And They Say Christmas Only Comes Once A Year...

By: Colleen J.
Maplewood, NJ

My most precious memory of the Mirror Lake Inn occurred on December 26, 2005. My boyfriend had planned a mini holiday vacation for the two of us and his three children, Emily (18), Johnny (15) and Ellen (13). John and I had been dating for four years and we often vacationed in the Adirondack area. As the children got older, Lake Placid became the perfect vacation spot, with a blending of outdoor activities along with the entertainment that the town of Lake Placid had to offer.

When we arrived the day after Christmas, the kids immediately headed into town with their American Express gift cards that they received as Christmas gifts, and John and I set out to explore some new areas of Lake Placid, along with a couple of our favorite shops and of course stopping at The Cottage to warm our bodies and spirit.

When we have previously stayed at the Mirror Lake Inn, we were in the main building, but on this visit we stayed at the Colonial House, which was just perfect, as we had all the comforts and luxuries of the Inn, coupled with the intimacy of a small hotel.

As evening approach, we decided to head into town for an Italian dinner. The meal was great, and we all had a wonderful time laughing and being silly. On the way back to the Colonial House, John suggested that we put on our bathing suits and head up the hill to enjoy the hot tub in the Inn. The kids thought this was a great idea, but I was not as enthusiastic, so I suggested they all go and enjoy themselves, and I would go back to the room, and relax with a good book. After continued prodding from both John and the kids I agreed to join them (after all no one likes a party pooper). The first picture, shows us all bundled up and ready to head up the hill to the Mirror Lake Inn.

Needless to say we had a great time, and as we walked down the driveway of the Inn, there couldn’t have been a more picturesque setting, with the snow covering the ground, the trees all lit up with Christmas lights and the white fence on Mirror Lake Drive decorated with garland and wreaths. As we got to the bottom of the hill, John ask us to pose for a picture (photo 2). As he was taking the picture, he said he couldn’t be any happier, as he was with the people he loved in one of his most favorite places on earth. We laughed at his sentimentality, and I asked for the camera so I could snap a picture of John and his children. As he walked towards me, instead of handing me the camera, he got down on one knee, reached into his pocket, pulled out the most beautiful engagement ring I have ever seen, and asked me to marry him. I have never, and I mean never, been so surprised (as were Emily, Johnny and Ellen, as their dad had managed to keep this a complete secret, from everyone except for my parents). When I asked John how he knew this was the right time and place to propose to me, he said he had two criteria. First it had to be a romantic setting, and secondly, all five of us had to be together. In reality I think he wanted to enjoy the rest of the vacation, and couldn't do so until he got this behind him. The third photograph shows us having dinner at the Inn on the last night of our vacation. (Which John confused was part of the back-up plan. If he hadn't yet proposed on our last night together, he was going to ask me over dinner). As it turned out, this was our celebration dinner. We were all so happy and excited and the girls and I couldn't wait to start planning the wedding.

Fast forward to November 2006…we were married over Thanksgiving weekend. Our wedding party consisted of John’s three children and our nephews and nieces, and all our family members and dear friends participated in this very special day.

Our thanks to the Mirror Lake Inn, for providing the perfect backdrop for that special night back in December 2005, and also allowing me to put pen to paper, or in this case, fingers to the keyboard, so I will always remember, how incredibly lucky I am to have a husband who put so much thought and effort in making his wedding proposal one that we will remember and treasure for many, many years to come.