My grandmother would have been 100 years old on Saturday, and I know her spirit was there, shining through the clouds as Lucas got on one knee and asked me to marry him as the sun set over Rio de Janeiro. This trip suddenly has a whole new meaning.
I was finishing up my post about our second week in Brazil, but after the announcement, I can’t leave you hanging! I’ll be back soon with our regularly scheduled content.
We had returned from the south coast of Brazil for two more nights in Rio before heading up north to Salvador, and after a quiet week of relaxing on the beach we were ready for something a bit more lively.
Our new hostel was known for its parties, and we booked $11 beds in a shared dorm. A complete 180° from every previous hostel, this one was packed with folks (who spoke English) and we quickly made friends with our French and Swedish roommates. It was a Friday night which meant street party in Lapa—our second time going, but it was even more crowded this week as there was no rain.
No details needed, but it was easily the most memorable night of our trip and one that will be hard to beat.
Feeling quite groggy the next morning after lack of sleep, we were determined to spend our last day visiting Christ the Redeemer and watching the sun set at Arpoador rock.
After a long and confusing bus ride/transfer service, we finally arrived at Cristo Redentor. Tip: never go on a Saturday during good weather after a week of rain, especially the day before Easter (especially if you have claustrophobia).
It was a zoo, and we were herded like cattle to the viewing platform, fighting our way to the edge to try and get a photo each time the clouds cleared. It took about 2 hours to get these photos, but very worth it. And the ever changing mix of blue sky and clouds swirling around Christ—magical.
By the time we got our photos a few hours later than planned, we had to rush to Copacabana before the sun set. The metro dropped us off just in time and the sky began to change colors as we ran down the boardwalk towards the rock. Just before the end of the beach, Lucas stopped me and told me to wait there while he grabbed something. Thinking nothing of it, I paused to take a quick video, and a few minutes later we were back on the run.
We climbed past the crowd to the back of the rock, where I found a clearing to set my camera down to record a time lapse of the sunset (or so I thought). Making sure we were visible in the frame, Lucas turned me towards him, said that we had made some amazing memories together so far and we’re about to make so many more, and kneeled down with a ring. I was legitimately shocked, to the point of asking him if this was real (several times). The crowd took notice and began to clap, and of course I said yes and spent the next five minutes trying to comprehend what had just happened.
Sidenote: Funny(ish) story… an hour before the proposal, Lucas realized he had lost the ring (as in, not misplaced it or left it in the hostel, but it was gone forever somewhere in the streets of Rio). Needing a Plan B quick, he bought one off a street vendor along the beach for $3 as we were rushing to catch the sunset—hence the reason he told me to stop and wait there.
We both agree it actually worked out for the better though, because now we get to go find one together on this trip, and the story behind it is much better than the jewel itself. I’ve heard Brazil is known for their gemstones so I can’t wait to find the one 😉
Back to the story. After the initial shock wore off, it was pure elation as we found an all you can eat Brazilian BBQ, splurged on a fancy dinner and stuffed ourselves with steak and caipirinhas.
That night we ditched our sweaty hostel dorm and stayed in a hotel across the street, enjoying our first hot shower and uninterrupted night of sleep in a week.
As I write this now from 30,000 feet in the air, I’m looking to my left at a beautiful man fast asleep, tears welling up as it hits me that I get to wake up to him forever. Memorizing the markings on his tanned skin, smell of his hair, color of his lips and the shape of his hands so I’ll never forget what our love was like in the beginning. Wishing I could freeze this moment and equally anticipating growing old together. These are the best days of our lives…
More stories from Brazil on the way.
Rebecca says
Oh my word; I couldn’t be any happier for you two! Thank you for taking the time to share this moment with us; I know you didn’t have to. Congratulations sweet Jenna and Lucas (who I bet is just as sweet 🙂 ).
jennasuedesign says
Thank you Rebecca! <3
Svt ldr says
Wow! Congratulations and best wishes on this new and exciting chapter.
Ardith says
Congratulations, Jenna and Lucas! And all because you each were willing to make a life-changing decision that took you on the path to meeting each other. You can both be proud of taking such a leap of faith. Best wishes, Ardith
jennasuedesign says
Thank you Ardith! Best decision of my life… <3
jamie says
Congratulations to you both Jenna and Lucas. I find it so amazing how your life has changed so dramatically in the past couple of years. You made that happen and I applaud you for that. My husband and I traveled quite a bit solo and together before we had kids. A tip to you…figure out how to maintain traveling with your kids. I really wish we had figured that one out. I know it’s possible, we just got caught up in every day life. Love living the dream through your lens. Thank you!
jennasuedesign says
Thank you Jamie! And traveling with kids is the plan 🙂
Liz says
Such a beautiful story! Congratulations to you both! I love how carefree and easy going you two are even in the wake of losing the original ring! I think it’s awesome that you get to go find the perfect gem together in such a magical place. Best wishes!
jennasuedesign says
Thanks Liz! And the ring we have now is perfect 🙂
Jeannine @ The Concrete Cottage says
I adore this!!! Congrats again!! Thanks so much for taking us along and sharing these intimate life moments!!!!
jennasuedesign says
Thank you so much Jeannine!
Ashley says
LOVELOVELOVE! Your engagement story is perfect -and yes remember every moment of how you feel. Last May my fiance proposed to me and we are getting married this weekend – YAY!!!! It is a joy and happiness I never knew possible. I remember the day he proposed -which was videoed by our dear friends- and all you can hear me say is ‘seriously?!” “seriously?!” “promise me you’re not joking” ANNNNNND then happiest tears. So happy for you and enjoy every second of saying ‘my fiance’ 🙂
jennasuedesign says
Congratulations on your wedding, how exciting! I felt the exact same way during the proposal, haha! Sending love to you and your new husband 😉 <3
Michele says
Congratulations!!!! I’m so happy for you!! What a wonderful story!!
jennasuedesign says
Thank you Michele!
Carrie says
Woooo Hooooooo!!
I am taking a quick break while tiling my kitchen (following your DIY tips, thank you!) this is exactly the kind of happiness I needed to hear! Congrats to you both!
An amazing story, thanks so much for sharing!
Hi-Ho-Hi-Ho off to tile I go…
jennasuedesign says
Love it—thanks and good luck with your tile Carrie!
Linda Grubbs says
Oh Jenna…what a lovely story. I’m very happy that you have found the love of your life!! Congratulations sweet girl and Lucas!! XOXO
jennasuedesign says
Thank you so much Linda!
Sue says
What a romantic story! So happy for you! Congratulations to you both!
jennasuedesign says
Thank you Sue! <3
Luiza says
Congratulations Jenna and Lucas! Thanks for sharing this piece of our lives with us, it means a lot!
Luiza says
*your lives. :DD
jennasuedesign says
Thank you so much for following along, Luiza! <3
Marne says
What a fantastic (not the part about the lost ring) story you both will have to share with your grandkids!
I so look forward to your posts, they are filled with things/places I’ll never see, and I enjoy seeing them through your eyes.
Congratulations Jenna and Lucas!
jennasuedesign says
It makes me so happy to be able to share these places and stories with you! Thank you for taking the time to comment Marne, it means so much to both of us <3
Caz says
Huge congratulations !! I am so pleased for you both .
Deborah Brazendale says
Congratulations – wonderful memories you’re making!