The Bended-Knee Proposal

I was looking yesterday at the pictures from the night that Patrick and I got engaged, and it really made me wonder, why the tradition of proposing on bended knee? Not that I'd have it any other way, don't get me wrong! --- I'm just curious as to how the tradition was started. So, I did me a little research on the interwebz, and...nothing.

On Wikipedia, it talks about the traditions of proposing on the whole, it barely mentions the knee thing. All the other sites I checked simply stated: there is no historical origin we know of the bended-knee proposal. Many sites say that it could have spawned from the tradition of knights kneeling to accept honors from their Royals. Some say that it is a sign of respect and spirituality delving from kneeling in prayer. It also "elevates the engagement ring between" the couple. For whatever reason, it stuck, and it marks the proposals of many couples each year.

There is something so romantic to me about this tradition. I guess, growing up, you see it in all the romantic movies and books, and it's something that tells you that this is real, it's happening to me. For me, I took it as a sign of ultimate respect and love from Patrick. It really showed me how much he honors me and our relationship.I think that it is a beautiful gesture. Of course I flung myself down to my knees with him after I said yes. I'm glad I did. I think now, looking back on it, I feel like joining him on bent knees was my way of reciprocating that respect and honor. Then again, it could have been the sheer joy I felt. (It was probably that).

I am in no way saying that if a man/woman proposes to their significant other without taking a knee that they don't love and respect their partner, nor am I saying that it devalues the proposal. I'm just speaking from our proposal and how it affected me.

Since the youtube, twitter and Facebook crazes, proposals have become more and more elaborate. More power to them, too! To each their own. It's such a reflection on the couples' style, and the bended or non-bended knee proposals are unique, special, and beautiful in their own ways.

How did your SO propose? Were they kneeling? How did it make you feel?

Best,

Micah

Engage-aversary!

Today is our one year anniversary of being an engaged couple. A year ago, Patrick sweetly cooked his parents and I a lovely breakfast and sent me off to get my nails done with his mother. I, completely oblivious, went along with it and in the evening we rushed off for our dinner reservation at the Coast Guard House near what would be our venue, the Towers!

Me, about 20 minutes before Patrick proposed!
During our lobster ravioli dinner!

After some loving words and a tasty dinner, we decided to take a walk on the beach that we knew so well. Little did I know, our friends were waiting there for us! Patrick took me on a quick walk, and then suggested we head back. As we did, he pointed to what I would find out to be a gorgeous bouquet of blue roses, and I turned and found him on his knee! He asked me to be his wife and I said YES!!!!

It was such a beautiful moment. One that I will never forget!

Today, a year later, we celebrated with a yummy brunch together! Followed by a tasting of cupcakes from one of the bakeries that might end up doing the cupcakes for our wedding! It was lovely. It's nice to take the time to reflect on our year, and what's to come. 

Hello love!
(I may have finished the entire mountain of food I had)

The flavors we tried were Chocolate-frosted Vanilla, Boston Creme, Tiramisu, Vanilla-frosted Vanilla, Red Velvet and Carrot Cake! They were from the Newport Sweet Shoppe in Rhode Island and they were SOOOO good! It's going to be super hard to pick flavors (but we still have got one more bakery to try). (More on that later, of course!)

Patrick,

I love you so much. I can't wait for our wedding. Your proposal was the best night of my life. I love you forever. *****

Best,

Micah

Fireworks forever!

Three years ago, on July 4th, Patrick gave me a beautiful blue rose, a hand-written piece of music he wrote that I love, and a joker card with the words "Will You Be My Girlfriend" written on it. I excitedly accepted. From there, we grew together and fell more in love with each passing day. He is my best friend in the entire world, and I cannot wait to marry him.

On Monday, to celebrate our anniversary, we had a relaxing breakfast and spent some time together and then headed over for a day at the Museum of Science! It was such an amazing day spent in each other's company. With my apprenticeship taking over most of my time and his job during the days, it was really nice to spend all day together. Especially since there was a DINOSAUR exhibit!

