Actually she said, “YES I would love to marry you!”
As I shared on Instagram, Thomas asked me to marry him over our long weekend at the Outer Banks!! We are both so excited! Here’s the story.
I flew into Richmond on Friday morning and made the journey back to Cville. I had one hour at home before we were scheduled to depart for the beach, so I frantically packed and unpacked and we hit the road. Our destination was the beautiful Sanderling Resort, which I can’t say enough good things about! The rooms were beautiful, the pool was epic, the beach was wonderful with the complimentary chairs and umbrellas, and the restaurants were awesome.
We headed out the beach to enjoy a beer in the sunshine. It was great to r.e.l.a.x.
We got dressed up for dinner and ate at the Lifesaving Station restaurant on the Sanderling property.
Burrata and tomato salad (they offered to split everything that we shared, which is always much appreciated!).
Tuna with asparagus, arugula, and quinoa. The sauce was awesome!
And this chocolate mousse cake for dessert 🙂
We grabbed some breakfast from the resort bar and then headed to the grocery store for provisions for our mini fridge for the rest of the weekend, which was much more cost effective. We shared a bagel and this yogurt parfait. The coffee at the resort was really good too (and complimentary in each of the building lounges!).
We had wonderful weather for a day at the beach!
We had lunch each day at the Sandbar, the poolside lunch spot and bar.
We shared a Caesar salad and a burger that first day.
Back to the beach all afternoon!
My only exercise for the week was to get 5 miles of walking in each day, which I think I did on all but one day per the Apple Watch. We usually did a long morning and an afternoon walk, so at around 4pm we set out on our afternoon stroll.
We walked past this crazy driftwood tree sticking out of the sand in a spot clear of other beach-goers, and when I pointed it out, Thomas hung back for a second. (Reenactment photo!)
He bent down to pick up a seashell and said, “Hey, look at this shell” to get me to turn around. When I did, he had the shell in one hand and opened his other hand to reveal the ring. As soon as I saw it, he dropped to his knee and asked me to marry him. When I think back on that moment now tears fill my eyes, but at the time I was all smiles! He had put the ring loose in his bathing suit pocket so I wouldn’t notice a box bulge. Thinking back I do remember some shorts shuffling and a visit up to our room….! The whole walk home we wore huge smiles on our faces as we talked about the planning and details that had gone into this day.
When we reached our chairs (and our phones) we took this photo <3
I absolutely love the ring he chose! It has a round center diamond a halo of tiny diamonds around it and along the sides.
Neither of us could keep our eyes off of it all weekend as it sparkled through the sunshine!
But even more, I love what it symbolizes. I knew a proposal was in the cards, as we had talked about the future many times, but I didn’t know when or how. The timing of this weekend was just perfect because we had the rest of our stay to celebrate! I’ll be sharing more about our special celebration dinner and the rest of our trip in a post coming up soon : )
Nikki says
So exciting! What does Thomas do for a living?
KathEats says
He’s a builder!
Heather R says
I am beyond excited for you. Congrats!
Amanda says
Congratulations!! So exciting!
Marie says
Congratulations! I am soooo happy for you! I’ve been reading your blog (and basically being a lurker) before you got pregnant with M. I have “joined” you on countless clambakes, trips, soccer games and work outs. I love hearing about M’s days in and out of kindy…Basically, I’m your cyber stalker par excellence! Heh.
I admired you for your courage when you shared your separation with M and rejoiced when you found a new love in T.
I’m incredibly happy for you and am looking forward to posts about you and your new family! (I bet Gus is ecstatic as hell!)
KathEats says
THank you! It was Gus’s idea 😉
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Oh my Gosh, congratulations, truly!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Amanda P. says
Congratulations Kath!
Tonya says
I’m very happy for you. That was lovely. 🙂 And Thomas is a handsome guy!
Christina @ Montessoriishmom.com says
This makes me so happy, congratulations! Such a sweet story and beautiful ring too 🙂
CHRISTINE says
Eek! I got teary eyed just reading the story! Congratulations to you and T! Looking forward to following you into the next chapter of your life! SO Happy for you!
Kori says
I an so very excited for you! What a sweet & fun proposal. You both are definitely beaming with happiness. Your ring is so gorgeous!
jen says
Congratulations! What an exciting summer you will have planning your big! Beach wedding??? You look so amazingly happy and I’m really glad you found your perfect someone.
