In our super-cyber age there is no Emily Post directive on how to announce via a blog, Twitter, and/or Facebook that you are engaged. My guts told me that there was a cadre of family and close friends who deserved a visit, phone call, or email, and I tried to get that done before mentioning a thing about it online. I’ll take my gold star for Adulthood now, thank you. (On the off chance that you are still in the dark, um, Surprise! I’m engaged!) I have been completely overwhelmed with the collective Squee’s and Congrats’ and other expressions of happiness from around the Interwebs after publishing this post and the subsequent Twitter and Facebook announcements. Thank you for being happy and excited for me! For us! (I’m an “us!” I love that!)
Would you like the rest of the story? Why am I even asking this, of COURSE you want the rest of the story! If you didn’t you’d be checking ESPN or BoringStuff Weekly or something instead of reading this blog. If you don’t care about my One True Love asking me to be his for ever and ever…well, then you can clickity-click-click that little box in the corner of your screen with the “x” on it and go do something else. For the next 8-ish paragraphs it will be strictly Engagement Story.
Last Saturday was a fantastically relaxing day followed by a delicious afternoon nap. When we woke up I asked J-Mo if he wanted to make dinner at home or go out and grab something. We had a wedding reception to attend and as we would be all dressed up for that in the first place (new dress for me, new stripey shirt for him) he decided that we should definitely go out. It would be fun to be all gussied up and out to dinner, something we hadn’t done in quite a while. He took me to Sawadee, one of my favorite Thai restaurants and the dinner-location of our first date. We’ve been there several times since we met, so I didn’t think anything of it (although I did make a remark about how I was wearing the same pair of boots I had worn on our first date last February. Kismet? Providence? Pure awesome? You decide.) Dinner was delicious –and I didn’t shatter my water glass like I had the first time we dined there–the wedding reception was lovely, and as we were leaving he tells me that we have to be back downtown by 8:00 to go to a show. I asked him if we were going to a movie. “No.” A comedy show? “No.” Are you going to tell me? “No.” Okaaaaay, fine.
We ended up at the Planetarium for a laser show—also an activity from our first date—and I started to get a little suspicious. From the bathroom, I texted my roommate and my BFF that I thought I was on a duplicate of my first date with J-Mo, and something might happen, and that I was perhaps a little nervous, but mostly really excited. (Yes, J-Mo, that is why I was in there so long.You’re not the only one who can be sneaky.)
And nothing. He does nothing, says nothing, makes it all completely normal and unremarkable, just dinner and a show–it’s not like we haven’t done that a hundred times before–although with more snuggling and hand-holding and sweet little kisses than on our first date where there wasn’t any snuggling. After watching lasers and trippy graphics set to the tunes of Led Zeppelin we went to the same frozen yogurt place from our first date where I opted for a Nutella-banana crepe, thinking it would probably be the best part of the night (it was pretty amazing, but no, not the best part of the night). At this point I was positive that he was doing this whole “take you on our first date all over again” thing just to throw me off. I knew he had already had a man-to-man conversation with my Dad, but was unsure if he had a ring yet. I thought it would take at least another week for that to happen.
After chatting over frozen yogurt and Nutella I hypothesized (in my inside voice, not my outside voice) that if he were going to propose that night he would probably drive up to some lovely vantage point with a beautiful view of the city. Nope, we went back to my house like the end of any other date. Up the stairs, nothing happening, I was sure he was just being sneaky and would surprise me the next weekend with a proposal. I unlock my door and start thinking about changing into pajamas and busting out the DVR because clearly I am a hip, happening girl at 9:30 on a Saturday night. We get inside and I head towards my room to take off my shoes and find some yoga pants. He caught me by my arm, turned me back around and said “Hold on. Ten months ago when I dropped you off at the end of our first date I didn’t know what else to do, but I do now.”
And he pulled out the ring box he’d had in his pocket THE ENTIRE LIVE-LONG DAY! Not “date,” D-A-Y. All day long that thing had been hiding in his jacket and he didn’t say a WORD.
