The ATO formal took place on the Music City Queen boat. It was a dinner cruise which left from Opryland Hotel and cruised down to the downtown area of Nashville, along the Cumberland River. We spent the morning packing up his things and loading up his truck. We planned to leave the next day to make the 12 hour return drive to PA for the start of our summer breaks. Our morning was busy, and a little stressful since Caleb = a little unorganized and laid back while Haven = very organized, stressful, and hurried. Nonetheless, we got the job done.
I had found the perfect dress with the help of my wonderful sister, Marah. To match my dress, I made with the help of my sister, a matching bow tie for Caleb to wear. (In case you didn't know, a bow tie is a very southern proper style and a must for this formal.) We were quite the dazzling and classy couple, as you can see in this picture below.
We enjoyed a nice 4 course dinner, ending with an amazing slice of chocolate espresso cake and a cup of coffee. As we finished dinner, the sun was setting over the river and we arrived at the downtown area of the city. The lights from the skyline reflected in the water, making the evening more incredible. I was able to meet many of Caleb's brothers and it was a wonderful evening to spend with him. There was dancing and lots of talking and it became just a wonderful evening to escape to. After a long spring semester, of my 3 week trip to New Zealand, and the long distance when I returned, the busy-ness of the semester and two very different schedules...this night was just we needed. We spend the evening together, in the same time zone, relaxing and socializing with friends. Even better yet, we were dressed up and were throughly enjoying the cruise down the river. Time spent together is that much more treasured when the time comes few and far and in between. Finally, we made it to the end of the semester. To me, the evening was a wonderful beginning to a long summer together. Being on the boat, with music playing in the background, the skyline of Downtown Nashville, and his warm arms wrapped around me, It was the perfect southern, Tennessee, kind of night.
