The Engagement Story (E Day, Phase 1: Registration)

Operation “E Day”

The Vision: One evening that would capture her heart forever and let her know how incredibly special she is.

The Mission: Create the perfect plan to shock her socks off and leave her head reeling in delight.

Introduction and Background: Jessi and I met two years ago in Fort Collins, CO at the Campus Crusade for Christ staff conference. We reconnected last fall over Facebook and began communicating daily. We have been dating "officially" since January 2nd of this year, at which time I flew up to her home state of Minnesota to make my intentions clear. She agreed to hold my hand as I went through vigorous training to become an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Neither one of us knew the challenges nor the joy that laid ahead.

Over the course of the next seven months we shared our lives through constant letters, packages, phone calls, text messages, emails, and numerous visits halfway across the country. As we both sought the Lord daily and deepened our relationship, I came to the realization that I didn't want to spend another day apart from this wonderful woman. And so enters the story you're about to read.

Two months of planning and scheming would come to fruition over the course of one week. The main effort of the operation, to include the proposal, would occur on Thursday, July 23rd. Phase 1 began the previous Friday.

Registration

Having registered for the VIP Club on Bisetti's Ristorante website, I received a confirmation email from the family-owned Colorado business. With the utmost attention to detail, I manipulated their email to announce a “30th Anniversary Giveaway”. This newly crafted prize package would include a limousine ride around Fort Collins, CO, a professional photographer to capture the memories, and a romantic dinner in the exclusive “cubby” for two at the restaurant.

Satisfied with my fabrication, I forwarded the email to Jessi with the subtle suggestion that she register. To ensure my appearance of innocence, I emailed a link for a legitimate offer from another Fort Collins restaurant.

Inside the forwarded email I inserted a link to a simple registration page I had created. In order to make the site look authentic, I borrowed the logo from the restaurant and dropped it in. I also created a whole new account using their name to lend more credibility to the deal. The registration system emailed me as soon as she took the bait and registered. Phase 1 complete!

Click here to view Phase 2.

Acknowledgement: The idea that would evolve into “E Day” originated from another love struck Campus Crusade for Christ staff member. Oscar Avalos had his girlfriend believing she had won a dinner for two at the Cheesecake Factory in Denver, CO. He treated her to her “free” dinner and then popped the question in a great spot not far from the restaurant. I just took Oscar’s ingenious plan and expounded upon it.