Sneaky McSneakerson.
J-Mo told me that this ring has been around a long time–we think it’s from the 1920′s but it could be earlier–and has stories that he will never know. It’s been through a depression and survived wars and hard times and who knows what else. He said he went back and forth trying to decide if he wanted to buy this antique ring, or get a shiny new one instead. Ultimately, he opted for the antique. It’s not perfect, there are some scratches and dents, and the diamond in the center has a chip in it. He could have had the scratches buffed out and the diamond replaced, but in the end decided to leave it as it was. It has character. Only a trained jeweler’s eye and a microscope would be able to pick out such flaws. He said, “The thing is, Heidi, you have your own scratches, dents, and even a few chips, and I know that you worry about being ‘broken.’ ” (It’s true, I do worry; it’s one of my greatest fears.) He continued: “But you’re not broken. When I look at you that’s not what I see, all I see is this gorgeous, perfect woman. And when you look at this ring, you don’t see the flaws, you just see something whole and incredibly beautiful. I want you to remember that is how I see you. I love you for who you are. I don’t have to know your back stories, I don’t need to have you re-live all that hurt; the important thing is that we start our own story, together. Just you and me.”
Then he got down on his knee and asked me to marry him, right there in my living room with all my mascara running down my teary face. (Note to self: buy waterproof mascara.) It was perhaps the sweetest moment of my entire life, and every time I glance down at my left hand I hear his voice telling me all those heart-melting things all over again. I’ve had permanent happy-tears, I’ve been smiling constantly, and I don’t remember ever being this happy and content.
I’m yours forever, my love.
54 Comments so far
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Awww, this is beautiful! So very very happy for you guys!
Comment by Camels & Chocolate 2011 November 9 @ 6:46 amWow! That is such a beautiful ring and an even more beautiful story to go along with it. I am so happy for you guys!
Comment by Jennie 2011 November 9 @ 6:58 amHoly crap! That ring is amazing. He done good, Heidi. He done good. So… Is there a date yet???
Comment by Britt 2011 November 9 @ 7:23 amAhhh, what a GREAT story! And what incredible meaning you have in your ring. He definitely sounds like a keeper.
Comment by Melanie 2011 November 9 @ 7:40 amGorgeous ring, but even more gorgeous story! I love your “story of us” – it sounds pretty perfect to me
Comment by meekasmommy 2011 November 9 @ 8:30 amWell, if that’s not one of the sweetest, most tender, loving proposals I’ve ever heard, I don’t know what is! And that ring! Simply stunning! To a lifetime of happiness!!
Comment by Kym 2011 November 9 @ 8:38 amOMG – that is amazing! I love love love that you are happy and engaged and and and…Wahoo! The ring is gorgeous and you sound over the moon about it. So so happy for you, m’dear. Reading this might have made me need some waterproof mascara!!
Comment by Becky K 2011 November 9 @ 8:47 amWow, I am weeping over here! What a beautifu proposal! What a gorgeous ring! What a perfect fiance you have!
Comment by audrey 2011 November 9 @ 9:44 amOh my, I’m so crying over here after reading such a beautiful engagement story! Congratulations to you and J-Mo
That is a beautiful beginning to the story of you two!
Comment by Sparkle 2011 November 9 @ 9:56 amI got a bathroom text. Woohoo!!
Really so sweet. Didn’t we discuss how much we love the simple proposals to the big flashy ones? We gots good men, yes we did – despite all of our baggage. How blessed, blessed we are.
Comment by Adrianna 2011 November 9 @ 9:57 amThanks for making me cry this morning.
And congratulations! I was with D when she received your bathroom text and the whole dinner table was thrilled for you.
Comment by Naomi 2011 November 9 @ 10:08 amOh that so pretty! Good job J-mo! and the almost fakeout too!
Comment by Lisa 2011 November 9 @ 10:14 amAwh this made me all teary. It is indeed a wonderful thing to have someone who loves you so completely. (Also, your ring is gorgeous! And so unique!)
