The Engagement Party

As many of you know, on Friday 13 April 2012 (unlucky for some) my gorgeous partner, James proposed to me whilst on a romantic weekend break in London celebrating my 21st birthday. We had been together only seven months, but those seven months could not have been any more dramatic. After two hospital admissions, one wedding, one funeral, a 50th birthday, a 21st birthday, Christmas, New Year and Valentines day, along with knowing him for six years as a very close friend, it was clear our relationship was destined to be. It was our friends and family that suggested we had an engagement party to break the news and get everyone together for a huge celebration. Me and James sat down pondering the idea and eventually agreed. We wrote down a list of 70 of our closest friends and family, then proceeded to book a local venue called 'the Rock Cafe' for June. Longing for a future dreamboats and petticoats style wedding, I couldn't wait to get a big fancy swing dress for the party, talk about weddings and dance the night away.

Here I am, gazing into the eyes of the man I love. The night went all to plan and I couldn't have wished for a better evening. My friends arrived, dressed to impress, I saw many my family for the first time in several years and we had congratulations all round.

Having danced all night in six inch stilettos, I can't explain how much my feet throbbed the morning afterwards, but it was definitely worth it.

Most of the men suited up in their finest, drank whiskey and stayed together throughout the night like Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack.

By the end of the night all my friends danced and the DJ played an eclectic mix of The Beatles and B*Witched - not very 1950s I know, but it made the night entertaining.

As expected, it wasn't too long until my Dad took to the microphone and said a little speech. He kindly introduced James to the family and let everyone know how happy he was for us. It was such a lovely gesture.

Its times like this you begin to realise the import people in your life and fast time can go. Above is a photograph of my cousins of whom I haven't seen in around four years. They now look so grown up and dressed impeccably for the party. My wish to them is that one day in the future, they too find a partner as amazing as mine and realise the meaning how amazing true love can be.

Have you done anything exciting lately?

♥♥♥