I AM GETTING MARRIED!!!!
I am engaged. I AM ENGAGED! I AM GETTING MARRIED!!! To the love of my life and there could not possibly be a happier girl in the world right now. On Saturday afternoon on the same park bench we sat on and chatted for what felt like hours on our very first date, with all four kiddos in tow, John asked me to marry him. And I said YESSSS!
Two years ago now I found myself quite swiftly and unexpectedly filing for divorce. Filing for divorce from my middle school sweetheart, the father of my two girls and the only relationship I had ever known. Unexpectedly yet now looking back, quite expectedly. I knew somewhere deep down inside I would find myself there again yet had continuously drowned it all out with guilt, shame and fear. Guilt, shame and fear to walk this life alone and force my girlies to walk it with me. Something was different that time though. Something within me was finally strong enough, brave enough and confident enough to walk away. Something finally told me that this was not only the best decision for me but it was also the best decision for my daughters. Read that again. My daughters deserved an emotionally happy mother. My daughters deserved to see me happy, respected and LOVED. Whether it be solely on my own or with someone else one day.
And that one day is TODAY. Welcome to my very first happy tears stained blog post. A blog post I never ever expected to write when I finally gathered the courage to start walking this life path alone two years ago now. I had hope and faith that there were good men out there but it wasn’t even 1% of the reason I walked away. Finding a man couldn’t have been further from my mind. Things started revealing themselves in March 2019, I filed for divorce in April and everything was finalized by June. I had begged my lawyer to make it swift and he did just that. There were so many things that He aligned for me that year. From faith and self love to a blooming business and a full-time employee/bestie/counselor/life coach/shoulder to cry on/baby sitter/rock. God guided me into setting the foundation to make it through. Just barely quite honestly but I freaking made it.
As I fully chatted about in my blog post post “The Story of Us… How We Met!“, John and I met on Match. Yep, we met online. I quite honestly still cannot even believe that I did it. That girl already doesn’t even feel like me. I’d always thought that was the craziest, scariest and most “desperate” way to meet someone. There I said it. But I DID IT! And it was the best decision of my life. As I said IN THIS BLOG POST about online dating… “For me, it was the Summer of 2019. The moment in my life where I was finally so determined to be fearless in the pursuit of what I wanted and what I deserved even if that meant being terrified at the steps that lie ahead. A mom of two young girls suddenly faced with a brand new path. The OPPORTUNITY to begin again. When just a few years sooner I’d seen this impossible path as a shameful new journey, this time I chose to see it as an OPPORTUNITY. I wanted to build my career bigger and focus on my girls even more and build a beautiful new life and somewhere deep down inside… what I wanted most of all was to one day find true love.”
So I signed up, we met at a local restaurant for dinner in late October 2019 and the rest is history. And now our love story. We met for dinner, neither of us ate a bite and he then asked if I wanted to walk across the street and sit for a while and chat. I was still swooning so of course I said yes and we sat, on opposite sides of a park bench, and talked. And talked. And talked. He never scooted closer, never put his arm around me and never touched me. For me, it was everything I oddly needed at that very moment in my life to have hope. To have a glimmer of something that there was still someone left in this world with genuine intentions and the upmost respect for a girl that was completely broken. I cannot say that I believe in love at first sight or soulmates but if I did, I fell in love a little bit that first night with my soulmate. Just forever wondering why He waited until I was basically 40 to send him to me.
At first we made a point to see one another about once a week. John lived an hour and a half away with 50/50 custody of his two boys so things were a bit tricky for a while. A bit tricky otherwise known as us having so many fears and deep conversations about how we would ever make it all work. We both wanted to “do it all right” and set a good example for our four kids yet also falling so in love and just wanting to be together all day everyday. By last Fall, one year into our dating relationship, our conversations started getting more and more serious. I very seriously bounced around the idea of moving and we started talking commitment and marriage. We talked and prayed and talked some more and then in November 2020, John got an offer on his home. An offer for a home that was never even on the market. A home he had thus far never even considered selling. It felt like a sign and it felt like the beginnings of impossible answers to all of our questions. With so many questions still left unanswered, we decided in early December to “decide to get married”. And we decided to not only talk with the kids about it but to also make them a part of the remaining decisions. As I have said before, Addie really struggled with our divorce and I had made her a promise that year that I would never make any decisions that would affect her life without talking with her first. Without sharing the “behind the scenes” process of life with her every step along the way. So in December, John talked with his two boys and he then asked Addie for her blessing on proposing to me. Sweetest. Man. Ever.
