A modern day fairy tail

A modern day fairy tail

A modern day fairy tail

In 2004 I met Eric Hanssen through a mutual buddy of ours, he shortly after became one of my best guy friends as we grew up our lives took different paths but we never lost touch. In 2009 God brought us back together and the flame was lit in a much different way than before, we quickly realized that this was an amazing thing we had going. We both made a commitment to place God first in our lives and each other second. On August 17, 2011 we left Pensacola for a eight day vacation to northern California, we traveled through San Francisco, Santa Cruz and then to Napa Valley. Eric told me that he had a surprised planned for Monday morning and that we had to wake up really early. Monday morning came and at 4:00am We left the resort and traveled to the middle of nowhere or so I thought...
We arrived at our destination just as daylight began to seep through the fog and dawn had broke. Everything in front of us shined and glowed with vibrant oranges and yellows and golds. As we pulled into a large vast field i couldn't believe what was before my eyes. A childhood dream come true: A giant hot air balloon. My heart began to race anticipating the lift off. As the balloon began to rise and sore higher and higher up into the beautiful sunrise we enjoyed a view like heaven . The Elegant Sun Glistening over the Extravagant Vineyards of Napa valley California. It was a miracle as the fog rolled back and created a picture perfect scene only God could have created. all of my dreams and fantasies were coming true as the moments passed by with every lift and drop of the balloon. I couldn't imagine a more exciting and fulfilling experience. As we drifted along i began capturing and photographing pictures of the silhouette of our and balloon beautiful scenery around me. while my attention was on the shadow of the balloon rolling over the vineyards, the Pilots ground crew had driven ahead and rolled out a banner. when i turned around to see what the commotion was about i read to my surprise. Will you marry me? In giant letters across a Large white Banner the crew was holding open across the field. I was so excited i was trembling and overwhelmed with happiness i couldn't utter words. i could barely breathe . When I glanced back at Eric he had the ring out. As I stared into the eyes of this man I loved so much and my best friend for so many years the only words that could come cross my lips were YES! YES a thousand times YES! I couldn't believe what had just happened as he slipped the ring on my finger it hit me. Tears began to well up in my eyes. as i realized i was going to spend the rest of my life with my best friends all my dreams had come true in one beautiful morning under the heavenly sunrise in Napa Valley California.

Sheryl Schwartz
&
Eric Hanssen
Pensacola, FL
Wedding date April 21, 2012
850.712.2987