A candlelight is a gathering of sorority members in order to announce an engagement. For my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, the President (Meg) puts a note on the front door of the sorority house announcing when the candlelight will take place. (These days we tweet and facebook as well) All of the members meet at the house at the assigned time and everyone sits in a circle. (The pledge class of the newly engaged member sit while others stand) A candle/flower bouquet is passed around the circle twice while members sing the, "candlelight," song. On the second pass, the newly engaged member blows out the candle (It's a HUGE surprise) and everyone cheers and celebrates. After, the engaged member tells the story of the proposal to the entire sorority! It's truly a bonding time for all of the members.
Now, on to my very own candlelight!
Justin and I got engaged on December 16, 2010. (Almost a year ago...WOW!) We were on winter break, therefore I had to keep my engagement a secret for an entire month! This may sound crazy, but like I said earlier, every girl dreams of having a candlelight. It was EXTREMELY hard keeping it a secret from so many people, but somehow I managed.
The night that I returned to Tuscaloosa I immediately called Meg and told her the big news! She arranged for me to have my candlelight on the night of our first chapter of the semester. When I woke up that Wednesday morning I was extremely nervous. I had to carry my ring in my bag (inside the box) because I couldn't risk one of my sorority sisters seeing it on my finger! Finally after a long day of class, I quickly walked to the sorority house to meet everyone for the candlelight before chapter. When I arrived I saw all of the seniors sitting in a circle in the formal living room. I panicked, knowing that the junior pledge class should be seated instead. Immediately, I searched for Meg so that she could make an announcement to the house. When she entered the formal living room and asked the juniors to sit in the circle, the entire house let out a squeal. We all sat down (my heart was literally racing) and waited for the candlelight to begin. Everyone was searching each others' faces trying to notice any changes in someone's demeanor. Apparently, I did an excellent job of hiding my emotions because no one suspected me!
At last, the candle was lit and it was quickly traveling towards me. As it passed me I tried my best to, "play it cool," and act nonchalant about the whole event. When the candle began it's second pass around the circle everyone clapped, anticipating the big reveal. As it neared my side of the circle I began to shake a little. As the candle was handed to me I pretended to pass it to Kelsey and then pulled it back and blew out the flame. My entire pledge class cheered and the whole house clapped. (There were even some tears shed) Sarah Grace opened my ring box and put my ring on my finger, while everyone crowded around me trying to get a glance of my bling. I told everyone how Justin proposed and all of my sorority sisters gushed and stated, "it's going to be hard to top that proposal now!" (Justin also received about 50 facebook friend requests that night haha)
My candlelight was truly one of my favorite memories with my pledge sisters. It was such a bonding experience and I can't imagine not sharing that special moment with all of them. Regardless of the things that we go through, we always have each others support and love. They mean so much to me and I absolutely cannot wait to have them celebrate my wedding day with me! "LTTL"
Until next time...
Kaci xoxo
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| Showing off my ring :) |
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| Telling the story of how Justin proposed |
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| Showing Jewel the book |
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| Some of my pledge class |
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| Bridesmaids! |
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