Big life decisions later came the “little details” like popping the question and engagement ring(s) ;-). John, Addie and Abigail got to planning and plotting sometime late December to early January and the rest was all a secret until this past Saturday. I genuinely had no idea when and how and what would happen on our big day. I knew Addie had a part in it and I knew that John had designed my ring(s) himself but I GENUINELY had no idea whatsoever that it would be this weekend. He was so sly and nonchalant about it all!!!
So without further ado, here’s our engagement story… last Tuesday was our 17 month “date-iversary”. Nothing fancy or “celebration worthy”. We had been working away on the weekends on several big house projects we have going on so Tuesday John asked if we had any weekend plans (knowing we didn’t other than housework) and if I would want to sneak away to grab a quick drink and a few apps at the site of our first date. He said it was no big deal if not (knowing and praying I guess that I would say yes LOL) but that he would love for us to get away for a few hours and that Abigail could watch the kiddos. I felt terrible asking her since she does so much for me but he said we would be back by 6pm and she would still have the night free. So of course I said yes! Come Saturday, everything was so relaxed and lazy. John woke up early to work on the boy’s garage apartment and we all stayed in pj’s for most of the day. We casually got ready to head out and I think he made it a point to be all casual and not set on us “getting all dressed up”. Ab came by at 4pm in sweatpants and a tee and the kiddos were all still in pj’s laying around being lazy. We headed out and grabbed a seat at the bar where we did our usual apps and drinks thing. After we finished up, he asked if I wanted to go sit on “our bench” for a minute before we left. We did of course and we sat and chatted for a bit. He made me promise that if we ever ran into problems in our relationship that we’d always come back to “our bench” and start all over again.
It was prom day on Saturday for local schools so there were people EVERYWHERE! I think that most definitely helped his plan because the kiddos were able to sneak in without being too loud or obvious. I turned around and there they were… all in a line each holding a sign that Addie had hand painted that read… “WILL YOU MARRY ME”
He dropped on one knee and needless to say, I said YES!
With my girls as well as my mom and Abigail there to witness it all, it could not possibly have been more special.
Right after we had our hugs and took some pictures, John asked if we all wanted to go grab some food and drinks at a restaurant right down from my house. We all hopped in the car and headed there only to walk in and find a private room with like thirty of my besties and fam! Cue more tears!
After celebrating over a second dinner and drinks with friends, we came back to my house where we continued the celebrations into the wee wee hours of the morning in pj’s with friends outside around my fire pit…
Okay, I know… I know… y’all are really just here to see THE RING! John is amazingly creative and artistic and he has been designing and tweaking my ring for a few months now. When he proposed, he gave me a single white gold solitaire diamond ring. There is a band of tiny diamonds around the base and it is BEAUTIFUL! I was happy as a clam with that ring! And then Sunday morning I woke up with a ring box on my pillow. It was an absolutely gorgeous rose gold arched diamond band. I was in SHOCK! Took some pictures and of course thought my ring was complete! We then headed to brunch with some friends to celebrate and halfway through brunch I looked down and saw a box in front me on the table with a THIRD RING! This one incorporated four of my grandmother’s diamonds that he had snuck out of my house a few months back. Once again, I was IN SHOCK and thought my ring was complete once again. Only to wake up this Monday morning with a fourth and I think final GORGEOUS white gold band in a little box on my espresso machine. CUE BIG TEARS!
He put so so much thought and effort into my rings and they are STUNNING! Abigail said he was been designing and tweaking and stressing over them so much these last few months. I am not a “material” person whatsoever (I live in Walmart and Amazon clothing LOL) BUT I could not possibly be more obsessed with the beauty now taking up a forever home on my ring finger…
Happy would be the understatement of all understatements. Although being forever married to your one and only is absolutely a dream come true for anyone, there is something so incredibly extra beautiful about a second love. The love, respect and appreciation we have for one another is something I could have only dreamed of. Last night I told John that I feel like all of this isn’t even real. I fear waking up without him and without us. I could not have possibly found a better match for me, a better match for me and my girls and a better #partyof6. I ADORE his boys more than I thought I could love someone else’s kids and I truly cannot wait for our forever.
