The Engagement Story (E Day, Phase 3: The Day)

The fun only increased during the week as Jessi told almost everyone she knew about the amazing prize she’d won. And, of course, I encouraged all of my friends to ask her about it too (so sly). I just loved seeing her excitement as she recounted the story in disbelief.

When the day of the event actually arrived, I awoke at 5:00 a.m. preoccupied with the details of the day. I still had to pay the limousine company, coordinate pickup with the photographer, and invite people to the after party. And Jessi couldn’t know about any of it.

I met Jessi at the conference at 9:00 and hung around through lunch. Right after that I bolted for the limo company. I spoke with the driver to explain the setup for the evening. He needed to know the flow and how to work with the photographer. I then called the photographer to let her know where to meet the driver prior to them picking us up. With that done, I headed back to change clothes and get everything ready. Time was getting tight, and my head hurt from scrutinizing every minutiae of the plan. My main concern laid with keeping the proposal a surprise and praying Jessi would feel incredibly special during the night.

A few months ago, Jessi had mentioned she would like me to speak with her friends if I ever planned on proposing. I knew that tipping them off too early would risk spoiling any surprise (no offense ladies). So, one hour before we jumped in the limo, I started calling like crazy. I also called some of our friends at the conference and told them about the proposal and after party. The plan was now in full swing.

Jessi and I hopped in the limo right at 6:00, and away we went. In the back of a luxurious vehicle with a gorgeous woman on our way to shoot some fun photos, I couldn’t have been better. So far, I thought Jessi had never even entertained the notion that I might be behind this whole ordeal. I was about to learn otherwise.

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