To *attempt* to make a long story short... 

this last July called for my annual trip up to Black Mountain (about 20 minutes east of Asheville, NC) to see my family. My dad and Gloria were prepping for a week of camp, and my mom and Lilli were up for the weekend. 

The year prior, Blake and I had gone up to see everyone and to visit Mom's favorite Blue Ridge Parkway Overlook, Chestoa. Naturally, we would be making the hour-ish drive from Black Mountain to the Chestoa Overlook this year in which a huge plan would unfold that I, of course, had no idea of. 

I made a big stink at breakfast that I knew I wasn't getting proposed to that day when we drove out to the overlook, though I did find it odd that my dad was also joining us (I was under the impression he was needed at the camp for prep) - meaning the entire Treppel clan was going to be going to see this splendid mountain view together. 

Hm, how convenient.  ​

After genuinely not thinking about it on the picturesque drive, we unloaded from Mom's stallion of a minivan at last at the lush green stop on the parkway.  My family began to scatter, with my sisters and Blake meeting at the opened trunk of the car for what looked like a drug deal - come to find out later this was not at all apart of the grand plan.

Was it happening? Why was everyone's behavior so bizarre?

I looked at Lilli when she came to join me in the middle of the small, shaded parking lot and asked her what was going on. She had a crazed look on her face. After looking around at everyone frantically and telling myself it was nothing, Lilli, Blake and I began to make our way down the path to the stone steps that opened up to the grand view of Chestoa. My mom claimed she was staying behind to wait for my dad, and Gloria had opted to wait as well. 

I took out my phone to snap a couple photos as we descended, my whole body buzzing with excitement as I tried to mentally convince myself this wasn't the moment. 

After taking my sweet, sweet time to get out to the base of the overlook, Blake dropped to one knee and - well you can see it in the video. 

I was SO surprised! And it was orchestrated in the most wonderful way it could have possibly been done.  After lots of photos, hugs, tears, smiles and whoops and hollers, Blake told me he had made a reservation at a brewery in Asheville for us to go to celebrate.  Another wonderful surprise!  ​

Blake and I were supposed to be going to Asheville anyhow to spend the rest of the day and evening with my best friend Meg, so I texted her to let her know we were ~going to lunch and we'd see them later~ - I was so excited to spring the news on one of my bestest friends that I had gotten engaged.

Little did I know she, my other two closest friends, Blake's parents, sister, niece and even our dog Rex were waiting for us at New Belgium Brewing! (You can see everyone waited for me to notice my little surprise engagement party in the second video on the homepage) I was blown away by the day of surprises Blake had planned and how everyone had been involved in his master plan for months. I had never felt so much love in my life.