Comment by Britt 2011 November 9 @ 10:22 amCongratulations! I’m so happy for both of you!
Comment by Joanne 2011 November 9 @ 10:36 amWhat a smoot operator…
Congratulations! You deserve it!
Comment by SR Braddy 2011 November 9 @ 10:43 amwhat a great story! and the ring is spectacular (and way, way better than new)!
big congratulations, look forward to following your wedding plans!
xox,
Comment by julochka 2011 November 9 @ 10:57 am/j
This made me cry and I never cry. Your ring is one of the prettiest I’ve seen and what a story. Congrats again! Also Squeeee
Comment by Sarakastic 2011 November 9 @ 11:09 amLove, love, LOVE it! Congrats, again, on finding your perfect man!
Comment by Janelle 2011 November 9 @ 11:21 amA+ on the proposal. A++ on the ring – it’s amazeballs.
Comment by J P 2011 November 9 @ 11:45 amThat is so, so sweet! I got chills!
Comment by Allie 2011 November 9 @ 12:15 pmCongrats Heidi! You deserve it. I am long time reader of your blog and I’ve followed your life from afar. Seems like you have a good catch!
Enjoy this time in your life!
Comment by Nikki 2011 November 9 @ 12:23 pm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! best wishes to you and J-Mo!!!!!!!!!!
So exciting and such a perfect, perfect story
*hugs*
Comment by Heidi 2011 November 9 @ 1:13 pmOhhhhh. SUCH a great story… and SUCH an awesome ring. So happy for you guys! Now let’s get to wedding planning! EEEEE WEDDING.
Comment by Jess 2011 November 9 @ 1:31 pmThat’s a fantastic story… and by the way, congratulations! I’m excited for you guys!
Comment by spinch 2011 November 9 @ 2:00 pmYEAH!!!!!! What a wonderful story! I’m so excited for you! Best wishes to you in the future! (And I love the ring!!!)
Comment by Shannon 2011 November 9 @ 2:09 pmOkay J-Mo, you are a TOTAL catch. Beautiful engagement story and absolutely gorgeous ring!
Comment by Aly (@breathegently) 2011 November 9 @ 2:33 pmSO glad I was not eating oatmeal when I read this! sniff, sniff, sniff. The ring is beautiful but the sentiment behind it is even better. YAY!!!!!!!!
Comment by Amy So 2011 November 9 @ 2:53 pmBeautiful!!!!!!!!
Comment by Abby - Bright Yellow World 2011 November 9 @ 3:23 pmThat is a very sweet speech about the ring and you. Congratulations
Comment by Sra 2011 November 9 @ 3:53 pmCongratulations!
Comment by Megan 2011 November 9 @ 5:19 pmi mean. could this story be any freaking cuter!? ah. so happy for you. i mean seriously, the swoons. yay!
also, that ring? LOVE IT. so beautiful and love the antique feeling and story of it all.
Comment by katelin 2011 November 9 @ 6:24 pmOk, Chills. I’ve got the chills. I can’t say how happy I am for you, he sounds amazing! And the ring is so beautiful, I mean absolutely stunning!
Comment by Katie 2011 November 9 @ 7:37 pmSqueee! The ring is absolutely gorgeous and I loved reading all the details. Congratulations to both of you!
xo -E
Comment by Elizabeth 2011 November 9 @ 8:39 pmI love you so much. Really, I have wanted this feeling for you for as long as I can remember. I am so glad that your time came. You deserve all the happiness that Santa, the Tooth Fairy, Mickey Mouse and Peter Pan can dish out. Combined. LOVE YOU!
Comment by pinksuedeshoe 2011 November 9 @ 11:53 pmNo pressure. Sheesh. Santa and Peter Pan?
Comment by j-mo 2011 November 10 @ 9:31 am[...] If you are into reading gushy adorable engagement stories (or looking at stunning vintage diamonds) read her story here. Share this:FacebookTwitterEmailPrintMoreStumbleUponDiggRedditLike this:LikeBe the first to like [...]
