Posted Friday, January 27, 2012 3:35 PM
On August 13, 2008, Troy and I said "I love you" to each other for the first time. Ever since, that date has been very special to both of us.
I had absolutely no idea that August 13, 2011 would be the day of our proposal. Troy had all but convinced me that something was up for my birthday dinner on August 27th. I fell for the ruse completely.
We had plans to spend the day together at Universal Orlando and so after a quick lunch following some routine errands, we headed off to the park. Looking back, it would seem that the universe was conspiring to make this day nearly perfect. Even the rain was kept to a minimum. Every staff encounter was perfect, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter wasn't too crowded, and the clouds kept the temperatures from being too oppressive. The only thing we missed was meeting Capt. America - the rain cancelled our third attempt of the day.
Since I had a few gift cards to finish up, we planned on having dinner at The Cheesecake Factory (my favorite restaurant). The rain started drizzling around 5pm and neither of us was very hungry so we decided to leave Islands of Adventure and walk over to Universal Studios. It started to sprinkle harder, so after one lap we decided to head for the exit and get to the parking garage.
We took a different route to the Mall at Millenia and ended up taking a few "wrong" turns because, as it would turn out, we were ahead of schedule. Once we parked and walked up to the restaurant, it appeared like it would be a long wait. Troy told me it would be 30-40 minutes, which was fine. Of course, when the pager buzzed after only a 10 minute wait, I just figured that it was the universe continuing with the perfect karma of the day. We had a great table, which was for four people (oddly) and there was an empty two-top next to it. Our waiter was fantastic and just made it a great dining experience. I still had no clue. In fact, Troy was laying it on really thick about something special happening on August 27th (an early 30th birthday dinner with friends).
All day Troy had been very insistent on wanting to get dessert. So we ordered our desserts and Troy's nerves must have kicked into overdrive, but he never showed it (cherry cheesecake for him and a goblet of fresh strawberries with whipped cream for me). The waiter brought out dessert. He put Troy's cheesecake in front of him and placed a Vermont Teddy Bear in front of me. For a split second, I was like "I ordered strawberries, not a teddy bear." Then I saw the bear (named CF) wearing a t-shirt that said "Will You Marry Me?" and the ring was around his neck. Troy was already on one knee and unclasping the ring to slip on my finger. It was all a blur, although the clasp got stuck! The whole restaurant cheered. I was alternating between smiling, shaking and crying. My best friend (and now Maid of Honor) Lara appeared and snapped photos, while her boyfriend shot the video. They sat with us for a few minutes. I called my parents and tried to take a few bites of dessert.
It was indescribably magical and absolutely perfect.
Posted Thursday, January 19, 2012 2:45 PM
When my fiance, a high school physics and holography teacher, got some new holography film, he decided to bring me along to "test" it out during his Thanksgiving break. When we got to the lab, he set up a table in the dark room while I waited outside (to prevent extra vibration and keep the images from getting ruined).
After he set up, I went inside to help him test the film. The whole time, however, I couldn't see what exactly he was making into a hologram. He also told me not to get any closer because it was too "dark" and I might trip in that corner of the room. I kept thinking it wasn't that dark, but figured it was his experiment and he could do whatever he wanted. He developed the first round, we did the second one together and I most unwillingly worked on the last. Since holograms take a while to dry (the process is similar to developing regular photos) we decided to go home and make some lunch.
When we came back to look at the exposed holograms, he asked me if I wanted to see what we were actually capturing. It looked like a ring in a box, but I had to stare at it for a while because I was so sure it couldn't be that. He then asked me to bring the object (which, yes, was the ring) on the table to him, took it and got on one knee and proposed.Turns out that while I waited outside for him to set up, he cleverly took advantage of the privacy and blocked it with cardboard, which I had just assumed belonged there. I don't remember much of what he said after that because I was so happy. Of course I said yes!
Posted Friday, October 28, 2011 2:23 PM
It was the Friday before Mother's Day weekend, and J had suggested a date night. We had a very busy weekend planned between visiting both families as well as a friend's birthday. I was thinking maybe Chili's and a movie, but he had other plans.
He told me we hadn't been into Faneuil Hall in Boston in a while, so we should go there for dinner. Now my wheels were turning. I emailed my friend Kelli to get her thoughts. She told me I was crazy and that he probably wanted just wanted to go out before the hectic weekend events. She completely talked me out of it and I was none the wiser!
I woke up the next day (which was a beautiful day) and went to work thinking nothing of our date night. We met up at home after work and caught the train into the city. On the train I was gabbing about work and other nothingness while J was apparently sweating and ready to throw up on his shoes!
We got into Faneuil Hall and it was a gorgeous night out. J suggests that we kick off date night with a horse and carriage ride. So of course again I start thinking "Oh my god, is this it?" But again I stopped myself, "No way, this doesn't happen to real people! This isn't a movie!" So off we went on the carriage ride.
