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11 Things to Do When You Get Engaged

September 13, 2017

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.

10 Things to Do When You Get EngagedAs 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.

10 Things to Do When You Get Engaged

10 Things to Do When You Get Engaged

10 Things to Do When You Get Engaged

10 Things to Do When You Get Engaged

10 Things to Do When You Get Engaged

10 Things to Do When You Get Engaged

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!

10 Things to Do When You Get Engaged

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.

10 Things to Do When You Get Engaged

10 Things to Do When You Get Engaged

10 Things to Do When You Get Engaged

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.

10 Things to Do When You Get Engaged

10 Things to Do When You Get Engaged

10 Things to Do When You Get Engaged

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

   

/ Filed In: AISLE STYLE
Tagged: 2018 wedding, bcbg, betsey johnson, bling, blingbling, bridal fashion, bridal registry, bridalfashion, bride, bride to be, bridetobe, caratclub, diamond, diamond ring, diamond rings, diamonds, engaged, engagement, engagement announcement, engagement photo, engagement photography, engagement photos, engagement pictures, engagement ring, engagement ring shopping, engagement rings, engagement session, engagementphotography, engagementphotos, engagementring, engagementsession, esesh, fiance, groom, hedidgood, inlove, isaidyes, loverly, Martha Stewart weddings, martharings, marthaweddings, michigan, pear diamond, pear engagement ring, pear shape ring, pear shaped ring, peardiamond, petoskey, pink, pink diamonds, pink engagement ring, proposal, proposal story, pure michigan, puremichigan, realbride, realwedding, registry, ring selfie, she said yes, shesaidyes, shopping, soloverly, steve madden, summer wedding, the knot, theknot, theknotrings, wedding, wedding advice, wedding blog, wedding blogger, wedding colors, wedding influencer, wedding inso, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding. ideas, weddingideas, weddinginspiration, weddinginspo, weddingplanning

Comments

  1. Kathy Jecklin says

    September 13, 2017 at 9:30 pm

    We are soooo excited for you two!!💗

  2. Zach says

    September 14, 2017 at 3:11 am

    Oh my gosh the absolute greatest day of my life!!!!

  3. Viviane says

    September 18, 2017 at 3:09 pm

    Congrats and I love these tips!

  4. DANI says

    September 18, 2017 at 9:39 pm

    This is the most beautiful engagement shoot EVER!

  5. Ashley Stephenson says

    September 19, 2017 at 5:11 pm

    Awww what a sweet proposal!! I remember the feeling I got right after he asked!! Definitely take time and enjoy your engagement!

  6. Nicole Green says

    September 19, 2017 at 5:32 pm

    Awww congratulations Caitlin! I love these tips and your ring is beautiful!

  7. Jenny says

    September 19, 2017 at 10:46 pm

    These are awesome tips!

  8. Amy Lu says

    September 20, 2017 at 1:49 am

    Congratulations! This is such an exciting time in your life. Your pictures turned out so well and I wish you and your fiancé lots and lots of happiness.

  9. Whitney says

    September 20, 2017 at 8:51 am

    Oh my goodness!! All of these pictures are so gorgeous!!

  10. Stephanie says

    September 20, 2017 at 1:30 pm

    Congratulations and what beautiful photos! My husband proposed to me in front of the fountain of the college we met at (UCF in Orlando) and had his brother there to photograph it all because he knows I love my pictures! The only thing we didn’t do on this list was have an engagement party. But I definitely agree to pick a date early. Let those who matter most know as soon as possible, and you can’t really book anything else without the date.

  11. tom marlo says

    September 22, 2017 at 2:31 am

    All of these pictures are so gorgeous!!

  12. Melissa says

    September 26, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    Beautiful pictures and congratulations to you! The ring is so stunning and glamorous. It is always a good idea to tell friends and family before posting on Facebook so you don’t hurt anyone’s feelings!

  13. Tatyanna says

    September 27, 2017 at 8:36 am

    Wow these picture are breathtaking! You guys look amazing!

    Xx Tatyanna
    http://www.apopoflife.com

  14. Leah says

    September 27, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    Gorgeous photos! This makes me long for the beach!

