Proposal

Story by Carol Pappas

Photos by Mackenzie Free

After dating a year and a half, Caroline Williams and Mark Anderson knew they were going to get engaged to be married. But when and where were simply question marks. That is, until Mark devised a plan that would not only include his bride-to-be, but their families and friends, too.

Making all of it a surprise was just another hurdle to be cleared.

Of course, he had to have help to pull it off, so “a quick call to Aunt Laurie and Uncle Jim” was the logical, first step. The funloving couple seemed ideal for the job. After all, Aunt Laurie and Uncle Jim are Laurie and Jim Regan, owners of Pirate Island on Logan Martin Lake and have certainly earned the reputation of perfect hosts, opening their island up to just about every boater on the lake.

“We knew we would get engaged eventually,” Mark said. “It was important to me that the engagement be what we really wanted and really loved. I knew she had always dreamed of friends and family being able to share it, too.”

So, Mark went to work scheming and planning with the Regans, their families and