"The Proposal," Told by Lauren

Five years is a long time to be dating. Granted, we had started dating when we were 19 so we never felt ready to get engaged until mid-2009 when our 5 year anniversary was coming up. When we went to go look at rings on my birthday in February, I can't say I was even ready then, but within the next few months the fever set in. Unfortunately, a year out of college and finally settling in to our new LA life, the thought of an engagement ring, nonetheless wedding, seemed to be long distance.

Don't get me wrong, I thought about it and hinted about it and when Rob told me he wanted to plan a surprise weekend for our anniversary, I dreamed about it more than ever. Every move Rob made I scrutinized and picked apart with friends looking for clues (special thanks to my partner in crime: Jennifer). Knowing how good I am at investigative work, Rob hid his plans WELL. Let’s just put it this way; Rob had quite a few sick days in those few months and it never even crossed my mind. The small evidence I had found wasn't enough to make any conclusions and when Rob flat out told me it wasn't going to happen, knowing how much it was breaking my heart to hear it, I had no choice but to believe him.

So the weekend was here and I STILL had no idea what was planned. For those of you who don't know me, I hate surprises. I am an absolute planner and to not know where we were going or what I should pack was torture. I think I packed about 8 outfits for a 2 night trip if that says anything. That morning I happened to be getting my hair done by one of my good friends (and famous hair stylist), Meagan. After that, we made a quick stop at home and then headed East on the 10. At this point Rob had to put our destination in the GPS so I was able to see what city we were headed to: Lake Elsinore. Thanks to advanced technology, I was able to instantly look up what was around the Lake Elsinore area. The first result showing up on my phone was Skydiving. A sense of panic took over my body and I threatened Rob that he better turn the car around and take me home if that was his plan!

After a few minutes of making me sweat, Rob suggested I continue searching the surrounding areas of Lake Elsinore and on the next page of search results I found it was 15 miles from Temecula. Earlier in the year we had taken a road trip to Temecula with Kaeley for our annual Easter celebration and had a great time. Rob then spilled the beans and told me he was taking me to dinner at Wilson Creek Winery's Creek Side Grill. This is the winery known for their Almond Champagne that we fell in love with on our previous trip. FINALLY, I knew the plans and was REALLY excited. At one point I think I even said that surprises were so much fun...little did I know!

So we stopped in Lake Elsinore and checked into the Holiday Inn Express, which is a really nice, new hotel. We went upstairs and checked out our room and Rob suggested that I start getting ready for dinner. I thought this was a little strange because we didn't need to leave for awhile, but I said ok and changed into my new dress. When I was all changed Rob told me to sit on the bed because he got me a present to go with my new dress and to close my eyes. My mind starting racing at this point, wondering if he would be down on a knee when I opened my eyes, but telling myself not to get my hopes up at the same time. When I opened my eyes, there he was with the most perfect and beautiful ring and saying the words "Will you Marry Me?!"

Of course I said yes and gave him a hug, but he must not have heard me because he asked again! At first it felt very surreal and then it started to sink in and I got really excited and emotional. I am thankful he knows me well enough not to propose in public because I would have really embarrassed myself. I called my parents and brother first, followed by my sister and grandparents. We also sent out a mass text to friends and family (and facebook ;)) with the ring on my finger. The supportive responses we got from friends and family were so comforting and special.

The surprises didn't stop there...that night we had a delicious dinner at the Creek Side Grill at Wilson Creek Winery where Rob had arranged for a custom label on our bottle of Almond Champagne at dinner. The next day we did some wine tasting at a few wineries and then made our way to Angeles National Forest for a night of camping with the bears. Even though camping isn't the most glamorous way to spend the night, it's something so close to home for Rob and me. We grew up camping with our families and took our first trip alone to Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan. That trip was a pivotal moment in our relationship. You really can tell a lot about a person by how they camp! The next day we got back to LA and ended a nice long weekend with a couples massage. This was a huge step for Rob and something I have always wanted to do with him. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect weekend.

Looking back almost a year later I still smile thinking about that weekend. Who would have guessed that a winery we went to on a wine tour would have turned into such a significant location in our relationship. And who would have thought that guy in front of me in Biology would become my best friend and partner for life. The world works in mysterious ways and I never understood why my parents would move me to Michigan, turning my whole world upside down. Now we know, even though you may not get it at first, everything happens for a reason! We can't wait to see all of you in October!