HE ASKED.
She said, “Yes!”
And I’m going to be the mother-of-the-bride.
Monday evening, on the one-year anniversary of dating, Marc proposed to my eldest, Amber.
Marc and Amber, newly-engaged and celebrating at the St. Paul Grill. Marc ordered a steak, saying, “That is what a man does after he asks a woman to marry him.”
I am excited and happy and thrilled, all those joyful words reserved for those occasions when you feel blessed beyond measure.
I am going to be a mother-in-law, welcoming a wonderful son-in-law into our family. Marc is all I could ever hope for in my daughter’s husband. He is a man of faith. He loves and cherishes my girl and makes her incredibly happy.
From the first photo I saw of the two of them together, I knew, just knew, they were totally head over heels in love. I could see it in their eyes, in their broad smiles, in the way they leaned into one another. I just knew.
Amber and Marc in Bakersfield, Ca., Marc’s hometown.
For months they long-distance dated, flying back and forth between LA and Minneapolis. The time between visits grew shorter until, finally, Marc relocated to St. Paul last October, shortening their dating miles to the drive between the Twin Cities.
I understood, with absolute certainty then, that this relationship would result in an eventual proposal of marriage.
The ring. Beautiful.
The obvious question, then, is how did these two, a native Minnesotan and a native Californian, meet? Beth, a college friend (of Amber) who lives in California and who met Marc via another college friend, thought the two would be a good match. Text messages, Facebook exchanges and phone conversations preceded their first date in March of last year.
I became aware of Marc only after Amber, who had visited Beth in the fall of 2011, announced in March 2012 that she was flying to California. Again.
“Why would you want to go to California?” I inquired of her. “You were just there.”
“Well, there’s this boy…”
Now that boy will become my daughter’s husband.
I snapped this photo of Marc and Amber walking across the parking lot at Faribault High School after my son’s graduation in early June. It’s one of my favorite images of the couple just because, ya know, it’s so sweet. Now they are walking into their future together.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Photos courtesy of Amber and Marc
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
How simply wonderful! I am so excited for them and for you!!! Congratulations to the happy couple and all the best to them!!! Now the fun of wedding planning begins!!! The ring IS lovely!!!
Yes, wedding planning. Marc and Amber will be handling that, so we’ll be here to support.
Congratulations to the newly engaged couple! How exciting for you. Its very obvious that he’s a keeper! Have fun helping plan the big event!
Yes, most definitely a keeper. We all love Marc. I don’t expect to do much planning; Marc and Amber will handle that.
Fantastic news. Nothing better than to be thrilled at your child’s decision. An answer to, I’m guessing, 27 years’ worth of prayers!
Thank you, Gretchen. And, yes, so right you are on the prayer.
What a darling couple. Congrats to your family.
Thank you so much.
Congratulations, how wonderful! I’m so happy for all of you. And as a Wisconsin girl who met a California boy and dated long distance and then got engaged, I’m particularly thrilled! -kate
Thanks, Kate. Then you and your husband totally understand what Amber and Marc went through with the long-distance dating. That distance requires extra effort to make a relationship work.
Can’ wait for the wedding day!! Welcome to the family Marc, just remember we are a wild and crazy bunch.
Yes, especially that “fun-sized” aunt.
Ha ha Lanae! Guess we didn’t scare him off…
Well, he was a bit overwhelmed at Christmas, I think.
*girly squeal*!!! I’m so happy for them and for you! Oh, I have been waiting for this day. I just had feeling that he was the one when you first told me about him!!
Now starts the fun of wedding planning!! I would be more than happy to share the links I used with our wedding if she needs them. Oh, this just made my morning!!
Congratulations to the happy couple!!
Thanks, Bernie. I knew you would be excited. Always wonderful to celebrate love, isn’t it?
I have goosebumps going up and down my spine, oh my goodness….so excited for Amber, and really excited for you as well, I can just feel your excitement through the words you typed…..Eep!
Let the planning begin…Do they have a date yet? P.S. The ring is beautiful!!!
Excitement? Yes! The occasion on which I use an exclamation mark is rare.
They are planning a September or early October wedding. This year. Yes, lots to be secured in a short time.
Congratulations to all! Being a mother-in-law isn’t too bad. 🙂 It’s one of the best things in the world to see your kid find that person with whom they can share a happy life.
Thanks, Kathleen. You nailed it with that “share a happy life.” I love seeing young love, my girl so happy.
And, now, you are officially a MOB (to be)!!!!! Let the shopping begin!!!!!! Seriously, I am thrilled for you all and I know you will keep me “in the loop”!! LOL!
Oh, no, I have to go shopping. I HATE shopping.
In the “boat” with ya on that one!!!!!! May the “shopping angel” be with you!!
So sweet … such nice news on a cold, still-wintry day. Love blooms!
Perfect, Carol. I love that, love blooms.
What a great piece of news. Of course I had the e-mail from Amber and did answer it too. We are a great family and I can’t wait to meet him. Love, Aunt Dorothy
Oh, Aunt Dorothy, you’re going to love Marc.
Congratulations!
Thank you.
How exciting! Congratulations to the mother of the bride and the bride, too. We haven’t met any serious boyfriends yet. I’m not sure how I’ll react when that time comes. I hope I can be as welcoming and happy as you are.
It’s easy to be happy and welcoming when I see the love Marc and Amber share. I’m confident you will feel the same someday with your daughters.
Congratulations!!!!!!!!
Thank you, Julie.
Congratulations! ooohh–wedding planning!!!!
I really don’t expect to be involved in much of the wedding planning as Amber and Marc will be doing that. But, if they need an opinion and support, I’m here for them.
Tell Amber congratulations!!! Exciting time for you and her! Even if you aren’t heavily involved in planning-the wedding dress shopping will be the best time for you and her 🙂
Thank you, Sara. I’m not a shopper, but I think I can handle wedding dress shopping. Amber already has two places in mind and I’m happy with her choices.
Congrats to all…how exciting!
Thank you, Bernie.