I’ve been hiding a bit of good news from you all. It’s been killing me, but I had to wait until the news could be shared with close friends and family first.
Rob and I are engaged!
Since hiking is one of our favorite things to do together, he popped the question on a beautiful hike in the mountains overlooking Alicante last Friday.
I thought we were just stopping for a quick picnic lunch on top of the mountain but Rob had other plans. He started spouting off mushy lines about how much he loves me and then got down on one knee, holding a ring instead of a sandwich!
Engagement blooper: As he got down on one knee, I asked him if he was sure. I guess the excitement got to me!
He was sure and I said yes! Crisis averted.
After much kissing, hugging and photo-taking, Rob finally pulled out the sandwiches
and we ate our first meal together as an engaged couple.
We finished the rest of the hike and only got lost once due to our excitement.
After the hike, Rob whisked me away on yet another surprise trip to a romantic Spanish town high up in the hills, complete with a castle built on top of a massive rock.
We stayed at an adorable hotel and coincidentally, had the entire place to ourselves! It was meant to be.
We promptly opened a bottle of bubbly that Rob had hidden in his bag, before heading to a wonderfully, romantic dinner.
Keeping this a secret has been pretty much torture… but I decided to hold out until today so I could tell the grad school girls in person as soon as I got back to the US last night!
I even had to do some stealth photo editing over the weekend since they frequently read the blog.
What you saw on New Year’s Day:
and the original:
I liked this one best but using this photo was definitely out of the question.
We are so, so thrilled to start our life together and for the many adventures to come!
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
i was seriously LOOKING for a ring in that picture you edited…..i just had a feeling! CONGRATS girl!!!! so happy for you.
Yayyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!! So excited.
CONGRATS! First of all…these photos are breathtaking and what a romantic way to spend your engagement…Jealous…And I love those leopard flats.
What a wonderful way to start the New Year! Wishing you two the best and have a great week!
So happy for you!! I love everything about this post! You are beautiful.
Yaaaay!! Congratulations, Elle!!! I’m so happy for you! Beautiful story, beautiful pictures and a beautiful couple!
Congrats!! I was wondering if it was going to happen on this trip. I wish you both all the happiness in the world!
AHHH so exciting! I thought that it surely had to happen this trip!! How much longer is he in Spain??
Beautiful Happy Post..Congrats!!!!!!! I wish you many great things and Have a wonderful 2012!!!
just reading this now and I am SOOO happy for you!!!
Awww, congrats! What a cute way to do it
Best wishes, Elle!!! Beyond excited for you two- such a beautiful couple! May you build a wonderful life together.
Ahh I’m so excited for you!!!! Congrats!!!!!!!
Also, the pictures from this post are so gorgeous!!! 
Congrats!!!!!!
Man! Look at those grins!!! Congratulations girl!!!! What a beautiful way to start the new year, and what a beautiful place for you to get engaged! I hope you both have a blast planning the wedding and I wish you guys worlds of happiness!
Oh my gosh I love reading about this! It follows nicely with my near fainting in my room last night when I heard the news. So happy for you and Rob to start your lives together! You both are great!
Also, I love how you didn’t underestimate our stalking skills
I don’t think I would have caught it with the first picture, but better same than sorry! I am so happy for you and look forward to your beautiful fairytale wedding. If I know anything about you, I know it will be fantastic and beautiful. Just like you!
Holy Moly! I am sooo excited for you two! How much fun. CONGRATS! xo
AHHHH Amazing! Congrats Elle & Rob! Lauren just texted me the news and I got so excited I headed straight here to see the big news for myself. So happy for both of you. You have such great pictures!
PS. I was almost worried that there might not have been a sandwich, after all the hoopla, so I was glad to see you had a tasty little picnic to enjoy with your new fiance.
<3 Chrissy
Congrats! Abby and I are thrilled for you both and hope to see you soon!!
I’m a new reader and undergrad Dietetics student…I have fallen in love with your blog!! Congratulations on your engagement!
Congrats from Boston!! and I have that green H&M dress I wore it on xmas eve, love it!
Congratulations on your engagement Elle! Your pictures are making me want to take a trip to Spain!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!! I love your blog and think you two are just the most adorable couple ever
Aww! Congrats!!
Congratulations!!! So happy for you!! This is such a magical time. Enjoy every bit of it!!
PS. Love your blog!!
Congratulations! Great story and great pictures!
-FS
congratulations! you are too cute!
Congrats on your engagement!
congrats – you look so happy! beautiful couple and beautiful photos.
Congratulations, Elle, and welcome to the family! I am so happy for you and Rob. I’m looking forward to a glamorous (and no doubt, healthy) celebration!
Cyndi (Rob’s cousin)
Congratulations, to you both. I love the pictures and it sounds like you are made of each other! I am a very good college friend of Rob’s Mom, Dorothy and have been following your saga for several years. I am so happy for all of you.
Best wishes, Ginger
Thank you, Ginger! We couldn’t be happier.
Glad you got to be a part of it via the blog!
Hello Ella from Vail CO
Just read ur wonderful news (from Dorothy’s so happy email). Yippee! Best wishes to u and congrats to Rob. Love ur blog & pictorial of the engagement–beautiful u & r and place- lovely memories!
Enjoy all!
Barbara (Skidmore/ski friend of D & V)
Thanks, Barbara! We’re thrilled and so excited to start planning the celebration.
Beautiful pictures! I know this is late, but congratulations!
It’s never too late.
Thanks!