Texas- The Japanese Tea Gardens

     Tuesday morning of our Texas, trip we went to the Japanese Tea Garden, in San Antonio. Not only was it beautiful, it was free, which was really helpful. It also turns out to be one of Victoria's favorite places. When we were all planning the trip I looked up things to do in San Antonio, and the tea garden was on the list. Victoria also recommended them. Which turned out to be perfect. 

Peter, Jazzmyne, Travis, Elecktra, Aiden, Victoria

Travis

        While we were still planning the trip, we had a big group text going. Victoria was not on it, and we didn't add her to it. Aiden decided he was going to propose to Victoria and that he wanted to do it when his friends were there. And he was trying to figure out where and when to do it. I suggested the Japanese Tea Garden because they are beautiful and because Victoria also suggested we go to them. So that became part of the plan. And there was a lot of secret planning that went on, right in front of Victoria.

     The first day of the trip we went to The Shops at La Cantera and Elecktra helped Aiden subtly figure out what size ring  would fit Victoria. When we went to the River Walk, he found a ring that he was sure Victoria would like, and bought it, with a birthday necklace for Elecktra, so he could give the bag to Elecktra without it looking suspicious.

    Aiden wanted to talk to Victoria's mother, in person, and get her blessing to propose. Part of the original plan for the trip was to have dinner at Victoria's house. That would have been a great time to ask. But we cut the trip short by a day and couldn't squeeze it in. So Peter, Elecktra, and Aiden, came to our (mine and Travis's) room to talk about food. I did tell them when the food I was cooking would be ready, but I also gave Aiden a pep-talk and said to call Victoria's mother. So he did. He said he would rather it be in person, but he wanted to propose the next day but he wouldn't without her blessing. Which she gave. She also asked if one of his friends could add her on Instagram or Facebook so she could get a video or a FaceTime call so she could see it. Which I gladly did. 

     

Victoria and Aiden

     Jazzmyne went into the gift shop when we first got to the gardens and found these beautiful parasols. She was also looking for water, which is why she went in in the first place. She and Peter then distracted Victoria in the gift shop while Aiden and Elecktra scouted out where I good spot to propose would be so it wouldn't get interrupted. 

Jazzmyne

Victoria

    And then we took our time. No rushing around, just looking at the beautiful gardens and taking photos of each other and of the views. It was a really nice day. 

Victoria and Jazzmyne

Victoria (I like this one a lot)

Jazzmyne, Elecktra, Aiden, Victoria

     Elecktra even got a picture of me. I may be bringing this parasol to Breyerfest. And the Brimfield Flea Market. Though the July flea market is usually right in the middle of Breyerfest. 

Me! (photo by Elecktra)

      After a casual stroll through the gardens, and Peter and I flat out refusing to climb the steep path to the top of the cliff, we made it to the spot where Aiden was going to propose. And we all sort of hung out near them, but trying not to make it obvious anything was going on. They had a nice spot to stand and hug, overlooking the whole of the gardens, we had some shady spots with places to sit. I tried to figure out how to get Victoria's mom on FaceTime without making it super obvious. I settled on a video. I could tell how nervous Aiden was, and it was a good minute and a half of hugging and quiet talking before he came around to starting the proposal. He got down on one knee and everything (I have a video, but no photo of it). It was really beautiful and one of the others said that after she said yes there was some clapping from below. 

Aiden and Victoria

     

Aiden and Victoria

     It was a really beautiful day, with a lot of emotions. Aiden was happy to have his two best friends there with him, supporting him. I said to Aiden and Victoria, since it's unlikely I will be at their wedding, that they need to make sure they eat on their wedding day (a friend gave me that advice and it was very helpful) and after the ceremony to go and take a few minutes alone. They will need that. 

      We are coming to the end of our Texas trip, but there is still a bit more to come. I am trying to remember to write the posts before I forget the details. And before it's time to write about Horsefest!