Watching "Waking the T-Rex" in 3D!

We traditionally exchange gifts for our anniversary, and this year we did GOOOOD! I got Patrick a print of one of his favorite paintings by Francisco Goya:

"The Dog" Francisco Goya circa 1819-1823

Patrick got me an Amazon Kindle, which I am LOVING! He also had the most gorgeous bouquet delivered (from the place he had gotten the blue rose bouquet that we had on the night of the proposal) to me of blue roses....with Peacock feathers!

Swoon!

I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but we are going to have a Peacock colored wedding! Patrick tells me that he didn't have them add the peacock feathers specifically, it was a glorious coincidence!

We had a wonderful day to celebrate us, not to mention a happy 4th of July! Patrick later told me that he wanted to ask me on July 4th so that we would always have fireworks on our special day. (I'm the luckiest person ever!) Although our wedding will be on the 14th of July next year, I know that we will have always fireworks everyday. Happy anniversary, honey!

Best,

Micah

The Proposal

Or...The best night of my life. January 29, 2011.

We left our apartment on January 28th to go down to Madison, CT, where Patrick’s family lives. We were headed there to celebrate Patrick’s mother’s birthday and to see his family. We arrived that evening accompanied by a light flurry of snow. After a wonderful cup of hot chocolate and some happy conversation, we drifted up to bed. We woke up the next day to a bright, beautiful morning. We passed the afternoon, and had a wonderful, relaxed brunch prepared by Patrick and his father. Afterwards, Patrick’s mother asked me to join her in getting her nails done. I thought it would be a really nice way for her to relax on her birthday, and love getting my nails done so of course, I agreed! It was a nice, relaxing visit to the salon. With fresh manicures and a wonderful massage, we headed back. Patrick had made a reservation for us for 6:30, so I was just able to slip on my dress and brush my hair and head out. We were going to our favorite spot; Narragansett beach, RI. We got out at the Coast Guard House, a lovely restaurant, right on the beach. Over a delicious diner, Patrick and I shared memories of our beginnings, and a decadent bottle of cabernet sauvignon. We both shed a few happy tears, and felt immensely grateful to have found each other in such a beautiful place. Narragansett beach is where our relationship bloomed; it is a very special place to us. We would go there to talk for hours walking along the beach. It has always been *our* spot. We had planned on a stroll on the beach, no matter what the weather, so I slipped out of my heels and into some boots. All bundled up, we took each other’s arm and set off. Climbing down the stone wall, Patrick helped me down onto the sand. We walked hand in hand, gazing at the stars and listening to the rolling waves. When Patrick suggested we head back to the car, I was a little saddened; I just didn’t want the night to be over. He then pointed off along the shore to what looked like a plastic bag on the beach. He asked me what I thought it was. “It looks like garbage or something” I said. We went over to see what it was, and I knelt to pick it up…and it was a bouquet of beautiful blue roses! I turned and Patrick was down on his knee. He said: “Micah, you are my beginning and my end, my sunrise and my sunset, and you are music. Will you marry me?” He held up an ivory box with my beautiful ring sparkling inside! “YES!” I shouted through tears, my heart racing. I flung myself into his arms and we laughed and cried together. More surprises! Patrick’s best friends Devin, Andrew and Doug had been hiding out there waiting. They had placed the flowers and Devin was able to capture the moment on film! They told me the girls were waiting for us, and we were not going home that night! We were staying at the Tower House; a beautiful Bed & Breakfast nearby. When we got there, the girls were waiting with champagne and yummy treats! It was the best night of my life. Patrick and I were surrounded by our friends to share our first night as a betrothed couple! I couldn’t have asked for a more romantic night. It is a night that I will treasure always. And now, I get to marry my best friend in the whole world!

Best,

Micah

P.S. That place in the background...is where we're getting married!!!!!