Katelyn says
YAY! Congratulations to you and Thomas! The ring is beautiful! I’m a long time follower of your blog. Very happy and excited for you. Enjoy the engagement! 🙂
SarahD. says
Congrats again Kath! I was crying and smiling ear to ear while reading. I am so SO happy for you both!
Barbara Younger says
So happy to welcome Thomas and Gus to the family. Gorgeous ring. Your grandmother would be impressed.
Laura says
I’m thrilled for you both : ) Congrats!!!!
And the ring Thomas picked is just stunning : D
Carrie this fit chick says
Ahhh congrats!!! Wait the shell trick was so clever and cute!!
Nicole says
Congratulations!!! I have been following you for so many years and it makes me so happy to see such a huge smile on your face! Enjoy!
Heather says
Such a cute story!! So happy for you, Thomas and Mazen 🙂
Jen says
So happy for you, Thomas and Mazen, Kath!!
Emma says
Congratulations!!! The joy in your smile and pride in retelling the story is heart warming.
Tracey says
I am so happy for you, Kath! I teared up when I saw the picture on Instagram and again while reading this. 🙂 You are absolutely lovely together!
Christine says
Kath, I’ve been a reader a of your blog for so many years and I’ve enjoyed following your journey. I’m over the moon for you and T!! Congrats on your engagement and what a stunning ring..he did a great job! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you both. Your smiles couldn’t be any brighter!
ellie says
OMG! Congratulations, Kath! So excited for you and your boys! It feels like just yesterday we “met” Thomas, and now you’re getting married!! When you know, you know …
Can I also say that I love how you shared your meals and other experiences with us? Classic KERF is my favorite KERF! Congrats again — can’t wait to see the wedding planning commence!
julie says
congrats kath!! the ring is beautiful!! i’m so happy for you, and you honestly seem the happiest you’ve ever been!
Lindsay says
Hooray! Congrats Kath. You look so happy, and I bet Mazen is over the moon. Can’t wait to hear wedding details ??
Jennifer Walsh says
How incredibly exciting! It seemed you were smitten with Thomas when I met you in November. So happy for you all- Mazen and Gus too! Congratulations!
Christy Cormons says
YAAY! So happy for you.
PS – where’s the cute bathing suit top from?
KathEats says
Victoria’s Secret 🙂
Larbs says
So exciting! Y’all look very much in love!
Sally says
Congratulations, Kath! What an exciting time 🙂 Wishing you many years of happiness together! From a looooong time reader 🙂
Emily says
SO very excited for you, Mazen and Thomas!!
Miriam says
Congratulation!! And I love the ring! 🙂
Heather L. says
Congratulations!!!
Susan Bellinger says
Congratulations on your engagement! We wish you much happiness now and always! Susan & Dwight
Joni says
I am so happy for you! Congratulations!
Caroline says
Congratulations! That ring is absolutely beautiful!! 🙂
Jessica says
Congratulations, Kath! Wishing you all total happiness.
Lindsey says
Wow, that’s so exciting!!! I can’t wait to see all the wedding planning. You’ve had one heck of a week 😉 I’m very happy for you.
Wendy says
Long, long, long time reader, seldom comment but today I would like to add my congratulations to you all.
Stefanie says
Congratulations!
Kate says
Congratulations! What wonderful news! 🙂
Kimberly says
Congrats! That ring is lovely! Did you help pick it out or did Thomas do everything on his own? Hope you share wedding planning details with us!
KathEats says
It was a surprise!
Amelia says
Congratulations!!! So happy for you and that ring is amazing! What time of year are you thinking for the wedding? Wedding planning is so much fun!
KathEats says
This fall 🙂
Nikki says
Congratulations Kath!!! What a fantastic way to propose, and you both look so genuinely happy 🙂
Laura Swanson says
Congratulations! The ring is beautiful! I had a feeling a proposal would happen soon once you moved in together!
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
Congrats Kath! This is the best weekend recap I’ve read yet!
Linda @ the Fitty says
Oh my God! Major congrats to you, Kath! I am so so excited for you. A little bit embarrassing, but, all this time I thought you were already married. Or were you previously married? Yeah, I think it was that you were previously married but I totally forgot. but I’m so excited for you, and what a sweet way for Thomas to do that. Especially on a vacation. Now that I think about it, it was sort of like a pre-marriage honeymoon?
