First Engagement Anniversary

July 19, 2010

A year ago Zach and I were in Kansas City on what I thought was going to be a quick little getaway when he surprised me with a carriage ride around the Plaza and an Alice in Wonderland-themed proposal at Southmoreland Bed and Breakfast.

We arrived at the B&B, where I was informed we would be visiting. I had already started shaking and my knees were weak and my heart was beating--my body knew what was happening before I did! We went inside, and the night manager took us up to our room. She gave ME the key to allow us to learn how to use it. As I opened the door, I saw a bottle of champagne and a box of chocolate-covered strawberries with signs that read, "Drink Me" and "Eat Me." What did I think? Why, how nice of the B&B to provide their guests with such luxuries. But then I turned around and saw a crawlspace with a sign that read, "Open Me." Zach suggested that I better open it up. Inside, I found a shadow box Zach had made with pictures and mementos of us inside. On top was a sign: "Love Me." When I picked up the shadow box, I saw the ring behind it: "Marry Me." I figured Zach had something to say to me, so I took my time looking over the shadow box so I would be ready.

"Please say yes!!"
*Hahaha*

Even more so than our wedding day, this was the happiest day of my life. :) THIS was the day we decided to spend the rest of our lives together. Don't get me wrong; I am glad we were married in front of our parents, family, and friends. We had a lovely, sweet wedding. :) But sometimes I still wish we had eloped. *lol* After all, this day was PERFECT. There was no stress, no fuss, and no expectations--only a very pleasant surprise. :)

These pictures were actually taken the next day after we had tea at the Intercontinental on the Plaza. I had actually expected Zach to propose there (!), so I had taken great pains to pick out a cute outfit! *haha* He always keeps me on my toes. I was actually quite gross-looking when he proposed. ;) (No one will EVER see the one picture we have from the night of the proposal...at least not for a very long time.)

Zach, thank you for asking me to be your wife.
I can't wait to celebrate with you tonight!
Happy "engagement" anniversary!

Victorian High Tea

May 2, 2010
Bobby and Beverly got us grand high tea reservations at The Empress in Little Rock for my birthday. It was very impressive, and the spread was much larger than at Intercontinental on the Plaza in Kansas City.

We had some pomegranate tea with cucumber pumpernickel sandwiches, brie and fig sandwiches, and chicken salad sandwiches (that had craisins, hazelnuts, and green onion). I began with the scones accompanied by clotted cream--which our hostess told us how to make!--and lemon curd and fresh fruit. For dessert, there were delicious raspberry pinwheels made with angel food cake (not the artificial store cake either), tea bread, and "Arkansas Johnny Reb Cakes." Chocolate-covered cherries were supposed to round out the tea, but we couldn't eat any...we didn't even get to everything else!

We also got a tour of the inn after tea. The ground floor is comprised of parlours, the dining room, the kitchen, and office space. The second floor is where the suites are located; there is also a basement.

The attic, which we also viewed briefly because it was too hot and I started feeling ill and The Empress's ghost possessed me, was originally a space for the owner and his gentlemen guests to play poker without any repercussions. Mr. Hornibrook had a staircase installed with its own entrance so the men could enter without being seen; servants were also sent up into the tower to act as lookouts. They say the attic is still haunted b poker players... :)
We also checked out The Secret Garden.

the gorgeous fountain in The Secret Garden

Thank you guys! We had a wonderful Victorian time!!