I’ve always been a creative person, and somewhat of a visionary. I’ve been saving pins to a board titled “MY FUTURE WEDDING” since probably fifth grade. I’ve always been a planner.
Of course, as the years went by, my vibes would change. I went from mason jars and chevron to chinoiserie and hydrangeas. Teal and coral to sky blue and ivory. As my Pinterest board matured, so did I. During the summer of 2025, I knew that my highschool sweetheart, Trevor, would be popping the question soon.
Every date night, every outing, I was prepared.
Pearl earrings, a blue floral dress, and my hair and makeup done. Waterproof mascara and all.
During the month of May, it was nothing but excitement. Then, May passed. I knew it would be June! June dwindled away, and so did the edge of my anticipation.
“When is he proposing?” I would ask my mom, exasperated after ANOTHER date night without a ring.
Family Cabin Week rolled around, with the entire family at our Mississippi River lake house nestled on a small peninsula of southern Iowa. Everyone was there. I packed three dresses. No proposal.
I started to worry. Did he even want to propose? Was this the end?
It was a Tuesday in July when I finally broke down. We’d be heading back to college in a few weeks, and my family’s schedule was packed up until then. There wouldn’t be a night left where everyone was free.
I cried to my family. They consoled me.
That night was Trevor’s birthday date night. I reluctantly put on that blue floral dress and my pearl earrings, with no expectation. I didn’t worry at dinner. I knew it wouldn’t happen.
We went over to the lake after dinner, as we always did. As we walked down a green, grassy patch, I saw the most picturesque sight ever.
Baskets of hydrangeas overlooking Lake Red Rock at sunset. It was literally my Pinterest dreams coming to life. He absolutely crushed it.
My sisters were there, a photographer was hiding in the bushes, and it was just perfect. We went home to tons of friends and family ready to celebrate us. We felt so loved and so excited. It was better than I ever imagined.
Sometimes, good things take time. Seeing my dream proposal in real life really made the wait worth it.
