No, not mine.
Theirs!!
My little brother is getting married!
Ahhh!!!! 
It has been one hell of a morning!
First of all, I am terrible at keeping secrets, so the fact that I have kept this one for so long is truly amazing. My little brother kind of sprung it on me at the mall last weekend. He asked what I thought of him getting engaged and then hinted that it would sooner rather than later.
Of course, I started with the older sister talk about “make sure you’re ready” and this is a big deal, before I began jumping up and down in squeals of excitement about how happy I was he was asking Ashley to join our family (even though it feels like she already is – this would just be official. 
)
I was there as he purchased the ring – beaming from ear to ear the whole time – and I was there as he told the story countless times of just how he was doing it. He had big plans and I had every faith in the world that he was going to pull it off.
His ‘plan’ actually began earlier this week when he convinced Ashley it was her idea to go to Universal today. She had friends in town and they needed something to do to celebrate the beginning of winter break. Ashley called Kelly to see if she wanted to go then Kelly called me and I ‘just happened’ to have the day off today and was free to go too. After spending the weekend in Orlando Derek decided he wanted to take Monday off and tag along too. (Obviously we put way too much thought into this).
Ben wanted us to all get there early. The parks opened at 8:00. He made it perfectly clear he wanted us there at 7:30. Ouch.
Derek and I were both so excited for what the morning held that we had no problems getting up.
I made oatmeal before we hit the road.
Pumpkin oatmeal with chia seeds, raisins, apple, pumpkin butter, and granola.
I didn’t want to be late and I was afraid of traffic, so we left early. Really early. We were in the first row of cars to park early.
We weren’t the only ones though. We parked and saw my Mom (obvious, much?) and walked to the entrance of the park.
Then we waited.
And froze. Brrr…. it was a chilly one this morning and nothing was opened yet.
20 minutes later…
Here they come!
Does he look nervous or what?
Lots of plotting going on.
And she doesn’t have a clue. 15 friends and family members randomly deciding they want to go to Universal on a Monday? Totally normal.
We all headed to the Harry Potter island in the park. Her friends had never been before and wanted to go to Olivanders before the line grew too long.
We popped in line
And I shared a cookie with Kelly
The line went quick. Really quick. Thank goodness too, I think we all were going to burst with excitement!
The Proposal!
If you’ve never been to Olivanders before, it’s a one of a kind experience. They pull 25 – 30 guests into ‘Olivanders Wand Shop’ and then Olivander selects one guest to test out wands. After a few bad spells, an aurora of light forms around the guest when the right one is chosen.
As soon as the door was closed Olivander walked up to Ashley and asked if she was ready to choose her wand.
The first wand caused the top shelf of wands to break.
The second one created a storm in the middle of the store.
But, before he could get to the third one my brother stepped forward.
“Ashley, there are a lot of boxes in this room, but I think I have the one you are looking for right here…. will you marry me?”
SHE SAID YES!!!
And after all that, a wand finally chose her!
I think everyone in the room was bawling. They’re engaged! They’re really engaged!
Ashley’s friends came prepared they immediately pulled out two hats – one said “She Said Yes!” the other “Future Mrs. Anderson” –and a sash that read “Just Engaged” for Ashley.
Let the celebrating begin!
No two people deserve this more than Ben and Ashley. Congrats guys!
{ 118 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats!!!!!!! so exciting and adorable!!!
sara
Sara recently posted..Some friend…!!!!!!
This is the cutest engagement story I’ve ever read! And OMG I LOVE that they got engaged at Harry Potter World – seriously, that just makes my day! So sweet
I choked up. This is so sweet. What’s with our baby brothers getting married before us!
Dori recently posted..Core Fusion Bootcamp DVD Review Giveaway
What a fun proposal! Congratulations to your brother and his new bride!
(And I can’t imagine how many of us readers immediately thought “OMG, Meghann got engaged!!” when we saw your post title!)
Have a wonderful time at Universal today!
Theresa @ActiveEggplant recently posted..Rock And A Hard Place
Congratulations, Ben and Ashley! I’m getting all teary eyed just reading this!
Mindy @ just a one girl revolution. recently posted..a couple firsts
What an awesome proposal!
Congrats to your brother and his beautiful future wife
Marina recently posted..troubled heart
WOW! What a story! I’m speechless! Congrats to them!
Amanda (Eating Up) recently posted..I’d Climb A Mountain for These Cookies
Awww so cute, congrats to your brother!!!!
Kelly recently posted..It’s a Holiday Party!
Aww, so cute! And SO great that you were all there! They’ll be so happy to always have photos on hand from their engagement, so well done. Now onto the planning! Congratulations to your brother, his fiance and your whole family!
