Another Engagment!

The night before we left for Colorado, I had the privilege of hosting a small get-together to celebrate the engagement of Ryan Mullarkey and Ariel Gnagey. I had spent the afternoon on Friday with Ariel looking at rings knowing full well that Ryan was proposing on Saturday. As we went into each jeweler's shop, she told the people behind the counter she had no idea when he might propose. At one point, she said, "It could be next week; it could be in August...it could be tomorrow!" I did my best to agree with her that it could be anytime without actually saying I didn't know when it would happen - an art called quibbling, of which my mother is a master.

Anyway, on Saturday morning, Ryan brought over several bouquets of flowers and boxes of rose petals, and I made some chocolate covered strawberries and a flourless chocolate cake. Have I ever mentioned that I like to throw parties and make things pretty?



My crowning achievement for this party were the chocolate-covered strawberries for Ryan and Ariel. Ryan's had a tuxedo, and Ariel's had a wedding dress. Oh yeah.
It was such a delight to get to celebrate with them. I remember sitting in Ariel's dorm room as she told me through huge smiles that Ryan had asked her if he could pursue her. And in the years since, it has been sweet to see them grow closer as a couple and learn how to glorify God together. They are incredibly dear to me, and I couldn't be more thrilled for them!
And, since the above picture just doesn't do justice to what a beautiful couple they are...
I love you guys!!