How it Happened...
Their 10 year anniversary was the following weekend and so Brandon started planning…
He told Beth to pack a bag Friday evening and was up and out early Saturday morning, December 6, 2008, for a road trip she knew nothing about. As they exited the turnpike in Orlando, Brandon pulled into the exquisite Disney’s Boardwalk . The valet and bellman took care of the car and the bags. Brandon checked in as Beth took pictures of the festive holiday lobby. Surrender to the 1940's elegance of this Atlantic City-styled Resort, set against a breezy boardwalk entertainment complex and lake.
They went up to their turquoise painted villa that had a balcony overlooking beautiful landscape, pool, and lake. The place was so quaint they thought this would be the perfect apartment.
Time was passing quickly so they quickly went downstairs and hopped on a shuttle headed for….The Magic Kingdom! Of all their years in Orlando (and together) the Magic Kingdom has to be one of the few places they have not visited together. Brandon explains “Even after all this time, we still have plenty of ‘firsts’ to experience together.”
They were all smiles as they explored the park, rode rides, and took pictures. The park theme this year was “Year of a Million Dreams”. Watching the parade just made you feel like a kid again. You just can’t help but be overwhelmed with serenity and happiness when you are there.
They did not get to spend too much time at the park because Brandon had other plans for them. They hopped back on the shuttle and went back to the resort to get dressed for dinner (at an undisclosed location). Before they headed out again Beth gave Brandon a small gift bag. Brandon read the sentimental card and pulled out a turquoise box…of Victoria Secret Very Sexy2 for Him cologne. [He may not be the only one receiving a turquoise box this evening.] Brandon in his slacks and dress shirt and Beth in her heels and dress… they got back on the shuttle yet again to head back to the Magic Kingdom.
As they arrived yet a second time, everyone was piling onto Main Street USA looking towards Cinderella’s Castle watching it change colors as they awaited the nightly fireworks – Wishes nighttime spectacular. And spectacular they were! The narrating and music that went along with the show made you all nostalgic. It was all about dreams and wishes and how they can come true. Little did Beth think, but hers was coming true tonight!
Immediately following the fireworks B & B hopped on a water launch headed for….The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. There, Brandon checked in at Narcoossee’s where he awaited a table in the perfect spot…right on the lake with a clear view of Cinderella’s Castle all lit up.
They enjoyed a delicious meal with the most romantic view. They ate, drank, and talked for over 2 hours, and then…dessert. Brandon had another surprise up his sleeve. He walked Beth over to the main lobby, which had a huge gingerbread house. The fitting part was a sign on the house saying, “Celebrating our 10th Anniversary”! Wow! How magical!
That made Beth very excited and asked numerous passersby to take their picture with the sign. This day had been perfect. What more could she ask for? Her loving boyfriend planned a romantic getaway that just made both their hearts burst. Well, the night is not over yet.
Brandon had to put a stop to the picture taking as it passed midnight. They took the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, then back on the shuttle to the Boardwalk. The boardwalk at the resort was a little chilly, and pretty secluded. A few places were still open, but very few people walking around. B & B were no strangers to the boardwalk. They came here numerous times while in undergrad at UCF. They’ve enjoyed romantic dinners, walks, and even some dancing there. They decided to take another stroll around the sparkling lake. They stopped about halfway where they came upon a beach area. The two walked down to the shore and just stood holding each other admiring the magnificent view. The buildings around the lake were all lit up. The light house in the middle… everything was just right.
Beth said to Brandon “I just want to remember everything today.” Brandon replied, “We’ll let me help you make it more memorable...” He took her hands, proceeded to get down on one knee and said, “Will you marry me?” Beth said, “YES” so fast he did not hear her and he had to ask again. He then pulled out a turquoise box to show her the ring. He slides it on her finger ever so gently and they both explode with tears of joy and love for one another.
This moment was very emotional as promises, hopes, and dreams were exchanged. Brandon explains that he felt Disney to be the appropriate place because it was after their first visit to a Disney park in 1999 that he knew he loved Beth. He also explained the meaning of the ring: the large diamond is .80ct (our birth year) and 5 diamonds on each side = 10, the number of years we’ve been together. Knowing how Beth is a picture freak she wanted a photo of this moment. They propped the camera on a NO Swimming sign and hit the timer. After multiple failed attempts they decided to head back to their room. It was official. Brandon proposed to Beth around 1am on Sunday December 7, 2008; their 10th anniversary.
The surprises were just not quite through as Brandon had a bottle of Beth’s favorite champagne awaiting them. They toasted to the past 10 years and all the happiness that lies ahead.
The next morning Brandon had planned for them to play tennis (another of Beth’s favorite past times) or to take a little boat ride on the lake, but the temperature dropped and although the day was beautiful and sunny, it was just too chilly out. They went back to ‘their spot’ on the beach and had someone take their picture. One last stroll around the boardwalk with a few more photos and they had to start heading back to south Florida. Although they have left Disney, the magic is just beginning and all their wishes are coming true.
