Happy Valentine's Day + A Love Story from a Sister's Perspective

Happy Valentine's Day! In honor of the holiday, I'd thought I'd tell you some EXTREMELY exciting news I've been dying to share for over two weeks...Kate and Frank are engaged!!!!!! Since it's Valentine's Day I'm going to give you the full story of how it all happened followed by a photo montage of Kate and Frank's relationship. The best part is that Kate can't stop me because they are currently in Las Vegas celebrating! (Just a warning the post is going to be a little long so skip to the photos if you want!)

Two and a half weeks ago, I received a phone call from Frank asking if I would go with him the next day to look at rings during lunch. I was completely shocked because I knew the engagement was coming, but didn't know when it would be taking place. Obviously, I was so EXCITED to have the opportunity to help Frank pick out the ring, but was very nervous at the same time because I wasn't exactly sure what Kate wanted. The day we went to look at rings I had to be so mean to Kate all day so she wouldn't talk to me and ask what I was doing that day...Kate told everyone in my family what a you know what I was being.

After looking at three rings, Frank and I both decided that we liked the oval solitaire with a platinum diamond band. Next came the hard part...As most of you know, I live with Kate and we both spend a majority of our time working from home. In addition, we had a family trip to Palm Springs two days after we went ring shopping. I seriously didn't think I would be able to keep the secret from Kate because we tell each other EVERYTHING.

Originally, Frank was going to propose last week in Charlotte and somehow it was going to involve going to a really nice dinner and the Ritz Carlton. However, Frank called when we were in Palm Springs to say the ring wasn't going to be ready in time. Last week, Frank called and said he had a new plan. He had decided that the nice dinner/Ritz Carlton idea was lame and instead he was going to book a surprise trip to Vegas instead.

Once Frank decided on Vegas, I knew that Kate was going to be SOOOOO excited (for those of you that don't know Kate is OBSESSED with Vegas) and the secret got even harder to keep. I knew somehow I needed to make Kate get a manicure, make her a packing list so she wouldn't be overwhelmed when she found out she had 2 hours to pack after just getting engaged, and make sure she was showered and not wearing work out clothes when it happened.

On Tuesday I literally begged Kate to go and get manicure with me using a fake date I had planned on Wednesday as the excuse. Kate did not want to go at all, and once we got there she was trying to get her nails painted mint green. I had to persuade her that mint green wouldn't go with her current wardrobe because it was winter and she needed a natural color. I organized a "blog meeting" yesterday morning to ensure that Kate would be showered and looking cute, but yesterday morning Kate was not being very cooperative and did not see the need to look cute. However, I finally talked her into looking nice and she looked great! Lastly, I went out and got the essentials for her trip such a toiletries, tights, drycleaning, etc. so she wouldn't panic when she found out they were going to Vegas!

Here is how the engagement happened...Kate and I left our blog meeting, and Kate asked me to go to run an errand with her. I told her I couldn't and that I needed her to take me home. Kate then thought I was being a you know what and got mad at me. Frank calls right after and tells her he is surprising her with Chick-fil-a for lunch, so she forgets about the errand. I immediately leave the house, so the two of them can have their privacy (I figured it would be pretty awkward if I was just hanging out at home while they were getting engaged).

Anyway, this next part is all according to Kate, and I am sure she will be sharing her story next week...Frank shows up with the Chick-fil-a, and Kate (like most anyone would do) goes for the Chick-fil-a first and starts telling Frank how hungry she is. Meanwhile, Frank has handed her a plane tickets and cards that are all Vegas themed...

Obviously, there was a very heartfelt and romantic note inside (who knew Frank was such a romantic?!), but I figured Frank might not want that on the blog. Anyway, she clearly said YES!!!! Frank claims that Kate was more excited about the trip to Vegas than the proposal, but I think she was very excited about both...

The Happy Couple Post Engagement!

Anyway, sorry for the extremely long post, but I always love to know the backstory of an engagement. Make sure to check back tomorrow for the pic of the ring...Obviously, it is the Bauble of the Week! I know it is a little tacky to share a picture of the ring on the blog, but I made Kate agree to it because I know you all want to see it! Also, I have to brag on Frank...I'm pretty impressed with his selection. Happy Valentine's Day! Hope everyone is surrounded by love today! xoxo, Kelley