Joy Wedding
Joy Baby New
Registry with Free Shipping
Registry with 20% Completion Discount
Registry with Zero-Fee Cash Funds
Registry with Easy Returns
Registry with Free Shipping
Find an Event
Inspiration » sarah anne photography » Joy Proposal Story: Melissa & Brooks

Joy Proposal Story: Melissa & Brooks

by Kelsey Vickers
Joy Proposal Story: Melissa & Brooks

How did the two of you meet?

During our last year of college at the University of South Carolina! Some mutual friends innocently introduced us at a bar while we were out celebrating a birthday! However, even though we both liked one another, Brooks had been under the impression that another friend of his had a crush on me. He was trying to be a good friend by not pursuing anything with me, but after a couple of weeks, he decided he would just go for it since it was clear I was interested in him and not his friend. We have been together ever since!

Monika Gauthier

Give us the proposal details! When? Where? How?

We went on a trip to New York to visit my family and friends! We were staying at the Tarrytown House Estates looking over the Hudson River, a very beautiful hotel! It was April 14th, we had made plans to go out to dinner with my friends (now bridesmaids) that night and unbeknownst to me, Brooks had texted one of my friends Tianna that he was going to propose at sunset before dinner! Tianna texted me saying she and her boyfriend would come pick us up at the hotel before dinner because she wanted to get some pictures of me and her before dinner, which I didn’t think much of because the both of us love taking pictures! Plus, I hadn’t seen her in a year.

“As I started to walk toward Tianna so we could get going to dinner, Brooks grabbed my hand and got down on one knee…”

The sun started setting as Brooks and I were out on the hotel restaurant terrace having wine, waiting for them to arrive. Once they arrived, Tianna and I took some pictures then she said she wanted me to take some of her and her boyfriend because it was so pretty out. (It really was a perfectly beautiful spring night without a cloud in the sky!) I took some pictures then she offered to take some of Brooks and I. Now Brooks hates taking pictures so when he was so willing without a single complaint, I had a slight feeling that something was up! We took a few and nothing happened. As I started to walk toward Tianna so we could get going to dinner, Brooks grabbed my hand and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! Of course, I said, “Yes!” When we got to dinner all of my closest friends, family, and parents of my friends were there to help celebrate! It was a perfect night surround by all the people that matter most to me!

Monika Gauthier

What has been your favorite experience planning the wedding?

Honestly, everything! I almost majored in event planning in college so it has all been a lot of fun!  If I had to pick something, I think it would be when I went dress shopping with my mom, maid of honor and her mom (who is like a second mom to me) and her grandmother (who I also have always had the great privilege of calling Granny!) I have know them for over 15 years so they are family to us. Seeing my moms face when I came out in the dress we ended up deciding on, was something I will never forget.

Monika Gauthier

How do you stay sane under the pressures of wedding planning?

By having an amazing group of bridesmaids! I have known most of them for more than half my life, they are all friends that I will have for a lifetime! I have had over a year to plan so the experience has been relatively stress-free!

What is your favorite part of using Joy for your wedding?

I love how customizable everything is! I can really make the website into anything I want!

What piece of advice would you give couples to ensure that they use Joy to its fullest potential?

Download the app! It is so easy to update on the go, especially since most everything people do is on their smartphone!

Monika Gauthier

At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy lasts forever. What does that mean to you?

It’s important to make sure you spend your life with someone who brings you joy. Life is hard no matter how perfect someone’s life may seem to everyone, every couple faces challenges. You need a partner in life that is going to bring you joy on those not-so-perfect days, weeks, months or even years. It’s the simple joys like a hug when you really need one, help with putting away the dishes, or even just a supportive shoulder to lean on while watching a favorite movie after a long day. The little moments of joy in life aren’t always the most extravagant, but they are always the most needed. That’s what love is, little joys that make life complete.

Monika Gauthier

You may also like