How they met
from Cathleen’s perspective
We met through mutual friends in December of 2005, but did not have our first date until January 22, 2006. On our very first date, Poga took me to Old Town Alexandria where we had a small bite at La Madeleine. After dinner, we took a walk around town…in the rain and without an umbrella. Whose idea was that?! At one point, while stepping off the sidewalk to cross the street, I slipped but Poga quickly caught me. Poga, being the sly fox that he is, used it as an excuse to keep his arm around me for the rest of the evening :p Due to the weather and the mishaps that evening, there’s a running joke between us that every time there is an important event for us as a couple, there is a high likelihood of some form of precipitation! We are high school sweethearts and have been together for almost 8.5 years, but long distance for 8 of it! We have been through high school, separated in distance by college in different states and then post grad life. As you can probably tell, we are very much looking forward to our wedding next May!
How he proposed
from Poga’s perspective
I stood there around the corner, waiting for her to notice the bouquet of roses seemingly left behind by someone else. I had laid them on the park bench underneath the street lamp to draw her attention.
The preparation for this point had been meticulous. First, a face-to-face meeting with her father to ask for his faith in me to take care of his only daughter. Next, coordinating with her office to give her the impression that the office party had been moved so she would be free on the night in question. Third, getting her friends in on the planning so that everything would be a surprise. I knew that regardless of the way I asked, what mattered to both of us was that we would be engaged. Even still, I knew I wanted to make it special for her because ever since I met her, it was Cathleen’s smile that I treasured most.
Under the guise of a night out with her girlfriends, I ventured to Old Town Alexandria with her younger brother. This was the place we had our first date almost 8 years ago. I chose a secluded corner of Market Square, one with the cover of mature trees, a single bench and a single lamp. Laid across the bench were 8 photos, one for each year of our relationship. The bouquet was set, and I went around the corner.
Cathleen finished her dinner and Margaux, her friend and my accomplice, texted me that they were going for a walk, as planned. When Cathleen happened upon the bouquet, she thought that someone had left it absentmindedly. When she approached she squealed, then cried. “Where is he!?” she exclaimed. It may not have been a smile but I knew I had hit the mark. I turned the corner and saw the reason I was there that night. Her standing there under the soft light of the lamp next to the park bench just solidified my resolve. After holding her for a while, telling her the things I wanted to tell her, I bent the knee and asked her to be my wife.
Thank you two SO much for an incredible time in D.C.!!! I hope to see you both in the near future. <3 XOXO
Love these!!!
SOOOOO CUTE!
Sweet!
One of MANY favorites!
The infamous lace umbrella that fortunately we didn’t have to use! 😉
These are precious!
Cute!
GORGEOUS.
Look at that bling!
The sunset off the Kennedy Center!
Gorgeous!
Love!!
Cute! 🙂
Favorite!
Thanks again you two for an incredible time!!! XOXO
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