Boardman River Engagement | Claire + Chapin
Claire + Chapin met through a mutual friend at a business department event. “Chapin was co-leading a May term trip to Jamaica, and I was trying to get involved with the department. We started chatting and before long, we were spending more time together, eventually dating.”
Chapin was immediately drawn to Claire’s charisma and kind nature. “The first thing that struck me was her big beautiful smile and how she laughed at all my jokes! As I got to know her better, I realized I could see a future with her.”
The transition from friends to a couple wasn’t without its challenges, as they shared a close friend group and weren’t sure how their friends would react. “We didn’t want to ruin anything if it didn’t work out, but eventually, we decided to move forward. Now, I can’t imagine a life without Chapin in it,” Claire shared.
For their proposal, Chapin had a well-thought-out plan. “Chapin picked me up, and we started our day at a coffee shop I had been wanting to try. We drove north, ate, and shopped in our fancy clothes, feeling like we were trying to kill time between a wedding and reception. Then, Chapin took me to a gas station with a wishing well where he had made a wish three months before we started dating—that everything would work out between us.”
Their drive continued to Ludington, Claire’s hometown, where Chapin stopped at her favorite ice cream shop, Dairy Queen, before suggesting a walk on the beach at the state park. “When we got to the beach, Chapin grabbed a beach bag with a blanket and told me there was a surprise inside I couldn’t look at. When I turned around, he was down on one knee. Of course, I said yes!”
Hidden nearby was Claire’s brother, capturing the moment with photos. “Chapin had kept the ring buying process a complete secret, and I had no idea he had already bought it. He had designed it himself, and it was perfect—simplistic and elegant, just like I wanted.”
To top off the surprise, Chapin had arranged an engagement party with Claire’s family, who were all there to celebrate the big news.
Congratulations, Claire + Chapin!
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