Kate S says
Kath! I have been reading since 2008/2009 (I think) and almost never comment, but I have followed your adventures for many years. I am beyond happy for you with this news! Life is so unpredictable and so sweet. <3
Ally says
Congrats!!!! Long time reader, first time commenter. You look so happy!
Randy says
Congtatulations Kath, I am so happy for you and Thomas!
Gauri says
I was constantly rechecking your blog for this post after your instagram update and what a lovely story! Thanks for sharing your happy day. Congrats to you all!!!
Julie says
Congratulations! You both look so happy!!
Laurie says
Congratulations Kath! So happy for you!
jordan @ dancing for donuts says
congratulations!!!! so happy for you, you guys are an amazing couple!!! and sanderling is the BEST, i’ve always joked with my parents about how i’d get married there someday 🙂
Erin m. says
Congratulations!! Beautiful ring!! So happy for you!
marie says
I’ve been reading for years and am so excited for you, you deserve so much happiness.
Tracy says
Ahhh I do love a good romantic engagement story!! <3
I could not be more happy for both you and Thomas! And Mazen!!
Laura M. says
Congratulations Kath! I am very happy for you both!
Cyn says
Best Wishes, Kath! You look so happy and sun-kissed! Your ring is a real sparkler 🙂
Joy says
Congratulations! He seems like a wonderful guy who loves you dearly. So glad to see you so happy.
polly says
wooohoooo!!! So happy for you guys, Kath! Can’t wait to read more. XOXOXOXO
Heidi Kokborg says
Oh my gosh! A million times congratulations, Kath! So happy for you guys! And what a beautiful and perfect way he proposed to you!
Sandi Perry says
Woo hoo! Congrats 🙂 so happy for you!!!
Ashley says
Congratulations !!! The ring is beautiful! Can not wait for all the planning! So happy for you!
Louise RD says
Congrats to the happy couple! Thanks for sharing — the ring is perfect. Looks like you both struck gold with each other- here’s to a bright and fun-filled future!
Rebecca says
Oh Kath I’m so happy for you! Congratulations!
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) says
Congratulations!!!! You can tell that you are the happiest you’ve ever been; it radiates out of you 🙂
Jeanie says
Congratulations! You both look so happy; you can’t stop smiling long enough to kiss him. 🙂 Your ring is beautiful. He did a good job.
Katie says
Looks like you have to update your “About me page” now 😉 Congrats!! So happy for you! Thank you for sharing your heart with Us!
KathEats says
Thank you for the reminder!! 🙂
Kirsten says
Congratulations Kath! I’m so happy for you and Thomas!
Connie Petruzziello says
Yay! Let’s plan a wedding!!
(Half) joking of course 😛 Congratulations!!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Congratulations!!!
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says
Congratulations, Kath! You are both glowing! ?? Can’t wait to follow the rest of your journey together!
Lisa Dix says
Congratulations Kath and Thomas. How did Mazen react?
Nicole says
Yay congrats!! So happy for the both of you!
Melissa says
Congratulations! It’s so exciting and it looked like a beautiful weekend!
Jo says
Thrilled for you & Thomas – the ring is gorgeous!
Kim says
Congrats Kath and Thomas! The ring is beautiful and what a lovely proposal. I just celebrated 20 years and it only gets better with time. Wishing you all much love, joy, and happiness.
Chelsea says
Congratulations! What a wonderful addition to your family. And I’m sure Gus is thrilled to have a “mom.” 😀
Timmery says
Huge Congrats!!
Kathleen says
I’ve been reading your blog for many years but don’t think I’ve commented more than once or so. I felt compelled to because your post brought tears to my eyes. I too went through a divorce after 10 years of marriage and children. I met a wonderful man post-separation and we are talking about marriage too. I’m very happy for you. You deserve happiness.
KathEats says
Awww – best of love to you!
Teri says
You two are adorable and your ring is gorgeous! So happy for you!
KathEats says
🙂 Thank you! PS. just watched your hair curling video and loved it – lol!
Teri says
lol! I’m super professional with videos haha. 😉 So awkward! Glad you liked it!!