Our friend Ty from TyLand Travel & Events is engaged! On March 5th after 3 1/2 years of dating Ty was surprised when her now fiancé proposed. How did he propose you ask?

‘After a "disagreement" the night before the engagement left us both not speaking to each other, I received a text from him, asking me out on a date. I figured he was trying to get out of the doghouse, but I was wrong. The evening of the date, he had a glow that he dismissed as being happy. He was recovering from knee surgery and was finally able to drive on his own! And he drove us to our restaurant date. As I have never been to the restaurant, when he suggested I wait in the car while he checked on our reservation, I went along with it. The hostess led me to a table with champagne, but again I figured he is busy digging his way out of the dog house. We talked about our future as we always have, but still, I never saw a proposal coming. It wasn't until he said "I want to ask you something" that the tears quickly rolled down my face. Everyone working at the restaurant, and my parents who live 6 hours away, knew what he had planned to do that evening. It was perfect. Even down to the proposal, where he couldn't get on one knee because the ligaments are still healing.’

If you would like your proposal story featured on Soulful Engagements click here.

 
 
If you would like to have your wedding announcement posted on Soulful Engagements enter your names, wedding date and the city & state where your wedding will be held in the form below.

If you want a picture included with your announcement please email us a picture and be sure to include all of the information listed above in your email.
 
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Lets meet our couple: Gabrielle & Lenny*

Gabrielle (24) and Lenny (24) are college sweethearts that have been dating for a little over six years. The couple resides in the metro D.C. area where Gabrielle works as an Alumni Relations Assistant at a local university and Lenny works as a Business Systems Analyst at a financial consulting firm.

The morning of December 31st Lenny dropped to one knee and proposed to Gabrielle at the Inn at Monticello, a quaint bed and breakfast located in Charlottesville, VA. 

SE: Congratulations! How do you feel right now?
Gabrielle: Ubër excited!!

SE: Were you surprised?
Gabrielle: There was a part of me that knew that it was coming since we had talked about it often. But I didn't know it would actually happen.

SE: Lets see the ring!
Gabrielle:
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Click picture to enlarge
SE: Wow! Beautiful! Did you help pick it out?
Gabrielle: A while back, maybe a year ago he had asked me what I like. I looked online at a lot of different rings and pointed out the aspects I liked and didn't like. I never said I have to have a specific ring. I am surprised that after so long he remembered all the different things I had liked.

SE: Is it insured?
Gabrielle: Yes. My fiancé used an insurer provided by the jewelry store.

SE: How have you been spreading the news of your engagement?
Gabrielle: I called my parents, sister, and close friends, and changed my status on Facebook to let others know. I don't plan on sending formal announcements.

SE: Thanks for you time! We’ll check back with you soon! Congrats again!
Gabrielle: Thank you!

 

* The names have been changed to protect the couple’s privacy.
 
 
A: It’s not necessary to register before your engagement party but it is perfectly acceptable if you do. Some of your family and friends will want to purchase a gift for the newly engaged couple and setting up a registry will give them options and ideas.

However, registry information should not be included on the invitations for your engagement party. Only provide registry information to people who specifically ask for it.

Also, keep in mind that some items that are typical found on registries are seasonal and are often discontinued or unavailable at the end of the season. If you do register before your engagement party you should manage your registry throughout your engagement and update and remove any items that may have been discontinued or that are no longer available. 

Do you have a question? Email us and we will be happy to answer it.
 
 
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If your families have not already met, an engagement party is a great opportunity for the families to meet and get acquainted. Traditionally the bride’s family hosts the engagement party, but the honor of hosting is really up to whoever offers. When making the guest list for your engagement party keep in mind everyone who is invited to the engagement party should also be invited to the wedding. Before the party ends be prepared to give a toast thanking your hosts and guests for coming. Lastly, keep track of any gifts you receive and send out thank-you notes promptly. 

 
 
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Besides shouting from the rooftops, “We’re engaged!” and spreading the news of your engagement by word of mouth, you have a couple of other options when it comes to announcing your engagement. You can mail formal announcements to your friends and family or you can publish an announcement in your local and hometown newspapers.

Mailing Announcements – To create your announcement contact your local stationary store or an online retailer and have your announcement typeset and printed. You can also design your own announcements using a site like Vistaprint When designing your own announcement you will have the flexibility to choose the look and feel that best suits you as a couple. Keep in mind this will be your guests’ first preview into your wedding. The announcement should convey the overall tone and formality you think you’ll want for your event.

Newspaper Announcements - Call the publication(s) where you want your announcement to appear and speak to the editor in charge and find out the following:
§       The fee for publishing your announcement
§       Are there any guidelines or a standard form you must use?
§      Do they accept pictures as part of the announcement? 

 
 
A: To clean your engagement ring at home, soak your ring in a mild liquid detergent and use a soft bristled brush, like an old toothbrush, to loosen any dirt that may be stuck on your ring. Then, rinse your ring with water and use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry your ring and it should sparkle like new! You can also take your ring to a reputable jeweler and have it professionally cleaned using an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.

Tip: Before purchasing and using any store-bought cleaner make sure it is safe to use on the type(s) of metal and gems that are in your engagement ring. If you are unsure if a particular chemical will have an adverse effect on your ring contact your jeweler and find out what cleaning method they recommend.

Do you have a question? Email us and we will be happy to answer it.

 
 
Sending a picture of your engagement ring to family and friends is a great way to include them in your excitement. However, taking a good picture of your ring can be a bit of a challenge. The best way to take a clear picture of your ring is to place it in bright, indirect light. Turn off the flash on your camera and set your camera to the macro setting and you should be good to go!

 
 
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Engagement rings symbolize strength and permanence, however accidents happen and rings can be damaged, lost or stolen. That is where insurance comes in.

Insurance can be purchased as a rider for your renters’ or homeowner’s policy. Tip: If you move make sure your rider follows you. If you don’t have a renters’ or homeowners’ policy ask your jeweler if they work with an insurance company that offers stand alone insurance.

The following are things to consider before deciding on a policy.

§       Is the ring covered if its damaged, lost or stolen?
§       What proof will you need to provide in the event the ring is lost or stolen?
§       Are there any circumstances when the ring would not be covered?
§       Is the ring insured for the full cost or a fraction of the price?
§       What would be the process to replace the ring?