We love a great Winter Park proposal story, don’t you? After reading the touching story including the whole family, we knew that we wanted to feature Emily & Joe’s rose garden marriage proposal story.
Share with us when and how you met each other.
I was working for a non-profit at the time. We were hosting our annual gala at Disney, and it was my first week on the job. I was running around like crazy trying to keep up with the night when all of a sudden I saw a man in a purple button-up and navy sports coat from across the room.
He was one of our volunteers and not only was he the cutest guy in the room, but he was working the hardest. I always thought movies were so cheesy when they showed the scenes where the guy and girl see each other from across the room. But when I saw Joe, I swear everyone else faded away and all I saw was him.
Joe took a while to speak to me (he says he was shy), but anything I picked up he grabbed from me, so I wouldn’t have to lift a finger. He texted me from the parking lot and didn’t even leave the property before asking me on a date. I was hooked ever since.
I still remember getting into his car for our first date and immediately feeling like I was home. I have never felt so comfortable so quickly with anyone else. There’s no one in the world that makes me laugh the way he does, celebrates my success as much as he does, or loves me more strongly than he does.
I know a lifetime with him will be a lifetime of laughter and love. I’m so, so lucky to have found my perfect match.
What are your favorite things to do together as a couple?
We absolutely love making homemade pizza together! We throw on some classic Italian music, pop open a bottle of wine, and have the best time. I make the sauce and Joe tosses the dough.
We also love spending time with our pets (two dogs and two cats), going to the garden section in Lowe’s, spending time in our garden, and really just enjoying each other’s company.
How long were you together before getting engaged?
3 years
Did anyone help with the Winter Park rose garden marriage proposal?
My dad took the photos! And some of my friends helped with the surprise after-party. But Joe did an excellent job planning this and it was absolutely perfect!
Share your marriage proposal story…
I had been waiting for a proposal. I knew it was coming, I just didn’t know exactly when, and I hate surprises. I wanted to look nice whenever it happened, so I decided every weekend I would get all cute. After about two months of that, I was over it. So I decided that morning to let it go and just let things happen.
It was truly driving me crazy, so for my own sake I had to accept that I might not see it coming. We were supposed to be having brunch in Winter Park for his mom’s birthday. We got there early to check out the farmer’s market. Joe was unusually frustrated with the parking situation (now I know it’s because he was nervous).
We walked around the farmer’s market, and he bought me the best smelling candle. Ironically, I was getting a lot of compliments on my outfit and I thought, “damn, if only he’d propose today.” We walked towards the breakfast place, and he pulled me through the rose garden.
Just as we’re approaching it, I noticed a man sitting on a bench who looked an awful lot like my dad from behind, only he was wearing a goofy hat. That’s when I got a little suspicious and my heart started pounding. Joe was trying to distract me, I suppose, but as we passed the man I looked down and saw he had a sleeve of tattoos. Okay, not my dad, my dad doesn’t have tattoos. So then I was thrown off.
But something still seemed odd because Joe was seriously pulling me quickly through the rose garden area towards the purple wisteria (which I absolutely adore). We passed some people sitting on a bench and Joe suddenly drops down on one knee. The people started freaking out and moved, but I was angry.
You see, Joe and I had this joke where if he had to get down for some reason (tie his shoe, pick something up, clean the floor, etc.) I would pretend he was proposing. It was my way of letting him know I was ready to be proposed to whenever! It became our little joke, and that’s what I thought he was doing.
So, I start telling him “get up, get up, you’re embarrassing me these people think you’re serious.” And he said, “Emily, I am serious.” And I said, “no you’re not, stop, this isn’t funny, it’s mean.” And then he pulls out the brown leather ring box. “Is this really happening right now?” He said, “yes,” And then I’m sure he said the sweetest things, but I truly blacked out from excitement. Don’t remember a word.
I DO remember looking over at the man taking our photos, and it WAS my dad in a DISGUISE. Fake tattoo sleeves were a brilliant touch. Of course, I said YES! And then my friends and family members popped out. Some friends flew in from all over so it was really special that they came. I was through the roof. We went to brunch and then the wine room.
Finally, some friends suggested another place to continue celebrating, and I was all for it! On the way, I was face-timing my friends who weren’t there. Joe kept telling me not to, and I couldn’t understand why. I tried calling his sisters, they didn’t answer. But eventually we showed up to Harp and Celt. When I walked in, the room was packed with our friends and family, including all the people I was trying to call and had face-timed.
