Engagement

Malisa's Version of the Story

So as a girl, I had convinced myself that Brian was not going to propose until I was in Boston this summer. So on Thursday morning as he mentioned that we were going to go out that night and that I could dress up (which I LOVE to do), I was excited because Brian plans the world's best dates but I didn't think anything else of it. As we headed downtown I was looking forward to seeing what was ahead of us that evening.

Brian had been acting really, really giddy the week before he came to Seattle, but again, I had convinced myself that we weren't going to get engaged until summer so I was just enjoying his giddiness. As we parked the car and headed down the street to one of my favorite places in Seattle, Pike Place Market it was fun to dream about what we were going to make for the dinner party I had planned for two days later with some of my favorite Seattle friends.

Pike Place Market and Oh My God Peaches We talked about fava beans, asparagus, and purple potatoes which isn't out of the norm for our conversations since we both love to cook. As we walked to the end of the market Brian bought me a tulip which was so very sweet. Again, this man is amazing, I thought to myself. We followed the path right across the street to a park overlooking the Puget Sound, pretty beautiful spot, and it had just finished raining.

We were looking at the water and Brian looked at me and said, "Malisa the last eight and a half months have been incredible and I think that it was about November when I realized that not only do I like you but I LOVE YOU."

Okay, this was a really big deal, we hadn't said I LOVE YOU and so that statement was a big step. I said, "I love you too, Brian." Thinking that was it!

Then he said, "I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Brian proposes on one knee

At that point I gasped and maybe even let out a little scream and before I knew it he was on one knee in front of me.

"Malisa, will you marry me?"

I said, "Yes," and hugged him and at that point I was shaking not just on the inside but the outside as well. I was so excited I forgot to look at the ring. Brian stood up, put the ring on my finger and when a few minutes had passed, I was still shaking, he mentioned that we should get someone to take a picture, I agreed thinking for sure that would be a good photo moment.

"What about your best friend?" then out from behind a garbage can in the park popped my best friend Tammy. Surprised again and thinking I can't believe I am getting married to this incredible man. The night continued with Seattle Best coffee and calls home to our parents. Followed by an incredible evening at Union restaurant for dinner where Brian had taken me in the fall on his first visit to Seattle. They sat us at the same table that we had in September, brought us champagne and helped us celebrate the engagement. When I came home, Brian opened the door and sitting on the table was a huge bunch of flowers that he had delivered while we were out. Again, I can't believe I get to marry this man.

Brian's Version of the Story

Before our engagement, Malisa in her red dress All I told Malisa about our date on Thursday, April 10 was that she needed to keep it free for a fancy date. Not out of the ordinary, but it allowed Malisa to wear her new red dress [and boy did she look gorgeous in it]. We started at Pike Place Market in Seattle and walked out to Victor Steinbrueck Park, which overlooks the Puget Sound. This location was significant for both of us because its the spot where we had our first kiss. We stood for a few minutes looking out to sea, and then I turned and looked her deep in the eyes.

"Malisa, the last eight and a half months have been amazing. [pause]. At some point in there, I realized that not only do I like you, I love you."

"I love you too."

Now at this point, I should say, this is the first time weve said 'I love you.' So, to Malisa this was a really significant step forward. I should also say that Malisa was not expecting a proposal until the summer, so she was just enjoying the "I love you."

"and Id like to spend the rest of my life with you." At this point, Malisa took a big surprised breath in. She says the next thing she knew, I was down on one knee. Ring box in hand. Opened.

"Malisa Canto, will you marry me?"

The Ring No hesitation. She didnt even look at the ring. "Yes!" she screamed.

Huge hug. The ring on her finger. A kiss.

Shes shaking. Smiling. Jumping up and down. Crying.

"Maybe we should have someone take our picture," I offered.

"OK." She said, still a little shakey.

"How about your roommate?"

Another scream. Malisas best friend Tammy popped up from behind a rubbish bin where she had been taking photos and video of the whole thing. We had a little photo shoot on the spot and then said goodbye to Tammy.

Proposal AfterglowMalisa and I got engaged at about 6:00 pm. The rain started a little at about 6:10, so we popped into Seattles Best Coffee for a free "Engagement Roast" and to call our parents. We had dinner at Union (with complementary champagne), then went back to Malisas house. At the house there was a huge bouquet of roses and lilies that made the whole place fragrant. We put on some music and danced in the living room.

Not a bad engagement story, if I do say so myself.