"We Missed the Boat!"

[AfricanVenus]

My engagement story goes something like this:

 

Ok, my boyfriend and I have known for some time that we were going to get engaged. We met while I was in law school at our on-campus bible study. I was involved with someone else at the time, so we were just friends and remained so until I broke up with the other guy. I call him my surprise, because he literally came out of nowhere at a time where I thought I couldn't love another.

 

Anywho, we started dating and drew closer. Eventually, we went ring shopping and I saw the typical rings: solitaires, lots of diamonds, etc. Nothing jumped at me. So, I saw an earring that was sapphire surrounded in diamonds. My heart knew that was the style I wanted. Sapphires are my birthstone...Princess Di's engagement ring looked similar and I loved it as a child, and my name means "princess". What better fit?

 

After months of bargaining, our salesman leaving, and getting the precise look we wanted, my fiance informed me that he got the ring. We met with both of our parents to let them know our intentions and they blessed our union. I was on pins and needles trying to figure out when he would propose. He kept trying to get me off his scent and even enlisted the aid of my greatest ally, my sister to help keep it a secret!

 

My church had plans to go on the Spirit of Philadelphia Cruise on 9/11/10. I didn't particularly want to go, but my mom insisted. Come to find out, she was also plotting behind my back for a surprise birthday party (my b-day is 9/12). So, each conspirator used the other's shindig as a cover up.

 

Once 9/11 rolls around, I'm running late, but I manage to race to Philly on time...except I got stuck in traffic for 25 minutes on the bridge. I could literally see the boat from the bridge, but couldn't move 2 inches forward. Basically, we missed the boat and I felt sooo bad! My friends were coming to surprise me from North Jersey, but got a flat on the way and missed it too! I felt so bummed, but the remaining guest list decided to find a restaurant and celebrate my b-day low key. I figured he was using the boat as a venue to propose, so if we missed it, there would be no engagement.

 

We ate at a wonderful Indian restaurant and they got me a cake and sang. Afterwards, my fiance started telling me how much he loved my smile, my presence, and wanted to know if I would grow old with him. I just couldn't stop smiling and laughing! He looked so nervous and got down on one knee, pulled out my ring and started to put it on my finger. I said, "I didn't answer you yet!" He stopped, I said yes of course you crazy man, and that was that. It was videotaped and really the best way to do it.

 

Apparently, he had planned to propose to me on the deck of the boat surrounded by everyone and then come back down and have the captain announce our engagement. That woulda been great, but I'm glad it happened the way it did. From the way that day started out, it was the perfect way to make it better.

 

So, yea, it'll be a funny one for the grandkids some day :-D

[Moments That Matter]

Sometimes the best days of our life start off with things going wrong. I think that just puts everything into perspective and makes us appreciate life that much more!

Wonderful story!! Best of luck with everything.

[DiamondGirl]

Great story!! This is proof that regardless what the original plans are and it doesn't happen, things will always work themselves out. Congratulations!!

[AfricanVenus]

Thank you both! I am in complete agreement God bless you both!

[jenrick]

What a great story!  Congratulations and happy planning!

[AfricanVenus]

It's actualy quite fun to plan. Thanks Jenrick!