I Said YES!!!

Welcome to my Fairy Tale...

~Dean Aron Zeligman & Stephanie Brooke Richardson~

est. Nov.1, 2011

engaged Nov.1, 2013

On November 1st, 2013 the man of my dreams took me by complete surprise, got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife! This is the moment I had been dreaming of since the very first time he kissed me. It was absolutely perfect, magical in fact. Out of all the days I've walked this earth, this day has been my favorite and I'd like to share it with you. Welcome to our love story, my fairy tale, my happily ever after...the day I said YES! 

As Dean and I approached our two year anniversary (November 1st), we were crazy busy with rehearsal for the Legends in Concert Christmas show, a Halloween gig for one of his bands (The Kraken), not to mention all of our daily responsibilities. I thought there was no way Dean would be proposing to me on this hectic day. We barely had enough time to celebrate our anniversary, let alone an engagement! I knew it was the furthest thing from his mind plus, when would he have had the time to get a ring? I am nearly impossible to surprise, by the way. 

On the morning of our anniversary we took care of our furry babies, Dean opened the presents I had made for him and we enjoyed a delicious breakfast. Dean gifted me the most gorgeous red roses and a card, which I saved like all the others! He told me I would have to wait to receive my present at dinner and promised that even though our day was very busy, he would make our anniversary special. Boy did he deliver! :) 

Rehearsals went by as did our opening Christmas show. It was finally time to celebrate two wonderful years of love, happiness and growth together. I took off my "show paint," slipped into a black and green dress, put on my favorite leopard pumps and my proudly sported my TLC necklace that Dean gave me during Elvis week this year ("tender loving care", not the 90's girl band lol). I hear a knock on my dressing room door and in walks my Prince Charming fully decked out in a suit and tie looking so incredibly handsome. How can I be so lucky? 

As we arrived to our special place, Level 2 Steakhouse, we see my mom at a table in the corner with her girlfriends. Now, some have said "You had to know that something was going on when you saw your mother there!" Well, here's the thing: the night before my mom and I were texting and she asked what our anniversary plans were. I said that we were going to try to squeeze in a romantic dinner in between shows at Level II. And she replied, "Really? I have dinner plans with my girlfriends and we are going there as well!" Suspicions officially squashed. You see? Okay, back to our love story...

THIS is the beautiful display I was greeted with! Rose petals, *sparkling* champagne flutes, personalized knives and perfection! 

(One of my favorite drinks is sparkling cider so it was so nice to have that there! Delish!)

We enjoyed each others company, the amazing cuisine and the romantic atmosphere. It truly was special, just like Dean had promised. Once we finished our meal, it was time to open my gift....

As Dean was showing me what he made for me, Sheri Holloway (the secret photographer and friend of my mother) was snapping photos of the whole thing! So sneaky! I am so grateful that she captured these memories for us! I get to relive this happy and magical day over and over again!

Here are some photos of "the best present in the whole world!" 

This is the front cover of our memory book...our love story....

By this time I am already crying tears of joy all over this spectacular book. Lol. It truly is the most thoughtful gift I have ever gotten and he completely blew me away. The overwhelming feeling of love flowed through my body like a tidal wave. I have never felt more cherished than I did at this moment.

"Let it Be Me" by the Everly Brothers is our love song...

You will forever be my always.

Dean has taken me all over the world!

Me too!!!! :)

You are my magnet. You are the one for me. 

It says "your love and dedication to family is one of the many things I love about you."

Reasons we're better together :)

Dean's 30th Birthday Bash on Table Rock Lake with friends and family!

This melts my heart...

All the "firsts" we've shared...so far!

By the time I got to this page I was laughing & crying simultaneously! Butterflies filled my stomach as I felt Dean begin to squirm in his chair. He came around to the other side of me as I turned the page....

I shouted "YES!" at the top of my lungs before I even gave him the chance to say a word or see that he was down on one knee! From there I just remember being so flooded with happiness, love, excitement and anticipation. I was on cloud 9! We locked eyes, he told me that I was the love of his life and that he wanted to spend the rest of his days with me by his side. Then, he asked me those four beautiful words: will you marry me? YES! YES! YES! :) It was perfect from start to finish, heartfelt, creative, genuine and most of all, a dream come true. The love of my life wants ME to take his name and be the mother of his children. To build a life together. To endure through good times and bad. To be his partner in this adventure called life. There is no better feeling in the whole world.

Here are some photos of the proposal taking place...

I guess he liked...'cause he put a ring on it! haha

The most beautiful ring in the world. Absolutely perfect! I feel like a princess!

Sharing the book with his soon-to-be mother-in-LOVE!

YES!

He pulled off a massive surprise for the girl who literally cannot be surprised. Well done, Dean. Well done. 

SHERIHOLLOWAYPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM

This says: I love you Steph

engaged 11-1-13

that is if you say yes ; )

After the proposal comes planning but most importantly just enjoying being engaged! Here are some of the highlights:

Engagement announcement in the local paper!

Oh yeah baby! Soon to be Mrs.Z all the way! (Hoodie from Robin Capton Etsy)

Our engagement ornament! (ordered from AngelaOwen1 on Etsy)

A beautiful wedding planner to help me stay organized while I become Mrs.Zeligman. This was a gift from my friend and "sister," Harriet. I am so happy that I'll have her by my side when I say "I Do."

Right now Dean and I are just enjoying our engagement! I've been told that each stage of a relationship has it's perks and that this one is no exception. We have decided to take our time during this very busy upcoming 2014 and set our nuptials for May of 2015. The exact date and location are to be determined. The next chapter of our love story is waiting to be written...

True Love Conquers All.

Like two sparrows in a hurricane

Trying to find their way

With a head full of dreams

and faith that can move anything

They've heard it's all uphill

but all they know is how they feel

The world says they'll never make it

but LOVE says they will.