  15. Cristina says

    September 27, 2017 at 4:25 pm

    I have so many mixed feelings about engagements. It’s for sure a happy moment, but it also means it’s the beginning of the (wedding) chaos.

  16. Terri says

    April 9, 2018 at 5:03 pm

    Sweet pictures. I love the one with you two and your dog. 🙂

  17. Joanna says

    April 9, 2018 at 5:16 pm

    You had such a wonderful proposal, your future husband is such a romantic guy! And your ring is simply gorgeous! You look wonderful together!

  18. Sarah Bailey says

    April 9, 2018 at 6:05 pm

    These are some absolutely beautiful photos, getting engaged is definitely a time to celebrate with friends and family.

  19. Amber Myers says

    April 9, 2018 at 6:39 pm

    So sweet. I just love these photos. I got engaged at 19 and we had very little money so there were no pictures or parties. But that’s okay, I’d rather save the money! My dress was only $40.

  20. Waren Jean Go says

    April 10, 2018 at 1:33 am

    Aww.. Dreamy couple pictures are lovely to see. I hope I will find my prince charming too soon. Congrats Cait!

  21. Chana says

    April 10, 2018 at 2:59 am

    So exciting! Congratulations!! Getting engaged is absolutely one of the best experiences in life. These pictures look stunning! Enjoy your engagement and don’t rush getting to the wedding!!

  22. Krishna Rani Nath says

    April 10, 2018 at 10:12 am

    Wish we had internet connection in our times

  23. Anosa says

    April 10, 2018 at 11:33 am

    Awww how adorable was the proposal and that dress and ring are absolutely lookers. I love the tips too

  24. Annie Cho says

    April 10, 2018 at 1:09 pm

    The proposal story is absolutely sweet and romantic! Can’t believe it’s where your parents got engaged too! Love all your tips!
    xoxo
    Annie

  25. katriza says

    April 10, 2018 at 4:46 pm

    Engagements are so much fun! I love this list and totally agree! There’s a lot of chaos during this time though, stress and all those expectations!

  26. Mary Jingjing Lopez says

    April 10, 2018 at 6:16 pm

    Congratulations! I guess I have done most of your pointers when I got engaged 2 yrs. ago. Good resource for the incoming brides to be.

  27. KRYSTLE COOK says

    April 10, 2018 at 11:06 pm

    Love the photos! I have never done a photo shoot but I am thinking of doing one for our 20th wedding anniversary in a few years since we didn’t have a real wedding either.

  28. Ada says

    April 11, 2018 at 1:49 am

    Aww this is so sweet and your ring is just stunning! Congrats.

  29. Christina says

    April 11, 2018 at 2:06 am

    Congratulations! These photos are just gorgeous!

  30. Rosey says

    April 11, 2018 at 2:30 am

    Yeah, everyone does want you to pick a date. Things get easier once you do. 🙂

  31. Alison Rost says

    April 11, 2018 at 5:36 am

    What a beautiful story. You’re right about finding your soulmate, you just know. I love the ring as well, Zach did an amazing job designing it. Thank for sharing your story and tips on what to do next!

  32. Wanda Lopez says

    April 11, 2018 at 2:50 pm

    Congratulations! Beautiful pictures and that ring is absolutely stunning. I’ve been married 18 years and still remember when he proposed and the entire process up to the wedding day. It’s all magical.

  33. Dee At My Dee Dee's Diary says

    April 12, 2018 at 12:02 am

    This is so amazing!! Congrats! These are all great tips btw

  34. kim says

    April 13, 2018 at 10:52 am

    Your pictures are beautiful and I’m loving all of your tips! There’s definitely so much to think of!

  35. lex says

    April 17, 2018 at 5:08 pm

    I love your list. And thanks for the little but huge Egyptian history to the ring. Amazing photos too. Big Congrats

  36. Katelyn says

    April 23, 2018 at 2:43 pm

    Oh my gosh absolutely beautiful!!! Love your story and photos!

About

Once upon a time... there were two best friends that lived in a Dollhouse. That's where the story began. While the pages of this digital storybook keep turning, one thing remains the same. Caitlin and Dani are by each other's side through the ups, downs and all the realness in between.

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