Rebekah Rhodes & Kevin Nowak
11-8-2008
Engagement Pictures

After months of waiting (Rebekah would say "years"), Kevin popped the question. The two of them had a great day in the North Carolina mountains shopping and seeing waterfalls (including Bridal Veil Falls).

In the meantime Rebekah's friends were decorating her dorm room according to Kevin's instructions.

The ring was waiting.

The pigs were wide-eyed with anticipation.

The room was ready.

The flowers and sparkling grape juice were in place ready for the moment.

Pigs were flying.

It was like Christmas, but even better.

The proposal was a complete surprise when they entered Rebekah's dorm room at 7:00 PM that evening. Somewhere in the conversation that followed there was a "Will you marry me?" and a "You'd better believe it!" but the emotions were too high at the moment for them to remember all the details.

Immediately following, Kevin took Rebekah and the two co-conspirators to the Sunflower Restaurant in Cleveland where we were all waiting to surprise the happy couple in celebration (hoping, I mean knowing, that Rebekah would say YES). Amy and Steve did a wonderful job decorating the walls and table. Sharon made wedding cake shaped cookies.

We waited with anticipation, not knowing when we would hear from them, but anxious to see the newly engaged couple enter the room.

Then the moment arrived and Rebekah was again surprised. Kevin had really done a good job of planning this day and getting assistance from others that loved them.

After the hugs and showing off the ring Rebekah explained her day -- notice Kevin looking on with delight (knowing that he scored major points this day).

Even Logan got a hug in (or was he secretly trying to steal Kevin's balloon?).

Sorry Logan... you're too young for the "Groom To Be" button.

We ate and ate, but also had a great time sharing this moment with family and friends. When it was time to go we broke out the cameras again so that everyone could get their pictures with the happy couple.

I'm sorry girls but your party-favor rings just don't compare to the real thing, although the clear plastic gems seem to sparkle quite well.

I know this moment is all about the bride to be, but it was kind to bring Kevin into the picture too.

And some photos with the families.

And last, but certainly not least, the newly engaged couple.

If you can hold on for just a few more pictures, Kevin, then you can release that smile (if you can) and rest from all the paparazzi.