Two years ago, I met Jimmy — and I had no idea I was walking into the first chapter of the best love story of my life. On May 31, 2025, under the golden Georgia sun, that story took a whole new turn. Y’all… we’re officially engaged! 💍😭
If you love surprise proposals, driftwood beaches, fur babies in bowties, and Southern love stories with God’s timing written all over them — this one’s for you.
📸 A “Casual” Beach Photo Shoot… or So I Thought
I had recently contacted my close friend Chelsea from Magnolia Legacy Photography to schedule a beach photo session for us to have updated family photos with the dogs. She suggested Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, a place Jimmy and I love to visit when my brother, sister in law, and nephews come to visit. We decided on a Saturday at the end of May. It sounded like a perfect little day to me.
I got dressed in a flowy white dress with an attached skirt with a royal blue and white print from a local boutique — but if you want the look for less, this white maxi skirt (Amazon, $29.99) paired with a simple white tube top (Amazon, $19.99) gives the same dreamy beach vibe. I accessorized with a vintage pearl set passed down from my family, but this similar pearl jewelry set is absolutely beautiful for the look.
Jimmy kept it relaxed in this classic royal blue Polo and khaki shorts, plus his go-to flip flops. Casual, comfy… and apparently completely prepared to propose. 😳
🐾 The Pups (and My Mama!) Were In On It
Our boys — Finn and Ferb — totally stole the show in their adorable accessories. I mean, who could resist a pup in a bow tie and matching bandana?! Here’s what they wore:
Bonus points: all 3 pieces were embroidered with their names, and the collars even had my phone number on them just in case.
My mom being there made it all even more special. My Daddy unfortunately had been sick with a cold and couldn’t be there, but unbeknownst to me, Jimmy had asked my Daddy for permission to marry me earlier that day. He had messaged Chelsea a few days before, and planned the entire engagement. Jimmy planned it so my Mama would be with us to witness the moment — and knowing that she and Chelsea were in on the secret the whole time still blows my mind!
💍 The Moment I’ll Never Forget
We were posing for one last photo, and Chelsea had me and Jimmy stand with our backs to her. Jimmy was standing behind me, and had my hand. Chelsea told us both to “turn around and look at her.”
I turned. And there he was. Down on one knee. Ring in hand. Heart in his eyes.
It’s all kind of a blur after that — I was in total shock, and the only word I remember saying was: YES. (Okay… maybe I also said, “Are you serious?” about five times, and a couple of “oh my GOSH’S” too.)
The look of pure shock!!! I seriously had no clue this was going to happen!
I honestly never thought this would ever happen to me.
SO HAPPY!!!!!
💗 Our Wedding Date & What’s Next
We’ve set the date: March 13, 2027 — the same anniversary as my parents. 💕 That feels like such a sweet, full-circle kind of blessing.
I’ll be sharing all the behind-the-scenes details as we plan everything — from bridal styling on a budget to DIY wedding projects, Southern-inspired decor, and how we’re saving (without sacrificing the magic). You know this bride is sticking to her budget chic roots. 😉
✨ Shop the Look: Our Proposal Day Outfits
Here’s everything we wore for this dreamy day, in case you’re planning engagement photos or just want some sweet beach outfit inspo:
🐶 The Fur Babies
👗 My Look
- Similar Maxi Skirt
- Tube Top to Match
- Pearl Jewelry Set (similar to mine)
- White Sandals
- Gold Bracelet Set
👔 Jimmy’s Look
📖 Want to See the Photos?
Chelsea captured every second of this dreamy, surprise proposal and I’ll never get over how stunning they turned out. Head to the gallery below to see all the magic — the laughter, the tears, and the moment I said YES to forever. 🥰. I’ve said this before, and I will keep saying it: CHELSEA IS SO TALENTED. These photos are beyond amazing, and she is beyond amazing too.
Check out the full gallery below!
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We are so excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to bring y’all along for every part of the ride — from bride mode to DIY wedding projects and beyond. Let the planning begin! 🎉
#DriftwoodBeachProposal #Engaged #SouthernBride #DIYBlondieEngagement #ProposalStory #WeddingOnABudget #PuppyProposal #BeachEngagementPhotos
💍 Similar Engagement Ring Styles I Love
If you’re a bride-to-be who loves timeless sparkle without the luxury price tag, I rounded up a few gorgeous rings that give off “dream proposal” energy — just like ours did! ✨ These styles are perfect for the classic, romantic, or budget-conscious bride.
💎 Affordable & Beautiful Engagement Rings:
- Elegant Round Moissanite Ring (under $150!)
A stunner that looks high-end but won’t break the bank. I actually purchased this beauty to wear on our honeymoon. No worries about losing my engagement ring!
👉 Shop here - Vintage-Inspired Halo Ring
Delicate sparkle with antique charm — perfect for Southern girls with a soft spot for heirloom vibes.
👉 Shop here - Timeless Round-Cut Solitaire
A classic look that never goes out of style.
👉 Shop here - Rose Gold Cushion-Cut Ring
For the bride who loves a warm, romantic glow.
👉 Shop here
Note: These are just rings I think are beautiful and affordable! Mine is unique and personal to us, but I love sharing cute finds for y’all who are dreaming of your own special moment.
