Many thanks to my son for taking engagement photos of me and W at Westridge Pond in Lake Ridge.
Knowing each other for a few years, W became a great friend and confidante during some trials in my life, similar to what he, himself, had previously faced.
We talked a lot about what marriage looks like…with our faith in God as the foundation.
We both like reading, and writing, and history, although I’m 18th century and he’s Civil War.
Apparently I impressed him with the amount of 18th century military stuff I know. 😉
Calling me his strategic advisor, I helped him with a few projects, since I knew quite a bit about house buying, renovating, and remodeling, even gardening…I advised Mr. Not-a-DYI-er on good v bad points of the houses he looked at, choosing paint colors for the walls, etc.
Often driving across the Occoquan River from my apartment to his townhouse, I kept quite busy opening doors for repairmen and estimators, while I took furious notes to relay to W.
Meanwhile I kept explaining to all the contractors that no, I don’t actually live there, I’m only the strategic advisor from across the river. 😉
I had no idea I was ultimately designing my future home…although he says he knew. 😉
In between projects we take lots of hikes, eat at delicious restaurants, and watch the stars and fireflies at night.
Since some of our walks took place in this lovely neighborhood setting at Westridge Pond in Lake Ridge, we chose that location for our photo shoot.
Officially, this is a 5-acre lake with six miles of walking trails…some of which we’ve previously enjoyed.
After a lovely Valentine’s dinner at the 18th century Gadsby’s Tavern in Old Town Alexandria, oft visited by George Washington, W asked me to marry him…and I said yes!
