A couple weeks ago, we were lucky enough to be a part of a big surprise and even bigger moment in our friends' lives. Kyle's good buddy Michael (from here on he will be referred to as Karka, his last name, because I feel funny calling him Michael) wanted to surprise his girlfriend, Amanda, with a trip to Paris.
He recently accepted a job in Miami and is in the midst of making the move there. Amanda was flying out to help him set up his apartment, pick out furniture, get to know the city, etc. At least, that was the ruse.
Hurdle #1 - We knew that Amanda would pack summery clothes for Miami, duh, but needed to have Fall attire for Paris.
Hurdle #2 - Why would Amanda bring her passport to Miami? Karka needed to insure it was with her somehow.
Hurdle #3 - Keeping it all a surprise until just before their departure.
Solution #1 - Karka told Amanda that it gets chilly at night, especially on the water. Good try, but when Amanda landed in Florida at midnight it was 90 degrees. Naturally, it only irritated her that she'd taken up space in her suitcase with blazers and cardigans that she would get no use out of.
Solution #2 - Karka made a special trip to Houston a few weeks prior to their visit, specifically to nab her passport from her house. Luckily, she had it out on her desk to remind herself to renew it (it expires this month! phew) so Karka was able to locate and make off with it easily.
Solution #3 - Karka planned a pedicure and massage for Amanda to get her out of the house the morning of their flight so he could prepare everything. Good thing, because as soon as she arrived the night before she unpacked her entire suitcase and he had to get it all repacked haha :)
He then made his big announcement over lunch at a French restaurant. He slid the plane tickets across the table and Amanda cried with excitement. Did I mention that their flight left in less than three hours?? So. Darn. Sweet.
They arrived at our apartment at 10:00 am the next morning and we were bursting at the seems to find out how it all went down. So exciting! Then, we had to keep quiet all weekend about another surprise we were in on... The upcoming proposal!
Amanda and Karka were such troopers. They had a very short amount of time in Paris, just Saturday through Monday, and it was their first time here. They had a lot to enjoy, so we hit the ground running and never stopped.
Day One
A walk around the Champs de Mars
Then along the Seine
Through Jardin des Tuileries
Visiting the Louvre
Wine tasting at O Chateau
Hotel de Ville
Gorgeous Notre Dame
Day Two
A trip out to Versailles. First stop, the amazing open air market for picnic goods.
Our favorite wine man, Guillaume, treating us to to some tastings and great vin rouge
Royal Gardens of Versailles
Back in Paris for a sunset trip up the Eiffel Tower. A first for Kyle and I!
Superguide, Greg
My favorite time of day in Paris, Magic Hour
Day Three
Fresh off the proposal! They look so happy :) And check out that gorgeous ring!!
Celebratory champagne
The Proposal
Karka chose the fountain in front of Saint Sulpice, one of the most beautiful churches in Paris, as the location to pop the question. They spent the day walking around and sightseeing together and ended up at Saint Sulpice just after sunset. The rain luckily held off all day and just after Karka proposed Amanda said it started sprinkling and it was just perfect and romantic. Lovely :)
They went for a nice dinner together and we joined after to toast the happy couple. Well done, Karka.
Congrats you guys!!!!!!!!!!
Saint Sulpice
The weather was absolutely perfect last weekend, so Kyle and I walked over to Saint Sulpice to take some photos for them to show their family and friends...
My artsy attempt. We can all be sure I have no future in photography ha!
Bisous!
Maygan
What a great surprise! Such a cute story!! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the pic of y'all with Guillaume!! And the sunglasses w/ St. Sulpice. I need to go to Versailles more often next year, I always forget how awesome it is!
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