This is a story about a young couple’s journey that began with a chance encounter in college, and a relationship that flourished from best friends to something more long lasting. As their bond grew closer, the young man felt the time had come to make their commitment official. The only obstacle as a student being his limited finances. So, he set out to create a marriage proposal on a shoestring budget. After working during breaks in classes for a year and spending all his money to purchase a ring on layaway from the jewelry store in the mall, there was nothing left for the grand proposal. He would need to improvise.
In their brief talks about the idea of a proposal in the future, she emphasized to him that, because she only planned to experience this moment once in her lifetime, she had three special requests. First, she wanted him to pick a time when she was dressed appropriately and not just wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt. Secondly, she wanted him to make sure it would be recorded through video and/or pictures in some way, so that her family could share in it later. Lastly, she wanted to be surprised in a way that only he could do.
After careful thought and deliberation, he wanted the moment to be so perfect that he experienced proposal-block instead. He decided it would be better to approach it organically until the timing felt just right.
He began by creating a video featuring the engagement ring as the main character. For nearly a year, the ring secretly traveled to places special to them. It rested among the flowers in the shadow of the iconic Clock Tower at Western Carolina University, where she studied, and toured the landmarks on NC State’s campus, where he attended. Their friends, who all vowed to keep the secret, posed for photos with it. The ring accompanied them to concerts, festivals and even the beach during vacation. Their families saw it, too, offering their blessings for the union.
During this time, an opportunity arose: a Student Government Conference in Washington, DC, taking place over the summer break. The city held sentimental value for them, sharing fond memories of special events in the recent past. The conference offered the perfect setting, and best of all, their hotel and meals were covered.
On the final night of the conference, his plan was set in motion. They attended an elegant dinner requiring cocktail attire, fulfilling her first request. Earlier that day, he secretly shared his idea with their new friends from Texas A&M University and her conference roommate, asking for their help capturing the proposal through pictures and video, checking off her second request. Lastly, they would be the ones to suggest the evening tour after dinner, making it appear spontaneous. Check off her final request, and the list is complete. They were all very excited to be a part of something special.
After dinner, the night progressed perfectly, and she remained blissfully unaware as their group explored DC’s landmarks. They passed the White House and took in the Washington Monument, finally arriving at the Reflecting Pool beneath the Lincoln Memorial. He gave a subtle nod to the others, and they all grouped together a few feet away and had their cameras ready. He then turned gently towards her and, just as planned, the moment unfolded. One friend approached her with a handwritten note. Confused, she read the message. Another friend handed her a second note. Again, she was shocked because only the couple knew the importance of these messages. Then another. In total, she received six notes, all written in his handwriting. As she read the final one, her eyes welled with tears. He bent down on one knee and opened the ring box, revealing the treasure he had carried all this time. Speaking softly, he conveyed his heartfelt words while a crowd of tourists gathered around to witness. Then, unexpectedly, in a most precious moment, she sank to her knees as well, staring deeply into his eyes. As he finished his proposal, she answered with an immediate “Yes!” and leapt into his arms. Their new Aggie friends and the crowd of bystanders erupted in simultaneous cheers of joy and delight for them.
Under the moonlit sky, with stars shining above, the gentle light of the Reflecting Pool, and the Washington Monument softly glowing in the distance, beneath the watchful gaze of Abraham Lincoln, this moment instantly became an unforgettable memory of love and commitment.
Their wedding date was still a year away (after graduation), but this one night in DC would be one they would cherish forever.
The happy couple happens to be my son and his new fiancée. Victorian Poet Robert Browning once said, “When children find true love, parents find true joy.” Here’s to your joy and ours, from this day forward. Congratulations to you both!
Musical Selection: FINNEAS – Angel (Lyric Video)
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“I never knew I needed you, before I found you for the first time.” ~ Finneas
