch up with him. Out of time and out of options, Christopher decided to leave the lawn mower at the location and purchase a five gallon can of gas to bring back to the spot, when he revealed its location to Brad and Amy.
Racing towards his Jeep, he headed to the nearest gas station. Upon arrival he went in to find a gas can, of which they were out. Quickly running next door to the Dollar Tree he also discovered they too, were out of gas cans. Growing concerned, he jumped into the Jeep and headed down the road to O'Riley's Auto Parts, surely they must have a gas can! After picking up a gas can, he headed to the counter to pay for his purchase. It was at this point that he discovered... he had no wallet!
Leaving the gas can and growing discouraged, he headed back to his Jeep and headed towards Springfield. Finding Brad and Amy at a table, an exhausted and stressed out Christopher shared his story. It was then Brad to the rescue. As the owner of a local driving range, Brad had mowers only a few miles away. Hopping in their vehicles, they headed towards The Range at James River, while Christopher frantically tried to find out where his wallet was. Calling his friend Brandon in the office at work, he asked if he would see if the wallet was there - AND IT WAS!
After loading the mower into the Jeep, the group of three headed out to the secret location for the upcoming proposal. Following an extensive tour of the area and discussing the best possible options for camera shots and angles, the Glass House Photographers headed out, leaving Christopher with his task of clearning out the area. With the afternoon beginning to close and still desperately needing a shower, Christopher finished clearing the area, loaded BOTH mowers and the rake into the Jeep and headed to Nixa, to drop off the machenary. From there he headed back to Ozark, to the shower, and then towards Springfield to pick-up his bride-to-be.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2008
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
4:30 PM
Arriving on time for the "rescheduled date night", Christopher's mind was racing! Having told Lindsey earlier in the week to be prepared for a surprise, he was ready to sweep her off her feet! Picking her up and walking to the car, he sat her down in the passenger seat and blindfolded her. Now, what might have typically been an indicator of something suspicious, Lindsey was not in the least bit caught off guard as this seemed to be something typical of a Christopher-date-night-surprise.
While driving to the surprise date Christopher was busy texting the hidden photographers along with Brandon and Charity Diehl, who had agreed to help set-up the engagement surprise. The conversation in the Jeep was God-directed and confirmed the decision that was about to be made as they talked (Lindsey still blindfolded) about how god had been working throughout their relationship from the beginning. Finally, after 40 minutes of driving, texting and talking, the set-up was complete.
The overcast and rainy day turned sunny for an hour, in response to Christopher's prayer earlier in the day. As they pulled into the parking area at Wilson's Creek, Christopher helped a curious (and still blindfolded) Lindsey out of the Jeep. As they walked the nearly half-mile along a bark chipped trail to the "secret location" an impatient Christopher picked her up and carried her the remainder of the way.
Setting her down on a rock overlooking the river, Christopher got down on one knee, pulling the box and ring out of his pocket. "You can take off your blindfold now, we're finally here" he said as he waited for her to open her eyes. As he waited she saw what she thought she had been waiting for her entire life...
"You, wait, you're..."
Before she could finish her thoughts, Christopher spoke to her words only the two of them will ever share. After his proposal the newly engaged couple embraced, laughed and then kissed! Standing up Christopher walked towards a bowl and pitcher (thermos) of warm water. Bringing the items towards the now-seated Lindsey he shared how Christ washed His disciple's feet as an act of service, out of love, and how he desired to serve her in the same way. Following the washing of her feet, he put her shoes on again, and they stood, embracing each other again.
"I wish I had my camera" she said.
"It's all taken care of" he reassured her. Then, giving a little whistle, he beckoned Brad and Amy to come out of hiding. A stunned, shocked and surprised Lindsey didn't know what to say or how to react. They smiled and took several quick photos before Brad and Amy left them, surrounded with the candles that were now glowing softly with the setting sun.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2008
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
6:00 PM
Finishing their first meal together as an engaged couple, Christopher and Lindsey left the Olive Garden and headed towards her mother's house to share the good news. After many phone calls and a mother who "knew it was coming" they headed out to Nixa shortly thereafter for a special engagement party held in their honor by the Diehl's (Brandon and Charity) and the Banks (Logan and Julie).