To top off the most incredible weekend imaginable, last night John also told me that he wants me to help him pick out a promise ring for Addie. He had chatted with my mom and Abigail about it a while back but wanted to chat with me and make sure he wasn’t over stepping anything or anyone. He wants to promise her that he will take care of me always and that he will always be a stable part of her life. I didn’t know I could cry anymore and then he says all of this. He is my rock, the calm to my life’s storm and the absolute love of my life. I am so blessed and I could not possibly ask for more. And yes, he is getting Winnie one as well!
I also wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all of YOU for being my “invisible” support system through it all. Just when I would start feeling down again, I would open up my messages to so much love and prayers and support. It takes a village to get through life so THANK YOU for being a part of my village. I cannot WAIT to continue sharing our story and our plans for life together. We have so much fun house stuff to share too! Wedding details coming SOON!
XOXO, The Future Mrs. Palazzo
Michelle says
Congratulations!!! Soo very happy for you and your girls! I’ve followed you for years, and I’ve cried and cheered with and for you all along the way. Wishing you a liftime of love and happiness 🙂
Rosemary says
What a beautiful love story. Congratulations to all 6 of you. Brittany, you are an inspiration to those seeking another chance at love. Thank you for your openness in sharing your journey. And that ring! John can add jewelry designer to his list of talents. Wishing you all the best.
Jen @ Migonis Home says
Absolutely love this whole story and how it is such a story of redemption!!! What a keeper!
Misty says
So happy for you! You deserve it!!!
Vicki Leuck says
Amazing story of love, loss, and love. So much love!♥️Thank you for sharing your story. And of course your decor. Always your decor
Lillian says
Oh my gosh! Tears are flowing! Congratulations! So happy for you and your whole gang!!
Maggie says
So happy for you and John!!! God sure blessed you both!!
Mandy says
Can’t think of anyone more deserving!
Congratulations to YOU ALL!
I’m so very happy for you. I believe God uses everything for good and through this journey, you’ve shared your sorrow and happiness!
Just from reading comments, it’s apparent that there are so many wounded ladies who benefit from your shared vulnerability! God is using you, blessing others through you, and has brought you through your storm to absolute bliss! BIG YAY
Karen Gillingham says
Literally crying reading this in my car!
I’m so happy for you all!
I know I’ve shared my “second chance fairytale” with you and having six grown children together!
I wish you both a lifetime of live and happiness and I know you will hold each other right during those difficult days!
Congrats!
Shan says
Beautiful! Happy tears
Elizabeth Denniston says
Congratulations!!! I’m so happy for you and the rings are gorgeous!! I wish the 6 of you a lifetime of happiness. Abigail too! ❤️
Beth says
Sooo exciting!! Our God is so amazing & he heard every prayer you spoke & knew he had someone amazing picked out for you & your girls!! Wishing you both a lifetime of fun & excitement for your new blended family!!
Trish says
What a way to begin my week!
I just sobbed my eyes out on a Monday (right before noon), reading your engagement post.
Beyond joyful, happy tears!
High five to your man, your bestie and all your children for making it a wonderful memory to look back on.
Congratulations to the party of six!
❤️❤️
Jill says
Beautiful blessings for you all in this triumphant story of LOVE on every level!!! Thrilled for you
Mia says
Oh, this brought happy tears to my eyes. Congratulations Mrs. Palazzo and family! From ashes to beauty, you are soaring and I’m soaring in happiness for you and your story and the happy ever after. Thank you for sharing, all the steps of the way, good and bad to beautiful! :))
kai says
Congratulations so happy for u and your family
Holly says
Crying tears of joy for you and your family! Congratulations and your story is so beautiful.
Dee Dee Dudek says
Best 2021 news I’ve heard! Congratulations to all!
Ronda says
So excited for you. Reading your post brought tears to my eyes.
Lindsay says
This blog post made me cry! I have been following your story since the start of your blog. When you posted your major life update a few years ago I remember thinking, this is going to be for the absolute best. Yes, we’re complete strangers, but I could just sense you were destined for something else…and days of joy and peace were coming. Thank you for sharing all of this with us! It’s so uplifting to see women being so happy for one another and celebrating the beautiful things life gives us in unexpected ways.
