Garrett and Torie trudged off to Multnomah Falls early in the morning on Saturday, September 17th. It was cold and rainy. After the Falls, Garrett originally intended to take Torie ring shopping to throw her off course, but they ran out of time and instead headed straight to Portland's Rose Gardens.
As I pulled into the parking lot, on a hill high above the city, my heart raced with anticipation. I hopped out of my car and peaked over the shrubbery outlining the edge of the gardens. Ope! I saw Garrett's bleach blonde hair. I sneaked back to my car so as not to be seen until it was time.
I waited a half hour. [Hurry up, Garrett. I'm too excited!!]
Buzz. Buzz. My cell phone rang.
"Hello!"
"Hi Annie. The ring is on the finger. Come on down!"
I found Garrett and Torie snuggled up together under a beautiful willow tree, smiles overwhelming their faces.
Of course the first words out of my mouth were, "Let me see the rock!"
It was the ring Torie had picked out when the lovebirds went ring shopping this summer in Montana. Beautiful, delicate, and just perfect for her dainty hand.
It was a privilege to be a part of their day, to be the FIRST to see the newly-engaged, and even more so, to follow them around and take pictures in the rose gardens. They were calm, collected...and beaming.
Garrett gave Torie an empty picture frame to fill with pictures from this day and every day forward. It was engraved with the words, "Garrett and Torie founded in the love of Christ 9-17-2011."
What a glorious day.
What a glorious day.
"Love is like a rose. When pressed between two lifetimes, it will last forever." - Unknown
