Brentwood Academy’s Abby McGrew Engaged To New York Giants’ Eli Manning

Eli Manning — New York Giants quarterback — is officially engaged to Abby McGrew, a former student at Brentwood Academy.

In 2007, Eli knew he wanted Abby to be his wife. During a trip home to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, he designed an engagement ring at Adler’s. A few weeks later, they were slated to take a trip to see her family in Nashville. Abby thought he might propose to her then but Eli just couldn’t wait that long. On a simple Tuesday evening they were spending together, Eli turned toward Abby and got down on his knee. Abby was taken aback at first but breathlessly said ‘Yes!’ He presented her with a gorgeous Adler’s emerald-cut center stone ring, flanked by 2 emerald-cut diamonds on either side.

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Manning and McGrew both live in New York, where McGrew works for designer Pamela Roland.

I’m sure Abby McGrew will find her dream wedding dress in the fashion capital of the world, but here’s the question we Brentwood folks are dying to know:

Will the wedding be held back home in Tennessee?

No one knows yet.

According to Tennessean sports columnist Joe Biddle, the young couple will fly to Nashville over Easter weekend.

I’m sure the conference with the McGrew parents will include a few Martha Stewart Wedding issues and some intensive pre-planning!

Nashville has a few wedding venues grand enough for NFL royalty, but many country music stars are married on private farms — away from the public eye.

I would suggest Nashville’s new Schermerhorn Symphony Center, or perhaps even Cheekwood — the botanical garden and art museum where the creme-de-la-creme Swan Ball is held each spring.

The Manning-McGrew engagement has already received loads of press, including on the Giants.com website.

The younger Manning proposed on bended knee, with a several-karat diamond, say the rumors on Manning’s unofficial fan site.

Manning and McGrew were college sweethearts at Ole Miss.

One thing’s for sure: Private prep school Brentwood Academy is best known for its aggressive football recruiting and winning state titles, year after year. The school’s leadership must be thrilled with their new association with Eli Manning — even if it will be through marriage!

UPDATES:

Nashville’s WKRN reported that Eli Manning and Abby McGrew attended Easter Sunday services at Brentwood United Methodist Church. This is a large, historic church with domed roof. It would certainly be a beautiful background for a wedding!

Here are details about the wedding that took place April 19, 2008 in Los Cabos, Mexico:

More About Abby McGrew

• Abby McGrew: Her Background & Family Life
• Hollywood Gossip About Abby McGrew
• Abby Mcgrew And Eli Manning Show Us Their Condo
• NFL Player’s Wives: Abby McGrew

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