Ali @ Ali on the Run recently posted..Tweet Tweet
And I just teared up at my desk. Thanks.
Theodora recently posted..A Sweet Afternoon
That is the most creative proposal ever! I love it. Congrats to you brother. So exciting!!
Fallon recently posted..Mocha Brownies AKA Double-Chocolate Brownies
I love how well you recorded this day for them in pictures! So sweet of you!! Looks like a really fun day, congrats to your brother and future sister-in-law!!!
J @ Js Everyday Fashion recently posted..Todays Everyday Fashion- The Mustard Cardigan
Oh my god what a cute story! Seriously – getting engaged at Harry Potter world is crazy and adorable. They look like a fantastic couple. Congratulations to Ben and Ashley!
That is SO exciting! Congratulations to Ben and Ashley! What a cute way and place to get engaged.
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) recently posted..All I Want For Christmas
Getting engaged at Harry Potter world is so creative & thoughtful! How sweet!
Lauren recently posted..The Truth about the Treadmill
Aw! That made me tear up!! So sweet
CONGRATS TO THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Ah, congrats to them!!! They’re certainly perfect for each other!!!
Melissa @ TryingToHeal recently posted..Home and Away
What a sweet story! Congrats to Ben and Ashley!
Laura recently posted..’twas the weekend before Christmas
AWWWWWWW CONGRATULATIONS to them!!!
That is SUPER adorable! 
What a GREAT story! 
And super creative!
Katy (The Singing Runner) recently posted..30 Day To Go! And I’m a Guest Blogger!
oh my god, that was adorable. Her face is priceless. Congrats to them!!
Julie recently posted..Saturday August 12- 1995
Awwwe, I love a good engagement story in the morning! Congrats to them!
Christin@purplebirdblog recently posted..Rainbow Yogurt
Ahhh congratulations to them!!! SUCH a cute, wonderful story! They’re gonna love having the pictures of it all happening too
Heather @ Side of Sneakers recently posted..Gift Guide for the Injury Prone Runner
yup you have be crying. LOVE this. CONGRATS
Molly recently posted..Snowmageddon
Your post title totally got me…I definitely thought it was you!
SO cute, and planned out very well! She looks really surprised! Your brother chose a gorgeous ring! Did you have anything to do with that?! Wishing them a long and happy lifetime together!
Katie G (http://justrollwithitblog.blogspot.com) recently posted..Who Dat!
Such a cute engagement story! Congrats to the happy couple!!
Congratulations!! What an adorable proposal story!!
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston recently posted..A Fancy Night Out…
CUTE!!!! The pics are great. It definitely made me tear! And in Harry Potter world…a man after my own heart.
Oh my gosh, this literally gave me chills! I’m so happy for them :):) what a wonderful story and so great that you were all there to document it & celebrate it together!! Congrats Ben & Ashley!
wow, how fun! Congrats to them!!!
Congratulations to the couple!!! This is a very happy post on a gloomy day over here. Thanks for sharing
Runeatrepeat recently posted..Christmas Came Early
That is such a cute story!!!!! Much better than mine (I proposed to my husband…. not very traditional!)
michelle recently posted..2010 – Running
what an AWESOME proposal. your brother and ashley look so in love and so happy. SO excited for your family! ashley is one lucky girl to marry into such a fun, close-knit group!
This is amazing!! The planning, the words he chose…everything. I’m so happy for Ben and Ashley! CONGRATS!
Jenn (eating bender) recently posted..White Wine Macarearrange Cheese
Aww!! What a fun story
Anne Marie recently posted..Find the Perfect Theme for Your Blog
This made me tear up! What a sweet, unique proposal! And they look so happy
awww… I love when people get engaged. Can’t wait to read about it when you get your ring! <3
Cutest engagement story ever!!!!!! Congrats to your brother and his new wifey!
Lauren recently posted..Second Chance Winner and a NEW Trader Joes Christmas Giveaway!
That is such a cute engagement story!!!
Caitlin recently posted..Men v Women
PRECIOUS! Congrats future SIL!
Gwen recently posted..Blessed And thus- Thankful
That is ridiculously adorable. Congrats to them. <3
Krystina recently posted..Vegan Smores Bark
So cute! I love that it was in Harry Potter world!!! Totally made me tear up! Thanks for sharing!!!
Congrats to the little bro! At first I thought you were going to announce yours. You tricked me!
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun recently posted..What A Good Day!
Yay, you’re going to be a sister-in-law!!!
Congrats to Ben!
OMG congrats!!! I love reading engagement stories and this one is too cute!!
Allison @ PickyEatingRD recently posted..Ohhhh Yahhh Fake Food Yahhh
This is soo amazing! Congratulations!!
