A New Meaning

Since the foundation of this blog is being built on the love and blessing that the Lord has so graciously given Jason and I, I figured what better way than to start off than with where this new chapter all began!

Jason and I both love New Orleans. Well now, we have even more of a reason to love the "big easy". 

For weeks, and weeks--3 weeks to be exact Jason has been planning a "surprise date" for us in New Orleans. We are all about surprising one another. I surprised him with Blue Man Group tickets and he surprised me with Drew and Ellie Holcomb tickets for Valentine's day so this was not at all out of the norm for our relationship. He told me all about this performance he was taking me to Wednesday night and how I didn't have to worry about planning a thing--to just let him do all the planning and to let him take the reigns. I gladly accepted this and was so happy to see all the planning and time (which was much more than I ever could have fathomed at the time) he was putting into our trip. I knew it was going to be amazing! 

Jason and I have a journal that we pass back and forth to one another. Just writing about things that happen or things that mean a lot to us or--just to tell each other how we feel about situations or circumstances. It was something we knew would be fun to look back on as we continued to date.  Our "dating journal" if you will. As far as the journal goes--for weeks, and weeks Jason has been telling me he was documenting all of his planning and and excitement about our trip. That he was writing down every single detail so that he could share it with me when it was over because he did not want to give anything away before then. It was actually much harder than anticipated to not be able to openly talk about everything--to share all of the plans and details that went into the planning--but now, oh now, it makes so much sense. 

Wednesday morning, Jason and I boarded the train to head to New Orleans. This was his first time on the train and I was pretty pumped to get to share that experience with him. So, here I am going on this trip only knowing that--we have a performance to attend that night, we were eating at a cool restaurant for dinner, and I knew the hotel we were staying at--that's it! Pretty blind here. 

On the train ride to New Orleans--sorry for the bad quality!

We arrived in New Orleans and had a heck of a trek to the hotel, with all of our bags and not to mention, Jason's legs are 200 inches longer than mine--so it was a struggle to keep up! But nonetheless, we made it to the Royal Sonesta with plenty of time to relax and leisurely get ready for dinner and the performance, THE BIG SHOW for the trip (or so I thought)! 

Our view from the hotel--we had a balcony that overlooked Bourbon Street. 

We dined at GW Fins which was SUCH A GREAT restaurant.  Food that is bought fresh every day, a new menu every day--It was delicious and we really enjoyed ourselves. A little fine dining! 

Yes, it was as good as it looks!

Swordfish. YUM.

At dinner Jason revealed to me what the surprise performance was, the reason I thought we were in New Orleans--we were going to see Cirque du Soleil which was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I wish we could have taken pictures I was SO TAKEN ABACK and surprised. It was AWESOME! It was such a surprise for me because I've never even heard of this performance! Oh man, if you ever get the chance to see this show, do yourself a favor and go.  Jason really went all out and we had AMAZING seats too. It couldn't have been better--in any way. It was PERFECT. 

We called it an early night because Jason had a big day full of eating, shopping and walking around the city planned for us the next day. 

We start off Thursday at Croissant D'Or Patisserie--a really neat, small breakfast place that had AMAZING food. It was so delicious. Jason knows the way to my heart, through some good food and he was 2 for 2 thus far on the trip 

After we ate we were going to walk down some of the streets to look in all the shops but we were early risers for that--so we made our way to the French Market. We ended up getting a couple of really awesome photographs from a local photographer and he was so pleasant to talk with and cut us a sweet deal! Those pictures are extremely special now. 

Photographer let me use one of his lenses to shoot some pictures--then he proceeded to try and sell it to me! Oh, New Orleans.

After the market we went around to some other shops--a candy shop, went to Urban Outfitters (of course), and some other neat shops around the streets and then WE WENT TO THE AQUARIUM! I haven't been to the aquarium in New Orleans since I was in 5th grade for a field trip (and Jason had never been)--so this was SO MUCH FUN for us! It was so beautiful and colorful and we saw some awesome sea creatures--I was like a little child--we got some great pictures. 

After the aquarium we walked around a little bit and just enjoyed the New Orleans culture.  The music, the food, the dirtiness, the different caliber of people walking the streets, the smell, everything about it. 

The Hokum High Rollers--really talented trio that we saw--we ended up buying their CD.

By the time we finished up at the aquarium and walked around for a bit--we were both starving and Jason had planned--yet another amazing restaurant for us to eat at. Yo Mama's where we had a DELICIOUS peanut butter burger and probably the best gumbo I've ever had in New Orleans. We also had some really good local beer with our lunch. 

Definitely a recommendation if you go to New Orleans. 

My handsome beau at lunch.

and of course...after lunch we had to get hand grenades--a must--along with a few of the other beauties of the city that I love so much. 

We proceeded to walk down Chartres Street where my all time favorite art gallery is located. Jamie Hayes is an outstandingly talented artist who has some of the most unique art work that I've ever seen.  It is so bright and so, unusual. I love it. I am fairly certain that I've been to his gallery every time I've been to New Orleans, and I've never met him--until this trip! There he was, sitting in the front door signing prints! I became "that girl" and started talking to him and telling him how much I love his work, how much I admire his talent and how I was so happy to finally meet him after all of these years of coming to his gallery. I of course, bought a print to mark the occasion of mine and Jason's trip. Something we could have as a keep-sake forever.  

So, after we left the gallery I was just so happy. I had to stop Jason and look him in the eyes and tell him how thankful I was for this trip and how perfectly happy I was. It was such a fun time so far and I was/still am so thankful that he put forth all of that effort to plan such a great trip for me. 

Everything was perfect, absolutely perfect.

