Joe planned a surprise trip to Disney World were he made plans to propose during dinner in Cinderellas’ Castle. Obviously, to keep it a surprise, Joe told Liz that he had made dinner reservations at Epcot. While walking around the park Liz kept reminding Joe that it was getting close to dinner time and they needed to make their way to the exit of the park. Instead of leaving, Joe continued to take his time and as it was getting closer and closer to dinner time Liz kept getting more concerned. Joe continued to ignore Liz’s desire to be on time and she started to get grumpy because she was starving. That is when Joe then told her that they were going to have dinner in Cinderellas Castle, Liz then got mad because she knew he planned this trip just a few short weeks prior and knew there was no way he got reservations for the Castle! Liz started to walk away when Joe went up to the hostess. She then overheard the hostess say that their reservation would be ready in a few minutes! Liz couldn’t believe it or even describe the excitement that was playing in her head...when they got to their table he ordered a nice bottle of champagne and Liz automatically got suspicious. Something big was about to happen! They ate the most lovely dinner and when dessert came out it was a plate covered by a glass dome. Under the glass dome was red rose petals with a glass slipper. Joe got down on one knee and had the ring in a special rose ring holder and asked Liz to marry him! The whole restaurant went silent, you could hear a pin drop. As soon as Liz said yes a man yelled "she said yes!” And everyone started cheering.

Liz’s engagement ring was Joe's grandmothers 40th wedding anniversary gift. Joe and his grandfather (that has passed) picked this ring out together when Joe was 12 years old! Liz’s father passed when she was 8 years old. Her dad had a gold ring that was very special to him and Joe will be using that ring for his wedding band.

Joe and Liz’s wedding date and location has a special meaning for them because on October 27, 1985...34 years ago was the day that Liz’s mom and dad got married. Since Liz’s dad had passed away when she was younger she wanted to pick a special day that included him. When Joe's mom asked what Liz was thinking for where to have the wedding, Liz automatically told her destination and that she would like to have it in Marco Island. Joe and Liz went back and forth on where they wanted it in Marco. When they went to Marco Beach Ocean Resort they knew almost instantly that it was ‘the place.’ Marco is also a special place for Joe's family; when Joe's grandfather got diagnosed with ALS he moved there to live out one of his dreams. When Joe’s grandfather was first looking at places on the island he had stayed at Marco Beach Ocean Resort. When they stay here they say they feel his presence.

Congratulations Liz and Joe on the best day ever!

Lead Photographer | Stephanie Duffany
Associate Photographer | Audrey Clifford