Pingback by A Little Thrifting « pinksuedeshoe 2011 November 10 @ 12:34 amI love you and everything that is happening to you right now. You deserve ever ounce of it.
Comment by lauren 2011 November 10 @ 1:01 amCongrats!! So incredibly thrilled for you. And what a unique ring! I love it!
Comment by Hannah 2011 November 10 @ 1:05 amLove the ring very Classie! Still smiling! seeya hugya *G*
Comment by grungedandy 2011 November 10 @ 8:26 amWhat he said to you is making me cry. He is wonderful and you are delightful. So many congratulations.
Comment by K 2011 November 10 @ 9:17 amCONGRATS!!!
Comment by NPW 2011 November 10 @ 10:56 amDefinitely just teared up reading this in the middle of my biology class. Well played, Heidi.
Also, congratu-freaking-lations!!!! Cookies are in order
Comment by Mackenzi 2011 November 10 @ 11:41 amWowee!!! Way to save the ring photo for the very end. I actually gasped when I scrolled down – it is amazing, stunning, totally blingy and original, gorgeous, unique and (judging only by knowing your twin fairly well, in a non-creepy online way) utterly PERFECT for you. What a nice story (and I have read the back story), so I’m thrilled that you shared this lovely, lovely one. Congratulations. J-Mo sounds like a keeper.
Comment by Krista - Poppyprint 2011 November 10 @ 2:48 pmYAY!! Congrats and thanks for sharing your story!! It’s beautiful and I love the ring! I can hardly wait for a family reunion so I can meet this thoughtful, sweet guy!
Comment by Liz 2011 November 10 @ 8:02 pm<3!!!!
Comment by Fei 2011 November 11 @ 12:44 pmSuch wonderful news. Really enjoyed reading these posts. Sending many congratulations your way from London. Oh, the ring is fabulous!
Comment by A 2011 November 12 @ 11:49 amI am so happy to read this lovely story after seeing your giddy happiness over J.Mo in person this fall. Happy endings all around!
Congrats, dear.
Comment by Laurel of Sass Attack, RIP 2011 November 13 @ 8:42 amOk this totally made me cry. I can’t believe how wonderful that proposal was. You are a lucky girl! And a deserving one. Congratulations!!
Comment by Kayla 2011 November 14 @ 4:49 pmWow! I need a tissue! I am so happy for you both! Love ya Girl!
Comment by Lex 2011 November 14 @ 10:11 pmeverything about this is so perfect. here’s the thing… even without knowing you all that well, getting to know you more through this blog of yours and all your life experiences you have shared, i can honestly say that you, more than anyone else i know, deserve every bit of this and much, much more. i am so happy for you and wish you two all the best in the world!
Comment by shelli 2011 November 15 @ 1:17 pmHEIDI!!!! Oh my goodness, congratulations soo so so so so much!!!! I am sooo happy for you, I’m crying! What a beautiful story. And more than that, what a beautiful person you are! Such a great guy you have. Soo happy for you both!
Comment by Ciarra 2011 November 17 @ 1:57 pmI am *so* behind on my blog-reading (as always) and I am at the tail end of a lot of comments, but I *had* to say congratulations! I got engaged on July 4 (the setting belonged to his mom, who passed away less than two weeks later), and I know how it is to feel broken, and to wonder if you’ll ever be whole again…and also to know the miracle of finding someone who sees past the flaws and scratches and chips. So many congratulations to you & your fiance!
Comment by **Dawn** 2011 December 8 @ 12:32 pm[...] sweetened the pot by saying she got another set of tickets and she and her new fiance would be attending with [...]
Pingback by hola, isabel » Blog Archive » In Which I get to sing with the mormon tabernacle choir 2011 December 9 @ 12:34 pmHOW DID I MISS THIS POST!
Comment by Durga 2011 December 10 @ 8:30 pmCONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!! HAPPY DANCE….YAAAY!!! SOOOOO SOOOOOO HAPPPYYYYY FOR YOUUUUUU BOTH!!!!
You have no idea how so happy I am at this minute.
Now I have to read all the following postsss xxx