Thanks for all of the well wishes! Seeing Matt on bended knee sent a million things running through my head: is he serious? Did he ask my dad? Is my mascara running down my face? The answer to all of those questions was yes. Matt and I were able to hang out alone in the lighthouse alone for about 30 minutes chatting about everything before anyone else came up. By then I was done boohoo crying and decided to start the ring posing pictures, natch.
Fun Fact: Proposing in the lighthouse was not Matt’s original plan. He had planned to wait until after dinner while we strolled the beach but said that it felt right when we were in the lighthouse. I LOVE that he went with his gut. It was perfect. Mystery Walmart man, thanks for the recommendation! The lighthouse was well worth the visit!
The surprises kept on coming when Matt said he had a hotel room on the island for the night. Out of all the times that I have been to St. George Island I had never stayed the night so I was pretty psyched. We checked in and immediately started calling friends and family while we toasted some champagne.
Since I had no idea we were staying the night, I didn’t pack an overnight bag. Matt said “don’t worry, I took care of it”. This should be interesting, was the first thought that came to mind. For our overnight trip with lows in the 40s Matt packed me a beach cover up, tank top, pjs and 4 pairs of underwear. Luckily I am used to wearing the same yoga pants for days so after a quick stop in the beach store for a sweater, we were ready to watch the sunset and continue the ring posing pics sans make up (apparently there is no where to buy mascara on the island and all of mine was cried off earlier)
return to the scene of the crime
After successfully taking 2 million pictures, we headed to the Blue Parrot for some dinner.
Lobster bisque and calamari
there were some veggies there at one point…
Blue Parrot also offers free key lime pie for recently engaged couples 
The perfect ratio of whipped cream to pie
We wanted to continue the celebrating so we headed to Eddy Teach’s for some celebratory night cap.
We knew we were in the right place when we saw that they had Groundhog Day specials:
While we sipped our beer and champagne, we made our mark on the wall of Eddy Teach’s:
Final Groundhog Day quote of the night
Matt was fantastic and did a FANTASTIC job spoiling me and surprising me all day. I would definitely want to relive this day over and over and over.
Engaged/married people: what was your engagement like? Were you surprised?
Champagne: yay or nay?
To me nothing says celebrate! like champagne
TorontoRunner
/ February 5, 2013omgshhhh. Super sweet!!
congrats again!
I love that he took care of the packing. What lovely, lovely surprises you got!!
congrats!!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 5, 2013I was shocked that he packed but then when I saw what he packed I couldn’t help but laugh. No pants but 4 underwear? Typical boy packing lol
allisonhayes91
/ February 5, 2013I just love this so much. So happy for you! What a sweet story. You can tell how much thought went into this whole thing, which just makes it so much more special for you
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 5, 2013I can’t believe he was able to keep it all a surprise. Matt is def not known for his planning and secret keeping lol
pickyrunner
/ February 5, 2013This is the most amazing story. He’s so funny with the packing but picking Groundhog Day as the big one is just so clever! It’s something that means a lot to you and it was in a place you love. Ahhhh I can’t wait to hear about the wedding planning!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 5, 2013It really is super sweet and cheesy and right up my alley. He did a great job!
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom
/ February 5, 2013So so sweet. Sounds like you will have an amazing husband. I love engagement stories and am so happy! This was just too sweet. Best wishes to you two
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 5, 2013Thank you! I definitely got a good one
Nicole (@KidlessKronicle)
/ February 5, 2013Hell to the yes on the champagne! I was NOT surprised, he did talk to my Dad and then gave me my ring while I was asleep. SO romantic. But 15 years of marriage later, it works.
The Kidless Kronicles
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 5, 2013Congrats on 15 years, that’s awesome!!
Nicole (@KidlessKronicle)
/ February 5, 2013And what I should have said first…..CONGRATS!!!!!
The Classy Bee
/ February 5, 2013I leave the blogosphere for 3 days and you run off and get engaged!!! Congrats girl so happy for you! and that ring is stunning!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 5, 2013Haha thanks!! I’m loving my ring! He did a great job with everything:)
Chelsea @ LittleOneRuns
/ February 5, 2013nay!!
omg i’m so happy for you!!! congrats!!!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 5, 2013Thank you! We’re stoked
Her Happy Balance
/ February 5, 2013Congratulations! A lighthouse proposal sounds very romantic
I love the things he packed for you, especially the 4 fairs of underwear haha. Enjoy this special time. And champagne…definite yay!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 5, 2013I know, such boy packing! Tons of undies and no pants or shoes haha the lighthouse was absolutely perfect and so romantic. He did a great job
Alex @ Cookie Dough Katzen
/ February 5, 2013Congratulations!!!!! I got goose bumps reading this. So happy for you two!!! That’s so cute that he asked you in the lighthouse…a place that’s always shining
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 5, 2013It really was the most perfect place. I loved it
Molly
/ February 5, 2013I’m late to the game on this – CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That is just so amazing!!
I out loud “Awwwwww”-ed at the fact that he just impromptu proposed instead of going with his original plan. SO SWEET!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 5, 2013Thanks! It was very ‘Matt’ to go by his gut. His gut did a great job!
Running In Heels
/ February 5, 2013So sweet!! He nailed it
CONGRATS YOU TWO 
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 5, 2013Thanks, I agree. He was perfect
Amanda
/ February 5, 2013I’m definitely late to this party, but CONGRATULATIONS! My jaw went to the floor when I saw this! I can’t wait to hear about planning your wedding and everything else. I’m so happy for you two!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 5, 2013Thanks! Ill have to add a wedding page to the blog:)
buttonedandbustled
/ February 5, 2013Congrats!! Beautiful ring and sweet story!! I found your blog from my friend Bethany @theclassybee.com. Wanted to share my tips to the newly engaged: http://buttonedandbustled.com/2013/01/09/six-tips-to-the-newly-engaged/
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 5, 2013Thanks! I just peeked at your site and will def be stopping by the next few months:)
Natalie @ Free Range Human
/ February 5, 2013COngratulations! That is so exciting!! I was definitely surprised for our engagement. I knew it was coming, but he did an excellent job of making sure I had no idea it was coming when it did!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 5, 2013Thank you
we have been talking about it for a while but had no idea it would happen when it did! He did a great job keeping it a surprise.
Michelle (Matt's cousin)
/ February 5, 2013haha YES just what I was waiting for! This is so cute. Congrats, again! I’m so happy for you guys! ahhh can’t wait to hear about all the planning and such.
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 5, 2013Thanks Michelle! I pretty psyched to start planning it! See you guys soon
Cathy @ Showing Up
/ February 6, 2013What a romantic proposal! Whenever I hear of one, I say to my husband, “Just like our proposal!”. Or not. Ours consisted of him asking me how I felt about moving for his residency, and me saying “So are we getting married or what?!”. And he answering “Well, YEAH.” Like I should have known. But almost 32 years later – it was perfect. And the stuff of family legend.
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 6, 2013Aw congrats on 32 years! Our proposal was just the right mix of fun and romantic. I loved it!
Meghann
/ February 6, 2013Congrats! What a sweet engagement story! And all the photos of St. George Island took me back! St. George was THE place to go when I was at FSU. It’s such a beautiful, quiet island.
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 6, 2013Thanks! I love SGI and it was the perfect proposal
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
/ February 6, 2013Champagne. I say Yah!