  The weather was BEAUTIFUL. 

The food was great.

We really felt and experienced the New Orleans culture.

And that, my friends, is not even the best part of the trip.

After we left the gallery we walked over to Jackson Square, actually into the gated area. 

It  was so beautiful outside that Jason suggested we just sit by a tree and enjoy the beauty of the day, really take in what we were seeing and experiencing and to just rest some. 

I kept asking if we could sit on a bench, but Jason insisted on a tree! 

So, we are sitting there enjoying the moment and Jason looks at me and just starts telling me how much he's enjoyed the day and how thankful he is that I was enjoying myself and all that we've done and then he continues to say: "I love you and have had a great two days with you. If you were my wife I would always love you the way God wants me to and the way you deserve. If you married me I would treat you with the utmost kindness and respect.  If you marry me..." and then I, of course, interrupted him and said "you mean, WHEN I marry you.." and he continues to say: "of course, but that would not much of a proposal if I said when"....some time went by and then Jason asked me what I thought and I only replied with "yeah, I guess you're right!" .... "no, what do you think about my proposal?".... "Yeah, I like it" (in an agreeable, yet nonchalant way because I obviously had no idea what was going on--I know...come on Ellen). Then Jason proceeds to say "Well in that case..." He stood up, pulled my by the hand, and once I was fully standing up (and I finally felt like I was understanding what was happening here)--he got on one knee, showed me the ring and asked me the four words I've so looked forward to hearing--"will you marry me?" and I, with out a single hesitation, said YES!!! 

I of course, had to ask if he had talked to my Dad--because as far as I knew, they were actually going to meet TODAY to talk--jokes on me now! So, we sat for a few minutes--hearing about his talk with my father, talking and planning with my mother, showing my mother and sister the ring, planning all these events that were now unfolding. It was so nice and made me feel so special and so loved by everyone involved.  My fiancé' is something amazing and I am so thankful for his kind heart. 

...and you would think that would wrap up the end of this amazing engagement story--but my FINACE' is something else and really wanted to make this such a special moment/day for me. 

Jason suggested that we wait to FaceTime/call everyone while we were at dinner--which I thought was a good idea because I wanted to really revel in that moment, just the two of us together, in New Orleans, newly engaged and giving me time to realize what just happened because I HAD NO IDEA it was coming! Jason and I had discussed marriage and when and all those things but I was told over and over that it would be towards the end of the school year and so, yes--that's when I thought it was going to be. He has done SO WELL redirecting everything to make it seem that way. 

Right after the engagement, Jason told me that my parents wanted to buy us a painting from the Quarter to have as our first wedding gift to have to help us remember this occasion. Painting shopping we went--and we found the perfect one. I was so thankful for such a sweet and thoughtful gift from my parents as we start this next chapter in our lives. 

After the painting we had one last stop. Jason had made us dinner plans. We were so excited yet so exhausted. Jason had 3 weeks worth of secrets (which Steve had already told him this was the only time it was acceptable to lie to your future wife) and it had taken it's toll.  He also got NO SLEEP the night before due to the anticipation for this day. I think it's safe to say, we were both ready to sit down and relax and just reflect on everything that had happened in the last 24 hours. 

We walk up to Acme Oyster House--luggage in hand--ready to FaceTime all my friends and family and I see a line OUT THE DOOR. Jason just starts walking towards the door, totally skipping the line  so being the person I am---"Jason, don't we need to wait in this line?"... "nope, I've already got it taken care of." What happens when we walk in the door?

MY WHOLE FAMILY, JASON'S FAMILY, MOST OF MINE AND JASON'S BEST FRIENDS are all IN NEW ORLEANS cheering and clapping for us as we walk in to celebrate our engagement. 

Like what in the world?! If Jason didn't already make this day perfect enough... he made SURE the closest people to me and the people I care about so much were all there to celebrate this special day and moment with us.  

Walking in the door--TOTAL AND COMPLETE SURPRISE!

Showing the ring off to the girls!

Bless Cayla and her little crying heart.

Jason and his sweet mother who I am SO HAPPY was there to share this with us!!

This girl. My best friend. The best sister I could ask for. One of the biggest blessings in my life. I love you and can't wait to share this experience with you! My beautiful maid of honor!

My sweet brother whom I'm so happy to share this with!!!! 

The happiest day of my life thus far! 

Most all of my girls! Y'all are so amazing--coming to New Orleans to celebrate with us. Man, I love y'all! 

Oh Melissa. What a joy it is to be your best friend. I love you so much!!! 

I love this man. 

So incredibly happy--if you can't tell! 

Yes, y'all can put it on Facebook now
and this is what happens! Don't waste any time guys. 

Telling them the official story! 

The future Mrs. Jason Ellis :)

Blissfully happy. 

I love this picture. I am a lucky girl.  

This, this one makes my heart sing. 

The newest soon-to-be family member! 

and some of my new family! So so happy to share this with y'all! 

These two women--I don't even have the words to express my love and thankfulness for them. 

These two. Looking so sharp. 

When we walked to the car to head home with his mom--Jason had the journal for me. The journal that has every single detail, idea, event, leading up to this day--handwritten in my sweet man's handwriting. What a treasure and what an special gift just within itself. I will read it over and over through our lifetime together.

It was above and beyond more than I could have ever asked for.  

I am so blessed and so thankful that the Lord has placed such wonderful people in my life. I can not wait to share this part of my life with all of these people (and then some)! 

As we start this journey I ask that you continually keep us in your prayers. 

And Jason, you are the best blessing in my life and I am so thankful for you. Thank you for such an outstanding trip and for making this the most memorable day of my life so far. We are going to have a spectacular life together. I love you.