The Proposal (Warning: Long Post Ahead!)

It was September 21, 2002.

I arrived home from a Casa Roble High School football game (where my youngest sister, Katie, had been cheering), parked my truck and walked up the stairs to the tiny, one-bedroom apartment I shared with Brian. Unlocking the door, I pushed it open and to my complete surprise, I was greeted by a trail of light pink rose petals.

Delightfully following the trail of petals back to our bedroom, I discovered a bud vase with a red rose and a cream gerbera daisy on the bed as well as the following poem penned by Brian:

Good afternoon my love,
Know this to be true,
I have a wonderful afternoon
Planned out for you.

Just a little something
Fun for both you and I,
All to show you how our love
Has stood throughout time.

So grab a bottle of water
And start thinking of our past,
On some of our special moments
That will continue to last.

This will be a brief trip
Throughout our long journey
From the times you thought I was a jerk,
To now when you are in love with me.

You will be driving around to various landmarks
Where memories were established,
And seeing some people along the way
That helped the way our relationship developed.

As you see in front of you
An envelope marked "Clue #1"
You should follow the directions
And remember try to have fun!

So before you begin,
There is one thing I want you to know,
How much I truly love you,
Now hurry up let's go!!

After reading over the first clue, I quickly grabbed a bottle of water, ran down the steps of our apartment building and jumped into my truck. Less than five minutes later, I pulled into the parking lot of Holy Family Catholic Church. Brian's parents were patiently waiting beside the entrance doors with a single red rose and the second clue.

I remember Brian's mom crying and taking pictures of me, but I swear I had no idea what was going on. I knew I was on some sort of scavenger hunt (which my boyfriend of three and a half years had lovingly planned), but beyond that, I was clueless.

Feels weird to have just typed my boyfriend, Brian.

Anyway, back to the story...after reading my second clue and bidding farewell to Brian's parents, I shifted through the gears of my red Ford Ranger truck, as I eagerly made my way to the second destination: Macy's.

See, Brian and I originally met at church when we were just teenagers, but to be totally honest, I just couldn't stand him. It was only MUCH later when we were both working at Macy's that we became reacquainted.

There outside the entrance to Macy's stood my parents. I bet you can guess what they were holding. Yep, a red rose and my third clue!

By now, the shock was wearing off and I was catching onto the fact that this wasn't just a scavenger hunt purely for fun. Although believe me, I was having F-U-N! In fact, I couldn't stop smiling. But I was also wondering, "Where is all of this leading?"

So, after perusing the clue and exchanging hugs with my parents, I wasted no time getting to my third stop--a restaurant just across the street called The Pasta House, where Brian and I dined on our first date back in January 1999. Sadly, by this time, the restaurant had closed and the building was under construction (it was soon to become an Ulta store), but it was there that Lori and her boyfriend, Dave presented me with another rose and my fourth clue.

The next stop on my mini-adventure: my mom and dad's house.

At my parent's house, I easily found Clue #5 near the front door. The clue hinted as to where to go next, but since I couldn't verify the final destination with anyone, I made sure to check the answer that Brian had thoughtfully placed under the wooden bench. And would you believe it?! I was correct!

As I drove from my parent's house to the park in Old Fair Oaks, my excitement grew. I was grinning from ear-to-ear, but I was also a little nervous. I had learned in the latest clue that this was to be the final stop in my hunt. Hunt for what?! Ok, I had an inkling, but I wasn't absolutely positive. But I knew it had to be something good. Really good.

I pulled into the parking lot adjacent to the park and climbed out of my truck. This was a park Brian and I visited frequently together, a place where we enjoyed eating picnic lunches, swinging on the swings or watching outdoor theatrical productions. Keeping my eyes peeled for a bouquet of flowers, I walked across the green grass toward the stage area. To my left, I spotted the vase of flowers sitting on a terrace area laden with rocks. Standing in front of the roses, I looked up and saw Brian striding toward me. Seconds later, he was kneeling down in front of me on one knee, asking me to marry him.


Look...I'm holding onto my overalls for dear life. I can't remember what was going through my head at that exact moment, but I can only imagine it went something like this: Really?! You're asking me to be your wife? That big diamond ring is for me? Are you sure you've got the right woman?!


Of course, I said, "YES!"


As you can see, hugging, kissing and crying ensued.

Seconds later, our parents and Brian's sister and her boyfriend emerged from behind the nearby bushes and trees to congratulate us on our engagement.

{I'm so grateful to Brian's sister, Lori, for capturing this special moment on film.}

As we were all sharing in this happy occasion, I remember Brian shouting, "She said YES!" to the relative strangers in the park who had been watching the proposal. Their response: cheers, clapping and laughter.

It's hard to believe, but it's true: Seven years ago tonight, Brian and I celebrated our joyous engagement in the company of our parents and sisters at one of our favorite restaurants, Chevy's.


It was so fun reminiscing about Brian's romantic, elaborate and thoughtful proposal...thanks for letting me share!

Now, it's your turn...How did your fiancee/husband propose to you? I'd love to read your story!