a proposal of love

on new years eve day in 2010,

kevin took me to a coffee shop in my hometown. 

it was one of our favorite things to do when dating, snuggling together while drinking coffee and reading and praying and just soaking in the small and tender blessings in life. 

so I honestly was not suspicious at all that this would be the day. 

when we were finished reading, 

kev gently asked if I wanted to go on a walk. 

it was freeeeeezing out, but I agreed with a smile, and he took my small hand in his and began leading me to the University in my home town, a two second walk from the coffee shop. 

all of a sudden, one of my best friends and her husband appeared out of no where. 

they wrapped me in a blanket, handed me a bouquet, then began sharing scripture and praying over us. 

i beamed. i knew
this
was it. 

Kev then led me to an area filled with statues in a garden. 

Music began to play, and my family jumped out and started dancing around kev and I. 

We were cracking up. 

They each went around and affirmed us, then prayed for us and our marriage. 

It was beautiful. 

We continued along, 

Across a bridge,

 over a river, 

Around a turn, 

And then kev’s whole family surprised me. 

Again, they each went around and shared what they loved about both of us, and then prayed for us. 

After the lovely words and prayers, 

We walked along, and then another surprise…. 

To my delight, his sister and brother-in-law had written us a song 

and played it for us right there in the park. 

Tears began to fall at the magnitude of what was happening around me. 

Just so overcome, really, that anyone would do this for me. 

And then he led me to an amphitheatre. 

He read 1 corinthians 13 to me, and shared with me how I had exhibited each kind of love towards him. 

At each group of people we had passed, kev had them give me a gift that he picked out. Housewarming presents from Indonesia. He shared with me how he wanted our home to be a place of love and warmth. 

And then he dropped to his knees. 

And told me how ardently he loved me 

And asked if I would be his wife. 

His. 

And I said yes. 

Yes. 

From then on it was all a blur. Everyone had been hiding behind the ampitheatre walls, watching on. I had NO idea anyone was taking pictures…let alone the beautiful pictures my brother took of us. It blessed me beyond measure. 

I call this a proposal of love 

Because my dearest spent so much time planning it, knowing just the way I would have wanted it. 

He knew I wanted to include those that I love, those dearest to us. 

He knew, because he knew me. 

The deepest part of me. 

And that is the beauty of this last year of marriage,
 knowing one another more intimately and deeply and learning to speak the language of the other. 

It is a most beloved blessing of life. 

To be known. 

Love you sweetest Kevin.
Happy 1 year anniversary.  

Love Katie 

ps: enjoy the photos! it was so hard to pare them down from all the great ones my brother took! Hopefully this gives you a glimpse into that special day:)

{my family behind us...I had NO idea they were there!!}

{my sister, aka the paparazzi, looking on!}

{kevin giving the "she-said-yes" thumbs up to the family!} 

{the crew}