From Miss Heartland:

Once the “cloud nine” phase of being engaged wore off (actually I am not sure that has really happened yet)  I realized that I better start planning.  My mom and I dug in at full spee,d having little to no idea what we were about to get ourselves into.  We decided to start with all of the “big stuff,”  so that all the vendors that we wanted to use were not all booked up.

The first thing we did was contact my wedding planner and mom’s good friend, Julie.  She just happens to own the house that Mr. Heartland and I are getting married at, how convenient huh?  Julie is amazing and like I said in my bio, I have known that I wanted to get married at her house ever since I was a little girl.  The day I got engaged, she called my mom in excitement and said, “let the planning begin!!!!”  I think Julie and my mom had talked about this moment for months and couldn’t wait for it be official so we could start planning my dream day!

About a week later, Julie, my mom and I got together out in Malcolm and began throwing ideas around about what my vision was for the wedding.  What kind of food, d.j or band, buffet or served dinner, themes, colors, number of guests, date, etc. etc. etc …  I was immediately overwhelmed and thought, where do I even begin?  I decided that a checklist was the only possible way to keep track of what I needed to be doing on a month to month basis.  A checklist and a binder that is to keep everything organized.  For the next three or four months, I just began looking through magazines, browsing the Internet and talking with friends to decide on the direction that I wanted our wedding to take.  I finally decided on a nature-inspired, rustic-chic wedding.

Once the theme was set in stone, it made the other decisions so much easier because at least it gave us some direction.  I found a ton of awesome ideas, the hard part was putting all of these ideas together and making them flow.  That is where my friends and wedding planner played a huge part, they have kept me sane throughout this process that is for sure!

Photo: Malcom, Neb.

From Miss Heartland: 

Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite days because I was a Spanish minor in college & have always loved celebrating this holiday.  Mr. Heartland knew how much I loved this day.  The morning of Cinco de Mayo last year, he said, “Let’s plan to go to dinner tonight to celebrate Cinco de Mayo,” and before he could finish his sentence I screamed ”PERFECT!”  I was so excited.  

 I was texted a few of my girlfriends about meeting up with Mr. Heartland and myself after dinner for some margaritas.  They all responded that they couldn’t make it until about 8.  I said fine, but you know me, my bed time is usually 8:30, so hurry up =).  

 While I was at work, Mr. Heartland texted that he was going to be running a little late, but would pick me up around 6:30 for dinner.  When we got to Carmellas, the hostess seemed really excited that we were there … kind of weird I thought?  But I brushed it off and she sat us in the very back corner.  

 The waiter poured us some water but before I could ask to have something else to drink, he was gone.  I was confused.  All I wanted was my glass of wine, and that is what I told Mr. Heartland.  Mr. Heartland quickly changed the subject and said, “What are you having for dinner?”  I said, “Oh my goodness I don’t know I haven’t ordered a drink yet.”  He kept insisting that I look at the menu to decide on dinner, so finally I gave in.

 As I opened up the menu, the song “Feels Like Home” by Chatal  came on over the stereo system.  I looked down and there was a note inside my menu.  I began to read it, tearing up. 

 Before I could finish the letter, Mr. Heartland l said, ”Do you remember what I said would happen the next time we heard this song?”  I shook my head, ”No.” “What?” He said, “I told you that the next time we heard this song would be the day I ask you to marry me.”  

 He then got down on his knee (for what seemed like an eternity, he later told me) and asked me to make him the happiest man in the world and be his wife.  I was literally speechless.  He said,” honey… are you going to say anything???”  I said, “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, YES YES YES!”  

 We hugged and kissed while the whole restaurant clapped and cheered for us!  The waiter then came back with a bottle of champagne, which explains why he never asked me for a drink. 

 After we’d had about 2 glasses of champagne and maybe two bites of our meals, we headed over to the Venue because Mr. Heartland said he wasn’t done celebrating.  As we walked into the lounge, we were greeted by clapping and everyone was cheering for us.  Mr. Heartland had contacted all of my best friends and my family, and they were all waiting there to celebrate our engagement with us.  It was truly a picture-perfect night I will never forget.  

 The only thing I wish we had is more photos. In the excitement of it all, that wasn’t my major focus.  So for any men out there that are reading this post, be sure to have someone on camera duty when you propose. =)  

Engagement photo by Taura Horn Photography.