Florida Recap Part 3: Will You?

“Marry me” finished that question.

Scott and I had always been planning on a summer vacation in Orlando and Daytona Beach to get away and visit my brother, but when he told us last spring that he thought he wanted to take the next step this summer and get down on one knee, the entire family jumped at the opportunity to finally meet (in person) this woman who won my brother’s heart.

Under the guise of a normal family vacay, Mandy’s now soon-to-be-in-laws descended upon their apartment for the week as Scott and I split our time between the Gaylord and his place. Packed to the gills, Mandy navigated the family with ease and impressed us all with her sweet nature and inherent moxy. She and my brother are truly a perfect match.

Late Saturday afternoon, Scott and I took off to her parent’s house for a full family BBQ. Mandy’s family is lovely and the dinner in their backyard Florida oasis was equally delightful. Everyone knew the entire time what Mandy didn’t – that in a matter of a few hours my brother was planning to surprise her with a diamond and the offer of a lifetime of happiness.

Because they share a mutual love of archery, my brother planned a proposal that revolved around putting their skill on exhibition. After setting up the target, they took turns impressing us as we all stood around taking pictures and capturing it on video. Seemed innocent. What we really were doing was setting the scene so we could capture the whole proposal – and we did.

My little sister distracted Mandy as my brother placed a custom arrow on his bow, written into the fletching “you are my favorite – will you marry me?” and he aimed with precision at the heart of the target. Once shot, he dropped down to check the bow making it seem that something was wrong with the arrow. Mandy walked down to grab the arrows off the target, and hopefully note the difference in the arrow with the message.

Girl couldn’t take a hint. :)

Finally, after numerous times asking her to “check the fletching!” she looked closely enough and discovered what we had all been waiting for – the question we knew he would ask when he found the love of his life.

She walked back -hand over mouth, tears streaming – and threw her arms around him in signal to her response. It was beautiful, it was perfect, and both families were there to witness the love between two wonderful people.

Come next year, I will officially have a new sister, one that I can’t wait to embrace and bond with as our lives become entwined and our families unite as one.  Christopher, Mandy – CONGRATULATIONS to you both!! We couldn’t be happier for you (and can’t wait to cut a rug at your wedding…) :)

– Al