Ashley recently posted..Present Traditions
aw! this is an AWESOME story!! <3
Kristina @ spabettie recently posted..grapefruit pound cake
Aww… So cute!
Matt recently posted..10 Rules For Healthy Eating My Eating Philosophy
This is definitely the best blog post I’ve ever read on an otherwise mundane Monday. Congrats to your bro!
Is it killing you that your younger brother is engaged before you?
congrats! what a special story and fantastic reason to get up super-early on a Monday morning!
So sweet!! Congrats to them
How sweet! Congrats to them!
Goosebumps much?! How exciting and sweet! Congrats!!!
Regina recently posted..Hi Ho- Cheerios- Monday here we goooo
Congrats to your brother and future sister-in law! It was so cool you could be there.
That engagement story is incredible. Tell Ben to stop setting the bar so high; he’s going to make us all look bad!
Congrats Ben and Ashley!
True that =)
Congrats to your brother and his fiancee! What a cute story!!
that is SO sweet!! what a sweet story!!! LOVE the Harry Potter idea, my inner dweebness is all over that!
Alicia recently posted..Ho Ho Hungry Food Bloggers!
Ahhhh this is the second engagement blog post I’ve seen today!! TIS THE SEASON!
congrats to the bride/groom to be!!!!!!
Aw wow that is SUCH a beautiful way to propose!! Welling up here!
CONGRATS to the happy couple
Your brother propsed at HarryPotter World?! That is SO BEYOND AWESOME!!
My hubby proposed to me at Disneyland, but I think Harry Potter World beats that. Congrats to them!
Sara recently posted..Pumpkin Gingerbread Loaf
That is all so cute!
Awww, that’s so adorable! I have a little brother too and when he got engaged/married it was touching and emotional for me as his big sis. Actually, my brother’s wife is an Ashley too!
Brittney recently posted..Running In Sleet and an Italian Feast
Oh my goodness, Congrats to the two of them! What a fun engagement story :).
congrats to them!!!!
and what a super cute story!
love alll the pics!!
Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) recently posted..Gift Guides & Memorable Gifts- DSLR Camera Advice
That is so sweet! I love the story and that you got to be there. I am so happy for them
Ali recently posted..Strange Dreams…
These are such great photos!! Congratulations to Ben – that’s great news! And I adore your boots. SO cute!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat recently posted..Food & Friends
Congrats to your family this is SO amazinggg!
Sana recently posted..Sleep-in Saturday
Congrats to them, and so fun that they have photos documenting the moment! It happens so fast – it will be really special for them to have these. Plus – less phone calls to have to make since you guys were there to share it with them.
Kate@andwhenshesays recently posted..What Im loving this past week
Aww, that was beautiful! Congrats to the happy couple!
First of all, congrats on gaining a new sister!
Secondly, WHERE can I find a bag just like the one you are carrying? I LOVE IT!
Denise recently posted..Day One
This might be my new favorite engagement story. I’m a huge HP fan – love that it happened in Ollivander’s!! And the crowns are great, too!!
What a great story – Congrats to your brother and his fiancee!
Aww, how adorable! Congrats to them both!
Faith @ lovelyascharged recently posted..No-Mayo Vegan Potato Salad
Wow, her face is priceless right when it happened! So great that you were all there with them. I love that y’all had a sash and crown and everything for her! On a side note, I am dying to go to Harry Potter world at Disney!
Ann recently posted..Weekend
This is one of the sweetest proposal stories EVER. Congrats to them both!
he is so adorable- i LOVE the way he proposed!!! so cute!.. congrats to both of them
movesnmunchies recently posted..Sweet Week
What an amazing story!!!! I loved the picture play by play. Thanks for sharing and congrats to your brother and his fiance!
Alison (Fueling for Fitness) recently posted..Soul Soothing Split Pea Soup
I love that she bought a wand, too, for a keepsake of the engagement! Very cool.
Kim @ girlevolving recently posted..o christmas tree
OK, I hope I’m not the only one who just TEARED UP READING the story! I’m such a sap! I swear I cry at any engagement story – even if I don’t even know them! Ha! Congrats to them both! I hope they have a blast planning their wedding!
That was one of the sweetest most awesome engagement stories! Congrats to both of them!!
This is PERFECT! How sweet… and it has me in tears!
How many hearts do you think fluttered this morning when we saw that post title?! At least you cleared it up in the first line.
What a great way to pop the question. They look precious together! Wishes to them for a bright and happy future! Congratulations to Ben and Ashley and your family. <3
that is the cutest engagement ever!!!
That’s so wonderful – congratulations to them both!