We were cruising through the financial district when he finally turned to me with the most incredible custom designed ring I have ever seen and asked if I would spend the rest of my life with him. It was the sweetest, most romantic, amazing thing that has ever happened to me in my entire life. People were clapping on the sides of the street. It was phenomenal! (And I'm not gonna lie, every ounce of engagement etiquette I knew went out the window. I totally took the ring out of the box myself and put it on my own finger. I was a little excited!)
We returned to Faneuil Hall newly engaged and walked arm and arm while I told everyone with ears how I had just got engaged! (We had to walk arm and arm because I couldn't take my eyes off the bling!) We had dinner outside at a corner table overlooking all the lights of Faneuil Hall, drinking champagne and celebrating for the rest of the night.
We have been together 10 years and he still managed to completely surprise me! This is definitely the man I am meant to spend my life with! By the way, Kelli was in on the whole thing, and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for keeping the secret and helping with the most wonderful day of my life!
Interested in having your proposal featured? Email me at messageboards@theknot.com.
Posted Friday, October 07, 2011 7:07 PM
Eric and I were on an eight day vacation to northern California. We traveled through San Francisco, Santa Cruz and then to Napa Valley. Eric told me that he had a surprise planned for Monday morning and that we had to wake up really early. Monday morning came and at 4:00am We left the resort and traveled to the middle of nowhere. Or so I thought...
We arrived at our destination just as daylight began to seep through the fog and dawn had broke. Everything in front of us shined and glowed with vibrant oranges and yellows and golds. As we pulled into a large vast field I couldn't believe what was before my eyes. A childhood dream come true: A giant hot air balloon.
My heart began to race anticipating the lift off. As the balloon began to rise and soar higher and higher up into the beautiful sunrise we enjoyed a view like heaven: the elegant sun glistening over the extravagant vineyards of Napa valley, California. It was a miracle as the fog rolled back and created a picture perfect scene only God could have created.
I couldn't imagine a more exciting and fulfilling experience. As we drifted along I began capturing and photographing pictures of the silhouette of our and balloon beautiful scenery around me. While my attention was on the shadow of the balloon rolling over the vineyards, the pilot's ground crew had driven ahead and rolled out a banner.
when I turned around to see what the commotion was about, I read, to my surprise, "Will you marry me?" in giant letters across a large white banner that the crew was holding open across the field. I was so excited that I was trembling, overwhelmed with happiness and I couldn't utter words. I could barely breathe. When I glanced back at Eric he had the ring out. As I stared into the eyes of this man I loved so much and my best friend for so many years the only words that could come cross my lips were "YES! Yes, a thousand times Yes!"
I couldn't believe what had just happened, but as he slipped the ring on my finger it hit me. Tears began to well up in my eyes. As I realized I was going to spend the rest of my life with my best friend, all my dreams had come true in one beautiful morning under the heavenly sunrise in Napa Valley, California.
Posted Friday, August 12, 2011 4:10 PM
This is the story of how I became a bride-to-be!
While home on his two week leave from his deployment overseas, Tim and I spent a whirlwind week visitng with family and friends. I had planned a special one-night getaway to St. Ignace and had no clue just how special that night would turn out to be!
After spending the day with my family, we headed north on our way to St. Ignace. Whenever we travel across the Mackinac Bridge we always stop in Mackinaw City to walk along Lake Huron and take pictures with the bridge in the background.
When Tim suggested we stop, I thought nothing of it as I had already planned on stopping for a quick picture or two. After walking a short ways along the water and taking a few cute pictures, Tim grabbed my hand and pulled a beautiful ring out of his pocket!
Instantly, I began crying and hugging the man I would be spending the rest of my life with, which didn't leave much room for a response. After asking again, I finally said yes and so began our journey towards becoming husband and wife. This picture was taken right after I said yes!
Posted Friday, July 29, 2011 3:37 PM
First you need a little back story...
After casually seeing each other for a month, Albert decided to make it official and asked me to be his girlfriend on August 28, 2007 beside the driver's side door of my car. Any special event in either of our lives, whether it be anniversaries, birthdays, promotions, Valentine's Day, etc., Albert and I love going to iFratelli's in Las Colinas. (And yes, we order the same thing every time!)
So, now that you have the back story...
On Friday, January 28th, I was at home when I got a message from Albert telling me to get all fancied up for a night out on the town. Oblivious to everything, I thought it was Albert's way of giving me an excuse to wear an outfit I had bought recently. I got ready in a brand new dress, bright red heels, and bold jewelry - a definite departure from the norm. After a delicious dinner at iFratelli's followed by some scrumptious cheesecake, I laughed about how many people - literally more than 3 - commented on how cute bits and pieces of my outfit were. To me, the night was already awesome! :) After dinner, Albert asked me if I wanted to go shopping - as if he needed to ask! We strolled through one of my favorite stores, and Albert offered to buy a new outfit for me - again, as if he needed to ask!
