Check out my progress on The Golden Birthday
**What follows is the story of how Seth proposed to me on December 24, 2011. Most of the photos are “re-enactments” of the actual event, taken for the benefit of friends and family—including members of the Broccoli Hut family 
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Over the past few years, I’ve been anxiously awaiting my “golden” birthday. For the uninitiated, the golden birthday is when one’s age coincides with the date of one’s birth—for me, since my birthday is December 24th, my golden birthday is this most recent one, my 24th.
It is said that the golden birthday brings good luck all year long. Given the course of events that took place a few days ago, I think this year is going to measure up to that expectation. Allow me to explain.
On Saturday morning, I rose bright and early for my annual father-daughter birthday breakfast. Dad and I (plus Seth too) all happily breakfasted at the Original Pancake House, where I ordered the usual veggie omelet.
Once back, I set about my usual exercise routine. The only thing out of the ordinary was this happy little greeting on my heart rate monitor.
As the final minutes of my elliptical session approached, Seth began pestering me.
“Are you almost done?”
“How much time is left?”
And finally, “Listen, I really need you to be showered and ready by 12:00, okay?”
Then I knew something was up.
As promised, I managed to get myself looking presentable by 12:00.
“Let’s go for a walk.”
“Why? It’s cold.”
“Your parents are in on a little surprise I have for you, so they need you out of the house.”
“What is it?”
“I’m not telling you.”
“Please?”
“Why are you so difficult? ”
So we sauntered throughout the neighborhood in the brisk winter air. At one point I noticed that Seth was abnormally breathless—we were hardly working up a sweat at the pace we were walking.
“Why are you so out of breath? You’re being quite the mouth-breather.”
“Uh, no reason. Just excited.”
Finally we stopped at a spot that has a nice view of Birmingham. Seth invited me to pose for a picture.
I wasn’t exactly relishing the idea of spending more time at this vantage point. It was muddy and cold. And all Seth seemed to be doing was obsessively checking the time on his phone.
Somehow, however, Seth convinced me to explore a little stone staircase along the side of the mountain.
After checking his phone a few more times, Seth said,
“It’s 12:24 on December 24th—make a wish.”
[pause]
“Alright, I made my wish.”
“No, I want you to say it out loud.”
“I wish that you would propose.”
That’s when he got down on one knee and uttered the most wonderful words in the world.
“Will you marry me?”
Once I got over the shock, I cheered a loud YES.
You all have seen the whole relationship unfold, from the first treadmill encounter to the first date to the proposal. I can’t wait to start the rest of my life with Seth by my side.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.
I said it once and I’ll say it again: CONGRATULATIONS! You are going to make the most beautiful bride and I wish you both the absolute best.
Adorable engagement story, by the way
congrats, Caroline!!!!!!!!!!!!!
what a sweet birthday indeed!!
I am so excited for you!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! So happy for you both
Many congrats and Merry Christmas AND happy birthday! (phew)
AHHHHHHH! love it!!
parallels between your proposal and mine:
1) josh and i met at duke.
2) like you two, he was older (6 years – i think that’s similar to you + seth?)
3) i was also 25 (okay fine – 25 and 3 weeks) when he proposed (in front of the fridge – not so romantic but the same of day!)
CONGRATULATIONS again!!!!!!!!!
Congrats again on the engagement
Ahhh that is so sweet! I’m so happy for you two
How exciting! Love it
congrats!!! what a lovely propose act! good for Seth!!!
Oh my gahhhhh! I’m dying. 12:24 on 12/24–your 24th birthday? The numbers person in me is exhilarated. Also, I can’t believe you wished it and said it out loud!!! SO SO SO happy for you, Caroline. Can’t stop telling you that
I loooved the 12:24h thingy!!! Congrats to you and Seth!!! I am so happy for you!!
Oh my goodness! That is SO adorable.
Congratulations to both you and Seth! I can’t wait to see your wedding preparations and plans as they begin to formulate! <3
Congratulations again on your engagement…. I’m smiling from ears to ears on the train lol. Again, so freaking happy for the both of u
)))))
Oh Goodness, this is so sweet and perfect. I just wanted to cry reading it, and I’m the person that throws popcorn at the screen during films like Love Actually.
The date and time allignment? That was just the icing on your xmas engagement cake, I’m sure
xxx
Congratulations, Caroline! This is truly amazing and such a lot of a fairytale love story! I’m so happy for you! The two of you really are a beautiful couple!
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! That is so freaking cute! Congrats
!!! Congratulations again, Caroline and Seth! Such a cute story. I remember when he was just your treadmill buddy!
omg that story is perfect!
What a beautifully planned proposal! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations! The ring is beautiful, and I can’t wait to read about your wedding plans.
WOAH! HOLY COW, this is awesome!! CONGRATS! also, happy birthday!! i meant to tell you sooner but i had some stuff that kept me away from reading blogs
anyway, SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!!!!! also, that is the cutest coat ever. and that engagement story is unbelievable. what a thoughtful guy you’ve got! i am a sucker for numbers like that–and for it to be your birthday made it even better!
Awww, how sweet!! Congratulations to both of you! My wishes for a wonderful life together, happily ever after!
Ana
Wow what a great story and day, contragulations!!!
Caroline,
What a truly wonderful story about the proposal! I am so, so happy for you and Seth and as the day proved to be ‘golden’- I am sure the engagement and marriage will be also!
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!
You are two peas in a pod. I am so happy for you both. You are so good to and for each other. Happy ever after.
I adore this post and your engagement story! The pictures are wonderful – and I could not be happier for you, Caroline. It’s so amazing that you’ve been sharing about Seth on the blog from the very beginning. Congratulations – I can’t wait to see what unfolds in 2012. It is going to be an amazing year, indeed!
I’m honored that I’ve been able to witness every post having to do with your beautiful relationship with Seth. I’m so happy for you two!! Congratulations!!!
And PSST… we need to catch up
congrats Caroline! So happy for you! Best of luck on wedding planning, can’t wait to hear all about it
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congrats! This is fantastic… I’ve been reading your blog for about 2 years, so lovely to see your relationship flourish