As an older sister myself, you must be so proud of your little brother
I know I would be if mine proposed in such a creative, loving and adorable way!! Totally amazing – I would have the WORST time keeping that a secret too! Congrats to your family!
Erin @ Big Girl Feats recently posted..Newest Addition
Congratulations to your little brother!! How exciting and what a great story, I totally was smiling ear to ear reading how he proposed.
What a sweet proposal! Congrats Ben, Ashley and the family
Kiran recently posted..My favorite kitchen gadgets
That is so adorable! I love how much thought he put into it!
my god that is so freakin’ adorable! And everyone looks so very very happY! Congrats to your little bro and Ashley!
Wow, what an awesome way to pop the question!
Time for Derek and Anthony to step up and follow in your brother’s footsteps!! Happy holidays!
Tami recently posted..200!
how exciting!!!!
What a perfect proposal! I got a little choked up reading it – reminded me of when I got engaged. Can’t wait to read about his wedding!
Melissa @ Running with Needles recently posted..Christmas Wrapping
That is an incredibly sweet proposal story! Congratulations to your brother and his fiancee! What a cute couple they make.
Lauren @ Running Examiner recently posted..The accidental running buddy
Gosh I love cute engagements!! Congrats to them!
Vanessa recently posted..Conclusions
I love proposal stories and this one tops them all!! (It may or may not have to do with the fact that I am a huge Harry Potter nerd!) Many congratulations and well wishes sent their way!
What a creative proposal! Congrats to your brother and his soon-to-be wife!!
Anne recently posted..Change of plans
What a seriously delightful proposal. Inspired, romantic and fun – congratulations to the new couple!
Georgia
http://fabulousfoodandalittlefrolicking.blogspot.com/
Georgia recently posted..Choc-peanut butter balls and a lack of reverberation!
Exciting!!! How lucky they are that you got to photo-document it all. That must have been nerve-wracking!!!
Halley(Blunder Construction) recently posted..Il Capriccio
As the bride to be’s Mom and a spectator it was a fantastic day. Meghann you did a great job recording the day for prosperity. Thank you. Congrats to my lovely daughter and my soon to be Son-in-Law Ben. I love you both.
Awesome post! SO happy for EVERYONE and glad you had a nice morning
Allie recently posted..My life in 30 days- day 05
Aww, I love engagement stories (which makes my boyfriend nervous)!! Especially when they’re creative and fun like this one, congrats to Ben and Ashley, and it’s so cool you all got to share it with them! Thanks for sharing this and brightening my work day!
What an awesome engagement story!
Tara recently posted..New addition
omg! I just teared up reading this!!! How sweet and awesome and romantic!!!!!
CONGRATS to your brother and his beautiful soon to be wife Ashley!! What a great way to ask her!!!!
Katie recently posted..Salsamus!
that is so cute! I love it! I bet your poor brother was so nervous! I love my sweet husband to death but that just isnt his thing. he proposed in my apartment, in the living room. while we watched an episode of friends. haha
Heather recently posted..Cruisin’ With Mickey
Ashley and Ben…Congratulations to you both. What a great story to start your wonderful journey together. Your faces were priceless and showed the love that you have for each other.
Love Aunt Janet, Uncle Dave and Jason
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! So freaking adorable
Erica recently posted..E- Brandi’s Chobani Pumpkin Dip & Weekend
Congrats to Ben and Ashley! I love reading the engagement story!
Brittany (Eating Bird Food) recently posted..The MPG Winner Is…
so cute!!!!
Congratulations Ashley and Ben! We are all so happy for you! Ben, you did an awsome job in planning the proposal! What a beautiful memory!
Congrats to Ben and Ashley! They are the cutest!
Sarah recently posted..Up and Coming
I like that he didn’t do it on a holiday. That’s awesome. Congratulations.
kathleen recently posted..Postpartum – Week 1
Awww, they are so gorgeous and happy together! What an amazing way to kick off the week of Christmas :-D.
Marika recently posted..A family specialty
Everyone in the room was balling?! That’s hot!
marie recently posted..a typical me post in which I babble incoherently about running and beer
Oh WOW! Congrats to your brother and Ashley!
What a lovely proposal…. ahhhhh! And her ring! Beautiful!!!!
ha you had me going there… congratulations to your brother and his fiance!
Ffion recently posted..Nadolig Llawen!
I’m late to the party and celebration here, but congrats!!
And great job on keeping the secret, hehe.
Jessi @ Quirky Cookery recently posted..The miracle of bacon
OH. MY. GOODNESS. This is amazing.
kimi recently posted..Warrior Dash!
That was too sweet. What a thoughtful man she’s marrying! And how unsuspecting she was – so many going on a Monday!
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