I know this isn't as quick as it couldve been, but we were busy making phone calls, sending texts, and celebrating together!

As of 6:55PM Jes and I are officially engaged to be married!

She said yes and I couldn't be more happy.

Ring Shot: Day 1

Gotta make this quick because she just ran out to get a few last minute supplies before we take off for Engagement Weekend! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! I know I have A LOT to be thankful for today.

In my travel bag. Jes never goes into my toiletries so it's safe here.

Ring Shot: Day 2

WE ARE GETTING SO CLOSE!!

Today we both got out of school early and I didn't beat her home by much so I had to take this one fast. Happy Thanksgiving Break!

I had always seen photos where if you put a ring in a open book it makes a heart shadow. I thought it was neat, but I needed to put some of me into it. The ring is obviously hers, but the book I chose? Look carefully, it's open to analysis of John Barnes Chance's Variations on a Korean Folksong. Yep, love and Teaching Music Through Performance!

Ring Shot: Day 3

Galena, IL will always be a special place for us. I took Jes on a weekend getaway for her birthday this past Summer. We don't do a whole lot, staying busy with teaching, musicals, and my ongoing quest for bigger and better things. I really owed her for supporting me in all of that.

I believe our favorite part of the trip was the tour of the winery. Today's shot pays tribute to that trip and how much fun we had being in love in Galena...

Ring Shot: Day 4

Four days until I ask her to become my wife...

I found this old record in the basement at my parents house. I thought it made for a neat shot. Musicals, diamonds...it all adds up!

Ring Shot: Day 5

On my calendar at school after I got done with a musical practice on Sunday.

Ring Shot: Day 6

By this time next week...if all goes as planned...we'll be engaged!! I'm getting so excited. I have trouble not just blurting it out so I just say "I love you" a lot.

Paisley is guarding this precious object for me on Saturday afternoon while Jes is in the shower.

Cincinnati Snapshots

I wish she could've been with me on this trip, but not every school got this magical board holiday! I had a good time checking out the CCM, but I felt like I might not be good enough. She believes in me though, which means I must go for it. Just look at this place!

This is the view from my hotel room after 5 hours of sleep. The other photo is of one of the five recital halls!

Below is the football stadium, go Bearcats! Jes is a sucker for row houses!

Of course my post wouldn't be complete without this...

See I can bling too!!! This is right as I was leaving the school to head back home to her.

Ring Shot: Day 7

This picture really didn't quite happen on the right day. It was very early in the morning, 1AM(EST) or so. I put EST because this shot is actually from a hotel room in Cincinnati after I drove all night to check out the College Conservatory of Music at UC. Jes supports me so much that she didn't think I was nuts for driving 6 hours, though two states after a full day teaching and jazz rehearsal.

This gives us the first sideview of the ring. Jes really wanted something that looked flowing, like the Earth or a tree or something. I hope I did a nice job. This setting did have to fly in from Long Island, NY! The backdrop if you look carefully is my Aerodynamics shirt (I loved that show) and plaid PJ pants.

Ring Shot: Day 8

Here's my most creative shot for day 8. I figure I should get to have a little fun with this ring before it becomes hers right? haha

Bonus points if you know what surface it's sitting on for it's daily portrait sitting!

Oh this is also the day I did something terrifying...I called and asked permission to marry her. Here's my phone to prove it. See calls to mom and dad?

It wasn't really that scary. They both seemed to be happy for me. Saying things like " I couldn't imagine a better compliment to my daughter." Thanks to Tricia and Jeremy for being so cool, and continuing to keep the secret.

The (first) Countdown Begins

9 Days until I will propose to the most amazing woman I have ever met. I'm going to post a little picture everyday I think. I hope this blog will become something she will appreciate, even though she's not in to tech stuff like I am!

This is the first actual picture of her ring. It's not a great shot, but I took it right before heading off to school. If you look closely, you can see my tie in the shot.

Covert Operation: Ring

So I had the perfect opportunity to pick the ring I had been designing since mid-October. Jes had choir practice which left me with plenty of time to get to Peoria without raising any eyebrows. Here is a picture re-telling of the day, I knew it was all for real.

These two are action shots from various stops signs on the way to Peoria from Rushville. The first I believe I'm screaming "Oh Yeah!!" because I'm so excited. The second one I am talking to Jes on my way "home" I even timed it out and faked bad reception to simulate the spot I usually lose her.

This is only the greatest jewelry store on the face of the Earth! I love this picture. It's from right before I went in to pick up my ring from Jamie!

There's a running joke about really expensive cans of Diet Coke, it should be called "Diamond Coke" Anyway, when you go into Bremer they offer you a beverage. It took them four cans to my business, I think they got a great deal! Of course to the right is my new partner, riding shotgun. I can't explain how many times I just looked at that little gold bag on my way to Galesburg.

Yep, that's right. From Peoria it's almost as quick to drive through Galesburg so I figured I may as well be a nice guy and take her out to dinner after choir practice. I showed up at the end of rehearsal and she was so happy to see me. I told her I was bored and just wanted to drive up to see her, she thought that was sweet and though nothing of it. Knowing what I had just made me all the more excited.

Jes being herself on the day I bought her engagement ring.

It couldn't be anymore perfect than it is with her.