Engagement

The following was written by Kristin about her and John's engagement night.

Everyone asks about the proposal, "How did he pop the question?" For us, it truly was a fairy tale engagement. It was so romantic that when I told my sister-in-law, she said "I don't know whether to cry or puke". You can be the judge. (I vote for cry! I sure did!)

John decided to propose on Valentines Day as a surprise. The only problem was to be certain that I'd have the evening off. He told me we'd go out for dinner, and I found someone to work the night for me. Little did I know that John was busy planning! My Valentines Day began the day before the "big day" when I got a big box of Ghirardelli chocolates delivered to me at work. When they say that chocolate is the way to a woman's heart, they mean it!!

On Valentines Day I went to work and a few hours into the day, I was surprised by the most beautiful TWO DOZEN red roses I've ever seen. I was just thrilled to have them! After work, John, like a true gentleman, picked me up at the door with a single rose in hand, a box of chocolates, and gift and card! As I ate a piece of chocolate, I opened the beautifully wrapped box to discover a wonderful diamond pendant!

Two dozen roses delivered to work.

John's plan included this as the "decoy gift" to make me think that this was the only jewelry I'd be getting that night. Of course he didn't want me to be too upset, so it was quite beautiful and big … I was delighted with it, though I did begin to wonder when or if I'd be getting a ring! I gave him his gift (a much less memorable one I'm afraid, an upgrade to John's TiVo) and we left for dinner. The destination was Kincaid's restaurant downtown St Paul.

Minutes after our engagement.

We used valet parking, and shared a drink in the bar before dinner. Dinner was wonderful, and as usual didn't have room for dessert. We shared a cup of coffee as we chatted… (the key word here is chatted, as usual I was able to fill any spaces in conversation… I didn't realize John was waiting for me to be quiet to ask me something important!!) John reached into his pocket and pulled out the most amazing ring I've ever seen and asked me to marry him. I said yes, and then through tears repeated some 3 to 5 times, "It's the most beautiful ring I've ever seen! It's so beautiful."

Our waitress told her co-workers and it seemed everyone was coming to see the ring and wish us congratulations. I even was certain that the coat check girl saw how good my evening had been. I put my hand out, practically in her face, to display my new ring. That would be an excellent end to the day; but I had one more surprise waiting for me: chocolate covered strawberries and champagne. It was a perfect end to a perfect day; and an awesome beginning to what I'm confident will be an amazing future.

Kristin's outfit.

Ring and Roses..

John's suit.