Everyone busted out laughing because they were trying to surprise me and people had to keep running outside to answer my call, so I wouldn’t suspect a thing. My friends are terrific actors, they already knew, but no one gave it away. I’m not an easy person to surprise, but wow, I was, and I was so, so happy. It was the best day of my life.
What was the best moment of the proposal?
Finally realizing he wasn’t kidding. And of course, seeing friends I hadn’t seen in years all in one place. That was so, so special to share this moment with everyone. I have an incredible fiancé and group of people who love us dearly. We’re so lucky!
Who did you tell that you were engaged first?
Some of my friends were there but for those who weren’t my boss was the first (he’s become one of my best friends).
Tell us about the ring!
Joe designed the ring himself. I have always loved an oval diamond so he picked the most GORGEOUS diamond for the center stone. I mean, the clarity on this center stone is unlike any other.
My grandmother’s ring had a bunch of smaller diamonds so he incorporated those on the sides creating a truly beautiful, original, ring.
Engagement Picture by Kim Go Photography
Other than having to be responsible for a very expensive ring, I think there’s something special about building up this excitement to be husband and wife.
Growing even closer and building an even stronger relationship with my partner. I have absolutely no doubts or fears that this is the man I was meant to be with. I know he’ll be a fantastic husband and an incredible father.
I don’t mean to sound cheesy but I didn’t think it was possible to love him more than I already did and I really enjoy being wrong about that!
Engagement Picture by Kim Go Photography
What are you most excited about wedding planning?
I was originally most excited about my dress, and it’s one of the first things I checked off my list. While my dress is beautiful, and I look at the pictures of it once a day, I realized it’s not what I’m MOST excited about. Honestly, I could pretend it’s been all blissful and easy, but for the sake of other brides or people gearing up to be engaged, it’s not picture-perfect every step of the way.
Booking vendors has been a challenge both with costs rising and demand in the wedding industry more prevalent than ever. Not to mention, no matter what, there will be people you NEVER expect in your life to make this experience less than enjoyable for you. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun and exciting at times, but it’s also stressful and draining.
My biggest piece of advice is constantly ground yourself and remember what this day is all about, you and your significant other. Use this experience to grow closer together because you’ll be a team for life and this is a perfect opportunity to work together. So, at the end of the day, I’m truly most excited to stand at the end of the isle and see Joe. I know it’ll be like the first time I saw him, when everyone else fades away, and it’s just the two of us.
Engagement Picture by Kim Go Photography
If you’ve already decided, when are you getting married and what is your venue?
We’re getting married October 21, 2023 at Sterling Event Venue
Why did you choose that venue?
I was looking for a venue that had Tuscan elements almost like getting married on a vineyard (which is not really feasible in Orlando, Florida). We absolutely LOVED this venue. From the large outdoor space, the river, bridge, and beautiful reception space. Not to mention, the bridal suite was not only gorgeous but huge so we can spread out and enjoy our morning getting ready.
Engagement Picture by Kim Go Photography
We’re expecting 200 guests.
HAHAHAHA lots of tears have gone into the budget. I think right now it’s been challenging staying within our budget. I have accepted the fact we’ll be going over and we’re making the necessary adjustments to accommodate for that.
There’s no way around the pricing right now so we either sacrifice vendors, our guest count, or I stop going to Target for a year.
Engagement Picture by Kim Go Photography
Italian Garden has been the idea. Very Romantic/Classic/Neutral.
Have you selected any other vendors for your wedding?
DJ: 💚 Our DJ Rocks
Lake County Wedding Venue: Sterling Event Venue
Wedding Dress: Calvet Couture Bridal
Makeup and Hair: Makeover Station
Wedding Photographer: Kim Go Photography
Wedding Videographer: Infinite Loop Photography
Florist: All About the Date (my mom)
Caterer: Carrabba’s (shoutout Tito)
Rehearsal Dinner: American Social
Day of Wedding Coordinator: Brooke Stewart
Engagement Picture by Kim Go Photography
The experience doesn’t have to be perfect 24/7, it’s okay to be stressed out and overwhelmed, you are not alone. My biggest piece of advice is constantly ground yourself and remember what this day is all about, you and your significant other.
Use this experience to grow closer together because you’ll be a team for life and this is a perfect opportunity to work together. This is an exciting time for you guys and you need to remember to take the time and enjoy all the little things, be present, take in all the details, and enjoy it.
Engagement Picture by Kim Go Photography
Congratulations Emily & Joe on your rose garden marriage proposal!
Want to feature your proposal? CLICK HERE to submit your story!
