It all began on the campus of Ohio University in the fall of 2002. We were both graduate students at the time. I was taking a digital video editing class and our teacher’s assistant had a friend stop in to say “hello.” That friend’s name was David. He introduced himself and extended an invitation to me, my friend and a few other classmates to his place for a dinner party. I was new to the area and thought it would be a goodwill gesture and accepted the invitation. We all had a good time that night laughing and talking. As the night came to an end, we all exchanged information. Soon after we went on Winter break.

Fast forward to late winter/early spring of 2007, David and I are still hanging “tight” as friends. I considered him as “Just a Friend”.  He later suggests a proposition to me.  He says “since we enjoy spending time together as friends, let’s try being in a relationship.” I had to think long and hard about it because I knew there was a possibility that I would be loosing a great friend if things did not work out. I knew he was a great person and for the first time in our friendship both of us were single. After a year and three months of courtship, David thought it was time to make a serious commitment.

In late May of 2008, David kept insisting we go on a picnic. Thinking nothing of it, I went along with his plan. Usually, I am the one who plans our social calendar and activities. This time, David was serious about planning the picnic from start to finish.

We arrived at the park and it was a lovely sunny afternoon. There were a lot of people there enjoying the day. We set up our picnic under a tree facing the lake. David unpacked everything and set up quite a nice spread. He asked me to bring my laptop so we could listen to music. Half way through the picnic, while I was taking random photos he asked, “Do you see my Luther Vandross CD any where?” I said “No.” So he jumps up and runs to the car to get the CD. I still have no clue as to what was going on. Earlier in the week, it seemed like each time I talked to him on the phone he was playing that same CD, I just thought he was in a “Luther” mood. He comes back with the CD and puts it in the computer. By this time, I am just lounging on the blanket sipping wine and water. It was then he asked me several times in a row if I wanted a soda. Finally, after the third time asking, he grabs one of the bottles of his favorite sodas I brought for him months ago. He said to me “look at this picture on the bottle”. It was a picture of a man on bended knee proposing to his girlfriend. I sarcastically said, “this would be a great time to propose but too bad you took the ring back.” Earlier in the year, we went looking for rings, David told me he bought a ring, but ended up taking it back. I figured he was not ready for marriage and all thoughts of a proposal went out of the window.  As he is holding this bottle, he says “Well let me practice what I would say if I were to propose.” He went on to tell me he was really happy our friendship evolved into a relationship, and I was the best girlfriend he ever had. It was then I begin to think maybe he is serious. He jokes around a lot.  I tried to grab the bottle away from him but he would not let me touch it! His hand was covering the neck and top of the bottle. When he released his hand from the bottle it revealed an engagement ring tied to the top of the bottle with a ribbon. It was then he asked me to marry him.

We would like to enter to win the Free Party Planning Service for an Engagement Party. We want to host all of our family and friends who have been so supportive in words and in prayers. Our friendship, turned courtship, turned engagement and soon to be marriage.

30% off The Peaceful Dove "Day Of" Service ($800 value)
Free Special Occasion or Groom's Cake (up to a $125 value)
Free Bridal Bouquet ($125 value)
Free Intimate Party Planning Service ($300-$500 value)
(maximum 20-25 guest, dinner party, luncheon, baby/bridal shower, or romantic evening for 2)