Well, you are an astute bunch, I have to say. You weren't really fooled by that whole “my boyfriend and I eating dinner on the patio” thing, right?
More to it than that, you said.
And you were right!
Oh, it's happening!
Let us introduce you to John!
Just the right person for our Deirdre!
A couple of weeks ago he made the trek to ask Phil for his permission, in the approved manner. Wasting no time, he popped the question scant days after, skillfully avoiding a hurricane delay! Way to get a jump on bad weather, John!
John and our Joseph are classmates from Notre Dame. Isn't falling in love with your brother's friend a good way to go? Especially when your brother looks out for your welfare. John teaches high school art and is already an accomplished artist. He designed her ring!
“It's very elvish,” Rosie commented.
“They're very elvish!” I replied.
{Elvish in a Tolkien-ish, dignified kind of way, of course.}
{But this is Deirdre we're talking about, so not too terribly dignified. But some.}
Congratulations Deirdre and John! We couldn't be happier for you!
Angela says
Aww! How lovely. I'm so happy for your family!
Breanna says
Ring closeup! Where is the ring closeup???
(Oh, and congrats. 🙂 )
Pippajo says
I KNEW IT! What wonderful news! I remember those whirlwind years when we three oldest sisters were getting engaged and married; it's a fun (and breathtaking) time for a family! Congratulations to all and enjoy!
P.S. I know EXACTLY what you and Rosie mean by “Elvish”. We use that adjective around here, too!
sjohnston522 says
Congratulations! I didn't have time to comment but I did wonder about that dinner on the patio . . .
Mama Hen says
Congratulations to them! How wonderful! A new family beginning!
Deb says
Congratulations! Simply marvelous!
Nadja says
Congratulations! And I must say, Deirdre is quite, quite ravishingly beautiful!
CarlynB says
What a lovely couple! Congratulations and may God grant them many years together.
PNG says
So excited for your family! I thought something was up if it wasn't already.;) Lovely couple…they look so….in love!!:) Blessings to you all.
Sara says
How exciting! I'm so happy for your family, and I can't wait to say those very words about my daughter: he's the perfect one for her!
Mary says
Yes! Please an up-close of the ring! Especially if it is an original!!!!
Beth says
Ok, he is a SERIOUSLY good looking man! Ahem. Wonderful news 🙂
ayearinskirts says
OMgoodness what a beautiful looking couple!!! More beautiful grandchildren await you Leila!!! CONGRATULATIONS Deirdre and John! You look like you will have such a happy life together!
Emily says
I'm so happy for them! Yay!
Anne says
I loove the picture in front of the Carousel! Pretty hair. 🙂
Also, I think it will be great it all of you sisters marry either friends of your brothers, or brothers of your friends! 🙂
Cary says
Congratulations to the whole family! They are so beautiful in love! God's blessings to all of you.
Amy says
I had a feeling, but was happy to play along until she was ready to say something. I love your family's weddings and can't wait to see what special things she (and all of you) comes up with. My favorite is a tie between the flower sticks and walking with the bagpiper, and the flowers in Mason jars. LOVE IT.
NY Mom says
Omigorsh. They are like something out of a storybook. Congrats to them both and to your whole family!
Woman of the House says
Happy news! They look very happy together. I wish them God's blessings for many years together!
Debbie says
Congratulations! We are all so happy for all of you!
How about a wedding in the Basilica, Deirdre and John?
Our love and prayers are with you.
Deirdre says
I've often thought about a Basilica wedding (wouldn't the Crypt church be beautiful for that?). But I'm pretty sure they never hold weddings there since it's not a parish.
Anyway, we'll be married from my New England home. 🙂
Betsy M says
Congratulations!
ginger says
She looks absolutely radiant! That must have been some dinner on the patio!
_Leila says
Clarification: the proposal was not at the patio dinner 🙂
Elena says
The love in their eyes brought tears to mine/
Dusa says
Wonderful! Way to go on the timing too (what is the opposite of a storm chaser, anyway?)
Congratulations!
Lisa G. says
I also suspected something was upcoming! Well, he's a nice looking fellow – they look perfect together. But let's see the ring, please!
Congratulations – the photos are lovely, lovely, lovely! (except the first one, which makes me feel dizzy)
Ann Marie says
What a beautiful couple! Congratulations!
Mary says
Absolutely wonderful news!! Congratulations Deirdre and John!! Wishing you both many years of great joy and happiness. Another Lawler wedding!! Yippee!!
Natasha says
Yay Deirdre!!! We couldn't be happier for you!!! Lots of love.
Sue says
What a beautiful couple!!! Congratulations Deidre and John!!
Looking forward to some wedding planning blog posts in the near future. Oh, and I second the request for a closer look at that ring!
justamouse says
Wooot!
Closeup of the elvish ring, pretty please?
And, Auntie Leila, you seem to be a pro on your kids dating (you seem to have gained some exemplary children in law. That gives you major street cred). Any time you want to blog about that, I would be ALL ears.
ayearinskirts says
yes! please
Lisa says
glorious happiness in those photos! great news!
Margo says
oh I'm pretty dense – I'm happily surprised!! Congratulations to you all! They make a lovely couple, just from the looks of it.
Deirdre says
Seriously!!! My name is Deirdre and I have only heard of a few others in my life. Don't know any personally. Either more fun… I married my Jon over 13 years ago. One of the best decisions in my life. To Deirdre and John's forever!
Deirdre says
That's so funny!!
Glenda Childers says
I have been praying for some engagements at our house. How exciting.
Fondly,
Glenda
Sheryl says
Lovely! Lovely! Lovely! All happiness to you all. I enjoy every post. Weddings and Grand Babies just make it all the more fun! Thanks for sharing it all (both fun AND Wisdom). Sheryl
P.S. Ring Please 🙂
Jamie says
Well, like we didn't see that coming! And I'm fairly new to this blog…even I could see it coming with the dinner on the patio! But then, what's the use of being 40-something with five children (oldest 18) if I can't see that coming a mile away! Congratulations to the happy couple.
And yes! Let's see the custom designed ring, please.
Puffin Hen says
How wonderful – and exciting! Many congratulations!
Christina says
Oh. my. stars. They are two very beautiful people. Seriously lovely. I am very happy for your family!
Habou says
I'm such a happy and proud grandmother right now. God love them.
Deirdre says
Thanks, Habou!! 🙂
Bethanne says
Congratulations on the engagement! It is so hopeful to see committed love. Prayers that this time will prepare them and protect them for their life as one. The Scotsman, George Macdonald said to his wife, “My dearest, when I love God more, I love you the way you ought to be loved.”
Kindra says
Oh, so many congratulations! Can't wait to hear more about the wedding and, yes, we simply MUST see the ring in a future post!
Janet Hardy says
A “Hardy” congratulations to a lovely couple!! God bless!
Faith says
Congratulations! Have you the “wiang”? I, too would love a closeup! My husband designed and made our wedding rings, as well! (with a lathe made out of vcr reading heads- ah, young love!) Setting a diamond is something else! Wow!!
Haus Frau says
Congratulations and best wishes! 🙂
RubberChickenGirl says
Hooray!!
Now Deirdre needs to pray tell more of the story….and we need a close up of the elvish ring. Love the elegant photo of the two of them with her in the scarf/shawl. Lovely!
Hil says
This is my first time wandering in here, and such tremendous things are happening! They are a stunning couple. I swoon over the pic in front of the carousel! Mazel tov!