Emma and James had been dating for five years before he finally proposed. The proposal happened during a romantic weekend in Paris. James had knelt down beside the Eiffel Tower as the sun was setting. Emma had cried tears of joy and immediately said yes. Now they were planning their engagement party to celebrate with family and friends. They decided to host the party at Emma's parents' beautiful garden. The garden had a lovely rose arch and a small fountain in the center. Emma's mother, Susan, was thrilled to help with the preparations. She had always dreamed of this moment since Emma was a little girl. James's parents, Robert and Margaret, offered to help with the catering. They knew an excellent local chef who could prepare delicious appetizers. Emma spent weeks choosing the perfect decorations for the party. She wanted everything to look elegant but also feel warm and inviting. She chose soft pink and white flowers to match her engagement ring. The ring had a beautiful diamond that sparkled in the sunlight. James had saved money for two years to buy that special ring. The guest list included sixty people from both families. Emma was especially excited to introduce James to her grandmother. Her grandmother had traveled from Ireland especially for this occasion. The big day finally arrived on a beautiful Saturday in June. The weather was perfect with clear blue skies and gentle sunshine. Emma woke up early feeling nervous but incredibly happy. She had chosen a beautiful white dress with delicate lace details. Her best friend Sarah came over to help her get ready. Sarah had been Emma's friend since they were children. 'You look absolutely stunning,' Sarah said as Emma finished her makeup. Meanwhile, James was getting ready at his apartment with his brother Tom. Tom helped James adjust his tie and gave him a reassuring pat on the back. 'Are you nervous?' Tom asked with a smile. 'A little bit, but mostly I just cannot wait to see Emma,' James replied. The guests started arriving at three o'clock in the afternoon. Susan welcomed everyone at the garden entrance with warm hugs. A string quartet played soft classical music as people mingled. Waiters in white jackets served champagne and elegant appetizers. The decorations looked even more beautiful than Emma had imagined. Fairy lights were strung through the trees and around the fountain. Emma made her entrance through the rose arch, and everyone gasped. She looked radiant in her white dress with her hair elegantly styled. James was waiting for her by the fountain with a bouquet of roses. When their eyes met, both of them smiled with pure happiness. Emma walked toward James as the quartet played their favorite song. He took her hand and kissed it gently in front of all their guests. Emma's grandmother wiped tears from her eyes watching this moment. Robert, James's father, stepped forward to make a toast. 'I have known Emma for three years now, and she has become like a daughter to me,' he said. 'James, you have found a wonderful partner, and we could not be happier for you both.' Everyone raised their glasses and cheered for the happy couple. Susan had prepared a special surprise for her daughter. She brought out a beautiful photo album filled with pictures of Emma growing up. There were photos from her first birthday to her college graduation. Emma laughed and cried as she looked through the memories. James looked at the photos of young Emma and smiled tenderly. 'I wish I had known you back then,' he whispered to her. As the evening continued, the couple danced their first dance as an engaged pair. Other couples joined them on the small dance floor set up near the fountain. Emma's grandmother danced with her own husband of fifty-two years. The sight of them together gave Emma hope for her own future. Tom gave a humorous speech about growing up with James. He told embarrassing stories from their childhood that made everyone laugh. James pretended to be embarrassed but was actually enjoying every moment. Sarah also spoke about her long friendship with Emma. 'Emma has been my best friend since we were seven years old,' she said. 'She deserves all the happiness in the world, and I know James will give her that.' The chef served a delicious dinner featuring dishes from both family traditions. There was traditional Irish stew and classic British roast beef. The dessert table featured a stunning three-tiered engagement cake. The cake was decorated with pink roses that matched the garden decorations. Emma and James cut the cake together while everyone took photographs. As night fell, the fairy lights began to twinkle like stars. The atmosphere became magical and romantic. James took Emma aside and held both her hands in his. 'Tonight has been absolutely perfect,' he said softly. 'I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you,' Emma replied. They shared a tender kiss under the rose arch as the party continued around them. This engagement party was just the beginning of their beautiful journey together.
English Story (B1)The Engagement Party
This B1 English story is designed for intermediates learning English. It includes simple vocabulary and short sentences to help you improve your reading and listening skills. Click any word to see translations and hear pronunciation.
About this story
Emma and James celebrate their engagement with family and friends in a beautiful garden party. After a romantic proposal in Paris, they host sixty guests for an evening filled with toasts, dancing, heartfelt speeches, and the joy of beginning their life together.
Translations in English
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Where did James propose to Emma?
2
Where was the engagement party hosted?
3
How long had Emma's grandmother been married?
4
What special surprise did Susan prepare for Emma?
Vocabulary
39 words from this story