Kate says
Yes! Followed you for many years and I am so happy that you and your girls have found so much love and happiness. Can’t wait to see the future unfold.
Meghan says
Ahhhhh!!!! Cue alllllll the tears!! Absolute perfection! All of it!! SO happy for you!
Shauna says
I have followed you for a few years and always thought you shine fiercely with the light of Christ. I love your story and see God’s hand through it all, and I’m so happy you found each other. Congratulations, you have such a big beautiful loving family! Xoxo
Kendra says
Wow! What a beautiful story! I’ve been following you for quite some time and to see you finally finding your forever, is awesome! I didn’t cry till I read the part of him planning to give Addie a promise ring! That’s a keeper! Congratulations and wishing you a lifetime of forever happiness! Cheers! ❤️
Becca Mattes says
Brittany, thank you for sharing!! As everyone probably is, I am over the moon excited for you!!!! You deserve nothing less than endless dreamy happiness!
Katie says
What an incredible love story!! I’m thankful that you shared your story over the past couple of years. It is very inspiring and I know it will give so much hope to so many other women! My husband and I met on Match too and I just couldn’t believe I ever did anything like that! Haha!! But we’ve been married for 12.5 years and I can’t imagine my life without him! Congratulations to you, and praying for a lifetime full of love and happiness for you and your family!
Jamie says
I have never commented on any of your posts before, just been a quiet admirer for years but I just had to say how very happy I am for you! God did the same for me 10 years ago. I married the love of my life as well after a bad first marriage. Congratulations to all of you! Loved hearing all the details and your ring is gorgeous ❤️
Whitney says
Congratulations!!! So happy for you — all of you!!
Mary Beth Browning says
Okay, so I have legit been waiting all day to log on and read this!! Sorry to my students here in Nashville, who only had half of my attention today. And now I am sitting here crying ugly, happy tears!! So much love and all the good wishes to you and your precious party of six <3
Robin says
SO Happy for you (for all of you) ❤️
Sue says
Congratulations to you all! I think you have made the perfect blended family! So happy for you all! Such an inspiration to women that you don’t have to accept the unacceptable. To see you so happy and read about your engagement had me crying as well! Especially the promise ring What a great guy!
Catherine M says
Omg! What a beautiful story. Literally cried reading this. So happy
For you and wishing you a wonderful life together xo
Olivia says
So so so happy for you! I’ve been following along for a few years and have loved watching your story. I’m just so happy for you!! Such a beautiful story. ❤️
Stephanie says
Congratulations!!! I’m so genuinely happy for you, John and all the kids. Can’t wait to see wedding pics!!!
Jennifer Wilkerson says
So very happy for you! ♥️
Marissa Olivo says
I’m not crying, you are!!! What an incredible man you have. And that weekend, I’m so happy you found your forever! Congratulations to you and your family!!!
Jilly says
Congrats on your engagement! I’ve been following you for years now and love that you found your soul mate! What a beautiful love story…thank you for sharing with us!❤️
Christine Walsh says
Congratulations! I could not be happier for you and all of your beautiful family So much love and joy to you all
Debbie says
Your trust in God through the valley allowed Him to provide you strength instead of mustering it on your own. It’s a great testimony of how God can turn what the devil meant for harm into something so good. May you both grow more in love with one another but more importantly with God.
Jessica says
How could someone read the words of your blog and not believe in God? He is faithful and His timing is perfect. So so happy for you and your family of 6 (+1 Abigail!)! Can’t wait to follow along in this new chapter. Keep shining bright, Brittany. Your message is a beacon. ❤️❤️
Marilyn says
Congratulations!!
Cathy Leverton says
What a beautiful story ❣️ You are such an inspiration to everyone’s lives you touch. God bless you, your girls, and your new family. Beyond happy for you
Dawn Whitt says
Your story is so much like ours! And now twenty-two years later, we are still going strong. God gives us second chances. We just have to keep our eyes and hearts open to them! Congratulations! So happy for you, John and your kiddos ❤️
Brittney says
Oh my goodness!!! Congratulations I am so happy for you and your girls!! And the ring is stunning!! Cheers to a lifetime of love and happiness
Sherri says
Congrats! So happy for you!!
meghan buchman says
Congratulations! Many happy wishes!!!
Lisa says
This was the BEST post EVER to read!!! Sooooo happy for you all! You all deserve every bit of it. Love you all!