If there’s one thing two best friends wish for one another, it’s happily ever after. Caitlin is engaged! This bride-to-be is here to tell you about the magic moment it happened and the top ten things every Doll should do when you’re engaged.

As a hopeful romantic, there were countless times I dreamed of finding true love… Needless to say, the reality is pure bliss.

It’s true what they say about finding your soulmate – “When you know, you know.” Zach and I met over two years ago at a random bar on Taylor Street in Chicago (thank you, Vintage Lounge). Something came over me – a magnetic field – and drew me towards Zach. Soon enough, we were dancing the night away and in the months to follow, we became inseparable. It wasn’t long before I knew we would be together forever.

Zach proposed at our summer home in Bay View, Michigan on the third of July. My family has a cottage there that has been around for over 100 years and this little piece of heaven is close to our hearts! In fact, my parents were engaged on the front porch on the very same weekend years ago.

Everyone always asks, did you know he was going to do it? When you’re in love and excited to spend the rest of your lives together, it’s something you discuss! I was not sure how or when Zach would propose, but I will say that there is absolutely nothing that prepares you for this moment.

Zach took me for a walk before dinner on July 3rd and we watched the sunset from a rocking swing on the bluff. After a fatefully romantic conversation, he walked me a bit closer to the water and got down on one knee and spoke those four unforgettable words:

Will you marry me?”

One of the things I love most about my fiancé is his charismatic nature. I wouldn’t use the word nervous to describe his demeanor in this moment – I suppose vulnerable is the closest fit. In this moment, I was so overwhelmed with joy and emotion that I immediately began crying. Truth be told, Zach asked me three times before I could proclaim the word:

YES!”

It was a perfectly intimate and private moment followed by a burst of applause and screams. Onlookers watching the sunset had stayed to witness the proposal and were cheering from afar. Zach grabbed my hand, held it high and shouted back “She said Yes!”

We held hands as we headed back to the cottage to  pop pink champagne with family and enjoy the night. Celebrations continued the next day with the 4th of July parade and fireworks. Sparks were flying!

And the ring! It is absolutely exquisite – from the elegant pear shape to the princess pink diamond halo, it’s perfectly Caitlin. Zach designed it with a jeweler who has worked with my family for generations, Cathy Wang.

11 Things to Do Once You’re Engaged:

Celebrate! 

There truly will never be another time in your life for you to enjoy each other like this. Pop the champagne and cherish every moment. This is just the beginning of your journey to the altar.

Announce the News

In the world of Instagram and Social Media, remember to be tasteful. Facetime any family members and your besties who may not have been present for the actual engagement. These loved ones have been a part of your adventure, and they may be hurt finding out through a ring selfie rather than you.

Insure the Ring

Did you know the tradition of wedding rings comes from Ancient Egyptians? They believed the ring finger held a special vein directly connected to the heart. This gorgeous piece of jewelry represents your love for one another and the life-changing moment of popping the question. Make sure it’s insured!

Family Dinner

Family is forever and you’re adopting each other’s as your own. If your immediate families have not yet met, there’s no opportunity like this! Set up dinner with your parents to get to know one another. It will make the process of the engagement – wedding – and everything else more fun.

Pick a Date

This is the first question you will be asked – and you will be asked A LOT! The easiest way to do this is decide the time of year. Next, reach out to your dream ceremony and reception venues and see which dates align. The sooner you book this, everything else can come into place!

Set Personal Goals

Every bride wants to feel and look her best on the big day. Think about what that may mean to you and set goals NOW. The earlier you start on fitness and beauty goals – the better! Whether you are content with the number on the scale and looking for tone and definition or seeking more of a drastic change, all future brides need to do so safely. Caitlin & Danielle are working with OTG Bootcamp to set fitness goals and will be sharing the journey here! OTG Bootcamp is a female-owned business with fast, effective, bad*** workouts.

Take Engagement Photos

Photoshoots are something I have come to love – so sharing that with Zach was so special! Really have fun with this and incorporate your personalities, your favorite spots, even your favorite food… ice cream, anyone? You will use these photos for your save the dates and wedding website.

Have a Party

The engagement party should fall within a few months of the proposal—otherwise known as the sweet spot between carefree, just-engaged life and the start of serious wedding planning. This will, however, be your first taste of guest-list wonderment! Pull together a list of close family and friends, and begin organizing emails and mailing addresses. We recommend Google Docs to keep everything organized.

Propose to your Wedding Party

Now it’s your turn to POP the question! Your bride tribe are your closest friends/ sisters/ cousins who have been with you through thick and thin and soon-to-be wedded bliss. You can show them how much you care by a heartfelt proposal to join you through this process. There are a million ideas on Pinterest – choose a method that best fits your friendship.

Go Dress Shopping

You should shop for your wedding dress anywhere from six months to a year before your big day. Research some designers or boutiques you are interested in and book your first appointment! Come prepared with some ideas of the style you are interested in – mermaid, trumpet, a-line, etc.

Register

It’s time to create your dream home with your dreamy fiancé. Registering for gifts can be a bit overwhelming at first, but rest assured that your friends and family want to gift you!  There are new, modern ways to register that make keeping organized fun –  we recommend Zola because you can register from anywhere and keep it all in one place! They even make writing your thank you cards a breeze. Your first shower will be filled with love and you’ll cherish these items forever. Earn $50 towards your Zola registry when you sign up with this link.

Photos were taken in Bay View, Michigan by Tatum Photo Design.
Caitlin’s hair was done by Salon833 in Chicago.