Surprise proposal at the Benjamin Hotel in New York City, New York

“I walked into the Benjamin Hotel, where my best friend Antonio greeted me. He walked my now fiancée and me upstairs to what I thought would be a party. I was escorted through this room with an elaborate spread to this rooftop. I saw my aunt first and thought, “Who does she know here?” Then I looked and saw my closest friends and family.

Still confused, I looked ahead to see a photographer and the words, “Marry me” on a mirror. After I accepted a rose from every special person in the crowd, I turned around and the love of my life looked at me and got on her knees. She said, “When you entered my life, I wasn’t in search of anything but little did I know that a simple ‘Hello’ would’ve led us to this moment. Simone, your love has left a permanent mark and I surrender my heart to you. Simone, you are my world and life does not go on without you and India and I love you, so with that being said: Will you marry me?”

I said yes! I’m still in disbelief.. but it doesn’t matter because I’m still so in love. You made our night so perfect. You are a picture of love and grace. I look forward to life and love with you. It all started with a message on a dating app in 2016 and through highs and lows, we have arrived at this beautiful place. I will never let go of where we are and I promise to cherish her heart with all I have. I can never repay her for this moment but I will try by loving her each moment of each day with every breath.” —from Simone, one half of the couple