Content with the awesome night, I was on cloud nine on the way home until Albert asked her to close my eyes about a mile from home. Albert quickly drove home and backed up to the garage where my car was waiting. With my eyes still closed, I listened as the garage door opened behind me, and Albert got out of the car. After a couple of seconds, Albert began playing our song "Better Together" by Jack Johnson and asked me to get out of the car. As I opened my eyes and turned around, my car was covered in tiny white Christmas lights and roses on the roof. Still oblivious to what was happening, I followed Albert over to my driver side door. Albert spoke a few moments about our life together and the future then got down on one knee... and I said yes!
Check out Kendall and Albert's wedding website!
Posted Friday, July 08, 2011 10:11 AM
It all began last summer when Sergio and I went on vacation with my family to Wildwood, New Jersey for ten days. The summer days were warm and the nights were brisk with a cool breeze that smelled of the ocean; you could almost taste the salt in the air. We had so much fun taking trips to the boardwalk to play arcade games, nibble on some fudge and savor the many different flavors of salt water taffy. Even the nights that consisted of just sitting out on the beach were special because we were together.
But mostly we enjoyed our adventures in Cape May, a town that sparkled with subtle night lights and shined with its Victorian charm. The center town was great for shopping and wandering about and the people were so friendly. Sergio and I loved walking along the beach across the street from beach avenue.
Now to the main part of the story... We went to a restaurant named Harborview in Cape May around 8:00 p.m. The sun dipped low and seemed to be falling into the sea water. The scene was beautiful and we enjoyed it by staying on a small dock that crept over the water. We both looked up at the view, held hands and then looked at each other. We both thought, "He/she is the one; We should get married one day." I then said, "Are you thinking the same thing as me?" Then he said, "Yeah, I am. This would be the perfect place to get engaged one day."
A whole year later we went back to Cape May for a small vacation of our own and stayed in a beautiful Victorian bed and breakfast. As soon as we saw the decorative Victorian homes, the center of Cape May and the ocean line, the memories returned from last year and the same emotions we felt also resurfaced. The world was right again, just Sergio and me together in a beautiful town we felt was our own.
On the second night of our vacation we returned to the restaurant, Harborview, to catch the view of the sunset one more time and to feel what we once felt in the spot at the dock. We timed the lowering of the sun perfectly and when we arrived, we rushed over to the dock and gasped because of the beauty of the view. I immediately took out my camera and snapped as many pictures as I could of the scene and couldn't stop until.... Sergio said, "Angela...put down the camera for a sec." And I said, "Okay." I walked over to him and saw the cute look on his face and he held both of my hands. He then said, "I love you". "I love you too, " I said. "I will love you forever," Sergio sweetly replied. "I will love you forever, " I questioningly said. "Angela...." (Sergio got down on his knee with the sun setting, on the dock.) "Yes..?" I egged on. "Will you marry me?"
I was so happy and was so surprised and finally said yes. It was everything we ever dreamed it to be.
Posted Thursday, June 30, 2011 5:35 PM
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My fiance and I just got engaged in April while we were traveling around Europe during our university spring break. We were both studying abroad at the University of Glasgow this past year and have been talking about getting married for a while, so his proposal came at the perfect time.
Jeff and I met in high school but didn't start dating until graduation -- just after prom night. I was leaving for France 2.5 months later to live abroad for nine months so I didn't think our relationship would turn into anything serious. We had a really strong connection and I fell head over heels for him right away. We decided to stay together while I was in France even though we knew it would be hard.
He came to visit me for one week that entire year, and when I came back we were still together. The first few months of this were rough at times because I was having a hard time integrating back into my old life and was worried it was because I didn't love him anymore. That was definitely not the case, though, and two years later I decided to go abroad again, this time bringing Jeff with me.
We decided to study abroad for nine months in Glasgow together in my third (his fourth) year of university. We lived together the entire time and absolutely loved it, so we began discussing marriage more and more. We traveled lots over there and that just reassured me that we were meant to be because no matter how hard the traveling was, we always got along. We spent several weeks just the two of us at Christmas and again at Easter break.
At the end of our Easter trip around Eastern Europe we went to Santorini. I had a feeling knew he was going to propose, as I had guided him in picking out a ring in February, and I also had a feeling it was going to be on the trip. We went to Oia to watch the sunset, the place that is featured in many movies about Greece. On the way down the hill to find a "love nook" we stopped at a creperie and bought crepes and waffles to picnic with, and then he found a spot on one of those white churches to sit at and watch the sun go down. We sat and talked for two hours, staring out at the ocean and listening to music. After the sun had just slipped over the end of the world, he played our song using an iPod, got down on one knee, and presented me with a beautiful sapphire ring! So romantic! I cried as soon as I saw him in that position because I am a very emotional person.
I am so happy, excited, and a bit nervous! I feel so old, it's weird finally taking this 'grown up' step in my life! We are both 22 and I know that it's the perfect time in our lives together to get married next year (we will have been together five years) and I couldn't imagine being with anyone else!