Another great entry for our Italian Garden Party Giveaway! Super sweet, and even more so to see they’ve been married 9 years and going strong! Here is Michelle and Craig’s engagement story and a little bit about their dream vow renewal.
Our engagement story:
Craig and I took a trip to South Dakota and Yellowstone National Park in the summer to go hiking and white water rafting. He told me before our trip that he had a ‘surprise’ in store for me. I got excited that he might propose on our trip, but it didn’t happen because (I learned later) the custom engagement ring that he picked out for me wasn’t ready in time. He was planning to point out the ‘pretty rocks’ on a hike and then proprose to me.
A couple months later, on the night that we got engaged, Craig treated me to dinner at Hy’s Steakhouse and a classical concert in the rotunda of the Manitoba Legislature. The concert was by Camerata Nova who perform really nice music from the 13th century (very romantic). Craig is a musician and used to perform with some of the musicians from Camerata Nova. After the concert, we sat down near the Bison statues to enjoy the Christmas lighting in the legislature. Craig gave a beautiful heartfelt speech, knelt down on one knee, and then popped the question. He picked out a beautiful engagement ring for me that was reminiscent of the Claddagh ring that I used to wear (which symbolizes love, loyalty and friendship). I said yes as I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else by my side.
Our vow renewal story:
Craig and I will be celebrating our 9th wedding anniversary this September (already!). We’ve gone through many ups and downs over the years, but through it all, we have always been there for each other. We are very grateful that we are so compatible and that our love has grown stronger through the years. We would absolutely love to renew our vows with our close family and friends at an Italian Garden Party. This would be perfect since our wedding was at the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden in Assiniboine Park.
For additional entries:
2) Like/follow one or all of the vendors pages involved!
The winners will be chosen on May 18th
Thanks so much for posting our story, plus for hosting this fun contest Amanda. My husband and I had fun reminiscing about when we got engaged.
Thank you very much for this chance to win!
I know Craig and Michelle and they are a terrific couple! Happy Anniversary to you two!
Thanks so much to the generous sponsors of this contest! Michelle and I are always seeking out adventure and unique experiences. We love each other very much. Thanks again.
Amazing story, Michelle! Good luck to you and Craig!
Love Michelle, and Craig’s Story!!!
What a great engagement story and renewal story…good luck to you both.
What a wonderful story Michelle. It sounds like the two of you are meant for each other. Have a fantastic vow renewal
Michelle is the daughter in law that I hoped for. She is kind, loyal, and loving to my son, her husband, Craig.
He, in turn, adores Michelle and I am so happy for them. They make a good team.
I’m not surprised you had such a romantic moment for your engagement. You two are made for each other.
What a wonderful ENGAGEMENT story, totally romantic. Whether you win this contest or not, you are both WINNERS in life to have found each other. Best of luck, good health & many happy years to come. I’ll look forward to seeing your winning photos of the GARDEN PARTY!!
Michelle and Craig are one of the nicest and most considerate people I know. It’s truly a blessing to have them as friends, Good luck, you lovebugs!
This is the first I have heard about your engagement. You two are the perfect couple and deserve this Garden Party prize. Good luck!
What a wonderful story Michelle good luck to you and Craig <3
I’ve joked that Michelle is the best thing that ever happened to my brother but then I remember how sweet my brother is to Michelle; as an older sister, it’s the greatest feeling to see your ‘little’ brother meet a girl, fall in love and then build a life with her! They have learned that you reap what you sow. These two are always dreaming and making plans, planting seeds for future flowers and will soon be celebrating their ninth anniversary. It’d be so sweet to celebrate their love and dreams in a beautiful garden!
Great love story.
Michelle is the daughter in law I hoped for.. They are a kind aunt and uncle to three teenage boys…I wish for their marriage to last 63 years like Craig’s great grandparents who were married in 1905…one hundred years before Craig & Michelle’s Sept 10 2005 wedding day.
I don’t get tired of hearing your sweet engagement story! Michelle and Craig are indeed soul mates. Michelle is like the sister I always wanted. My husband Todd and I believe Michelle and Craig brought us closer together as a couple. We are thankful that they are our dear friends, and we are honoured to have them as Godparents to our son Evan. As a couple they are a strong team. Some things are meant to be! I would love to witness Michelle and Craig renew their vows, because I know they will take those vows to heart. Bonne chance!
Michelle and Craig this is a Beautiful Engagement story! Wishing you lots of Love and Laughter for many many, many years to come! Love you both!
wishing you many more years
Michelle and Craig thank you for sharing your romantic story, you two are an amazing couple.
Thanks, for sharing your great story . Good luck to both of you !
Wonderful story for a wonderful couple.
Michelle and Craig go together like ‘peas and carrots’. Happy Anniversary you two, and good luck!
Such a great engagement story! And a beautiful photo, too!
You two deserve everything great to happen. Two of the kindest people I know and a great couple. It is evident in everything they do how much they love each other. The engagement story is great as it represents some of the great things they like to do. Many more adventures to you 2!
Michelle and Craig are an inspiration to other couples! Anyone that spends any time with the two of them will see a mutual respect and loving bond that is essential for a successful relationship. They have what it takes to “grow old together”.
Congratulations to you both on your upcoming anniversary!
Good luck Michelle and Craig, you two are the perfect couple!
All the best to Michelle and Craig! I hope you get a chance to renew your wedding vows!
Michelle and Craig may honestly be the most loving, generous, philanthropic people I know. Combined they are an absolute force of love and an example to anyone who has the pleasure of knowing them, of what true love is. I can’t think of any two people more deserving of a lovely garden vow renewal.
What a lovely engagement story! I really enjoy seeing you and Craig when we are out and about, you guys are a really great REAL couple, super happy to call you guys friends!!
This is a beautriful story and I hope it’s a winner. Michelle is my daughter and I am very proud of her and Craig.
I wasn’t at Michelle & craig’s wedding, so i would love a chance to be at their renewal ceremony! They are one of the most generous, fun & kind couples I know. Congrats to you both! 🙂
Thanks so much for your kind words everyone! It really means a lot to Craig and I and we’re so grateful to have such a supportive group of family and friends. We love you all very much.