The Greatest Christmas Gift: Park Proposal in Newnan, Georgia

“On our first official date, Dustin told me I was going to be his wife,” Amber fondly recalls.

Having grown up in the same town, but attending different high schools, Amber and Dustin knew of each other but didn’t truly connect until later. “I had a crush on Dustin but never said anything to him about it,” Amber remembers. Finally connecting over social media they were soon off on their first date where the sparks were flying. Dustin knew from that moment on that he had discovered the woman he would marry and spend the rest of his life with. And so it was, that on a beautiful Christmas Eve day at a lovely park in Newnan, Georgia, Dustin surprised Amber with a surprise proposal under the guise of a couples’ photoshoot. A magical day that Amber will never forget, “my proposal was a dream that I replay over and over in my head daily.”

Bride & Groom-to-be: Amber & Dustin
Proposal Date: Dec 24, 2019
Proposal/Engagement Session Location: Newnan, Georgia

Tell us how you met! Dustin and I both grew up in the same town but graduated from rival high schools. We both knew of each other but never dated. I had a crush on Dustin but never said anything to him about it. I remember showing my mom and friends his pictures. One morning, I woke up to a message on a social media site from Dustin. I remember being half awake and looking to see the message and I jumped out of my bed and screamed! From that day we started talking and on our first official date, Dustin told me I was going to be his wife. The rest is history.
What makes our relationship special is we both encourage and speak over each other’s lives. Whenever I am feeling anxious or worrying about something, I can always count on Dustin to build me back up and tell me I can do anything and that he is so proud of me. At every major event in my career or life, he has been there for me! Aside from the mushy stuff, we love Mexican food and on our weekly date nights, you will most likely find us at a Mexican restaurant. We also love the Atlanta Falcons! Football Sundays are a big thing!

Tell us all about the proposal! My proposal was a dream that I replay over and over in my head daily. Around the end of October, Dustin told me his cousin would like to do a photo session with us to add more work to her portfolio. We both love pictures so I was instantly excited! He told me that we would be taking pictures on Christmas Eve. He picked out the most beautiful dress for me to wear. He was stressing about his outfit and what we should wear for our second look during the shoot. He kept telling me, “everything has to be perfect.” As the day got closer, he would tell me how much he loved me daily and how much I meant to him with a sweet message each day. For about a week and all the way up to the day before our pictures, it rained! On December 24th we woke up to beautiful sunny skies with a temperature of 70 in December. It was perfect! Our photos were to take place in a park in our town. The day was finally here for us to take our pictures! We were so excited. We started our session with an amazing photographer. She did a few shots of Dustin and me together and then suggested that I take some individual pictures. (In my head, I was like no, please. I need Dustin with me.) Dustin then tells me that he would run to the restroom, while she took the individual photos of me. While she was taking pictures of just me, unknowingly to me Dustin was walking back up to where we were with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I had my back turned so it was a complete surprise. The photographer told me to turn around and there was Dustin! He got down on his knee and asked me the best question ever! Of course, I said yes! After the proposal, I learned that several of our family members, the photographer, and makeup artist were all in on making this day a day to remember. On Christmas Eve each year, my family has a big Christmas Eve party. Dustin had arranged with one of my family members to have an engagement party for us that night. The thought, time, and effort that was put into the proposal is the most special part. It was a dream come true!

How did you know they were the one? I knew Dustin was the one when I saw how he developed a relationship with my family. I have been a daddy’s girl and my dad never liked any guy I talked about or brought home. He instantly clicked with Dustin. He would invite Dustin to family outings before I could. I also admired the way he loved and took care of his mom and grandmother. It was a very special thing! I could see his heart through how he cared for others.

We’re all about the bling, tell us all about that ring! My ring is absolutely gorgeous! One Saturday when we were out running errands we went into a jewelry store and I fell in love with the most beautiful ring. I was so in love with it, that I did not want to take it off. On the day of our proposal, I was so shocked and amazed to see the exact same ring that I had fallen in love with. Dustin later told me that he went back to the store the very next day and purchased the ring I’d fallen in love with!

How has wedding planning been so far? We are so excited to start planning our wedding! We will be having an intimate candlelight ceremony in December of 2020. Dustin and I met in December, we got engaged in December, so it’s only right that we get married in December. We will also share the same anniversary month with my parents. Our favorite holiday is Christmas, so there will be touches of Christmas in our wedding decor. Our wedding will be a celebration of our love with both of our families and friends.

Vendors:
Photographer: Forever Photography
Event Venue: Greenville Street Park
Hair Stylist: Connie Michelle Styles
Makeup Artist: Pretty Canvas Makeup