Engagement Story: Alison and Irene

Home Sweet Home
A cozy proposal keeps things private and unexpected

By Alison Zack

Irene and I had been together for five years when she proposed in 2008. Being a big romantic, she had dreamed up several scenarios where she wanted to pop the question, but when it came time, we didn't even make it out of the apartment.

It was a regular Monday night. Irene and I were watching “Jeopardy,” as we always do after work. She reached over and started moving the coffee table, and I was thinking, “What's she doing that for?” Next thing I knew, she was down on one knee, saying the sweetest things that ended with “Will you marry me?” Even though it was no secret that I wanted us to be married, I didn't see this coming at all. I was caught completely off guard, and I'm not sure I even said yes, but I do know I was crying and giggling and really touched by how nervous she was. We were both crying and a little overwhelmed, so we decided to get out of the house and go out to dinner. One pitcher of sangria later, we were feeling a lot better and ready to call our closest friends and family. It took a couple weeks for us to really start telling people. Personally, I think I just needed to let it sink in.

And because Irene knows me soooo well, she knew I would want to pick out my engagement ring together. We spent a few weekends window-shopping until I found a ring that was just right.

Fast forward to one year later...

Irene and I went to one of our favorite restaurants on the one-year anniversary of our engagement. It was a casual night, but she was acting odd most of the evening. I didn't think much of it. After dinner, we went for a stroll, but Irene just wasn't herself and seemed really distracted. She stopped to "tie her shoe," which I immediately brought to her attention was not untied, when she gets down on one knee AGAIN and pulls out a ring box. She told me she wasn't satisfied with her original proposal and wanted a do-over. This time, she chose an opal ring (both of our birthstones are opal) with six diamond chips representing the six years we had been together at the time. It was beautiful.

We're getting married this October in Connecticut, with a reception in NYC where we live. Follow our planning as we get closer to our big day at http://www.mybigfatgaywedding.com.

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