Let me start by saying that I am preparing to marry the sweetest most understatedly romantic man ever! He could not have planned a more perfect proposal. Picture this...December 13, 2008, a clear crisp day, a winter chill in the air... OK so that's cheesy, but seriously, it was a beautiful December day, Tim asked me if I would like to go to Longwood Gardens. Longwood Gardens is a sprawling majestic plot of land just northeast of Kennet Square, PA, as rich in history as it is in beauty. The land that houses the gardens today was originally inhabited by the Lenni Lenape tribe. In 1700, a Quaker family (the Pierce family) purchased the property from William Penn, and established it as a working farm, they later began planting an arboretum. The farm was purchased in 1906 by Pierre du Pont so that he could preserve the trees, and between the years 1907 and 1930 he created most of what we enjoy today. The Gardens were turned over to a foundation set up by Mr. du Pont in 1946. He enjoyed the Gardens until his death in 1954, at which point a director was hired to continue to exemplify Mr. du Pont's vision. Every year at Christmastime, all of the trees in the Gardens are draped in lights, there is a figure skating show, hot cider can be purchased at outdoor stands, thethe fountains are filled with cranberries and poinsettias and a magical Christmas wonderland comes to life. Longwood Gardens at Christmas time can make any adult feel like a kid again. It truly is one of my very favorite places in the world. If you haven't been yet, I would highly recommend it. I will be forever partial to Christmas at the Gardens, but it won't let you down in any season!
Tim and I excitedly prepared for our visit...we charged camera batteries and found our hats and gloves. Our visit began with a figure skating show on a frozen outdoor rink under the stars. We walked through the twinkle lights holding hands and listening to the music floating over the trees from the fountain show. Tim dragged me over to a particularly beautiful tree and asked me to take a picture:
I heard him call my name. I spun around and couldn't see him anywhere...he was down on one knee. (It still makes me tear just thinking about it). When I saw him I caught my breath, then he said those four little worlds that completely changed my future..."Will you marry me?" I can't even describe to you the joy I felt, my soul mate, my dream guy...wanted to marry me?!?! I think I managed to say "YES!!!" while tears streamed down my face and I jumped into his arms...a few moments later I heard him mumble into my shoulder..."don't y
ou even want to look at the ring?" I did...and it was beautiful! Could life get any better?!?! Well...I'll tell ya, it didn't end there. Apparently my sweet fiance had been planning and composing something for over a year. We lost my Dad a few years ago, Tim knew how much we all adored and respected my father and it was important to Tim to reach out to 
my Dad in some way. Tim composed a letter asking my father for my hand in marriage. Knowing how much we all adore and respect my mother, Tim sent the letter to her in my father's place. I have read that letter so many times and yet it still brings tears to my eyes. Longwood Gardens the magical Christmas wonderland became the backdrop for the Perfect Proposal!! Let the planning begin!!!
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