How I Got Engaged

Once upon a time, I had an idea for the perfect way to propose to the woman of my dreams. I hadn't met her yet- but I knew the idea was great. Well I did meet her, and you know how things go. Year after year we dated, but the right financial moment and time would not meet to accomplish the idea. But I was determined to propose the way I wanted. We were married in November of 2008 and I've never looked back, and this is how I made it happen.

Early in 2007 my then girlfriend found out that her sister was moving across the country to Montana. Now I'd had proposing in mind for a while, but I figured this event was perfect timing since it would take her mind off her sister's leaving, and frankly it was the excuse I needed to take action. Still, I had to put a lot of pieces into motion to make this the red carpet event I imagined it to be.

Where to start? I'm no fool. With testosterone driven smarts, and a shared twelve pack of beer I asked her father for her hand in marriage. Let's face it; if you're going to do something like this the right way you want all the support you can get. Gotta tell you, I thought he would say yes, but I was still a bit nervous. I had a friend who asked for a girl's hand in marriage and the father said, "I'll get back to you." Took him a month! Yikes! Luckily my charm, or the manly beer bond, worked and Jessica's Dad was on board.

In my mind I figured that the way to propose to a woman as amazing as Jessica was to create an entire atmosphere of excitement, drama and love. I set out to design a setting that would convey my pure certainty that she is the love of my life, and that I wanted the whole world to know it. It had to signify my willingness to work to earn her hand in marriage, and my recognition that this was a huge leap of faith I was asking her to take. Faith in me. Finally, I wanted to send the message that I was willing to embrace the people that were most important to her and that we would create a life that included all of them.

Where would this be? On our first date I had take Jessica out to a movie at a local theater. I figured that would be our perfect venue. After a couple of conversations with the manager, I was able to rent out a movie theater room for $500. Small price to pay for a lifetime of commitment, right? So I told her that I'd scored a free pair of movie tickets from a co-worker who was suddenly called out of town. It seemed plausible enough, a great reason for an unexpected date. She seemed to buy it.

On the big night we walked into an exceptionally dark movie theater. I had requested that so that she wouldn't notice about 25 of our closest friends and family huddled in the dark. Was I nervous? Absolutely!

With heart pounding and shaky legs I somehow managed to lead Jessica to the front of the theater. We sat down and the movie previews started to play. After a few minute the previews stopped and the lights came on. I turned around in my seat, looked toward the back of the theaters and said, "Look what's going on in the projector room."

She gave a quick glance, but didn't even notice any of our friends and relatives who filled the room. Now Jessica is a bit shy (part of her charm), and it took some real convincing to get her to even turn around long enough to really look behind her long enough to figure out what was going on.

Once she took in the view and started to realize what was happening, I rose from my seat and bent down on one knee. Then, surrounded by those we loved, in the place where it all began, I proposed to the woman of my dreams. Luckily, she said yes, and we were married one year later. If the beginning of a relationship has any bearing on its success, I figure we are in for a life of love and fun!