Deb and I knew that we are destined for each other. So after a year or so of dating, I asked Deb to marry me on New Year's Eve 2000 (my birthday) in front of many of our friends.
I am not known to keep a secret, surprise or anything else that I should wait before telling. I guess I get too excited about it and just want to share the news right away. Many a present has been opened well before its intended date which usually means one thing: I have to go out and get another present for the actual event. The only way I have learned to deal with this affliction is to wait until the last minute before purchasing what I want to. This works for most occasions, but getting a wedding ring isn't exactly your last minute endeavor (or at least not mine).
I promised myself to keep the ring and the proposal date a secret no matter what. Fortunately the ring arrived a week before New Years, but even before it came I was trying my best not to give anything away. I kept telling myself that this would be the one time I could keep a secret. Deb and I both knew we were going to be together forever. When that would "officially" start was still a bit undecided.
Deb's a great party planner and wanted to do something special for my 30th birthday. She invited our friends over for an early birthday celebration and then arranged for the party to continue at a club with one of our favorite bands (General Public...just what I needed to hold onto my youth). Friends, balloons, food, champagne, and a huge cake were ordered. It would be the perfect time for me to make my move.
I didn't have an elaborate plan, but did think things out a bit. First I would throw off any suspicion that a proposal would be taking place. How did I do this? Well, I just acted lazy and nonchalant about the whole event. Not only did she not expect it, she got a little upset that I wasn't more grateful about the night (perfect!). Second, I didn't tell a soul (well, maybe one or two people...but no one else) about the ring and my plans. I needed some confirmation that the ring was good and my plan sounded reasonable (fortunately, I received a "yes" and "yes"). Third I made a mental note that when the cake came out, I would use my speech time after blowing out the candles to propose. Everyone would be listening and my starting to talk wouldn't seem too out of the ordinary (the perfect surprise).
So what happened? Well the friends, balloons, food and champagne came out...especially the champagne. All of my friends wanted to toast with me so the drinks kept on flowing. We were having such a good time; no one remembered to bring out the cake. My plan was going awry. People wanted to head out to see the band. I panicked.
So I tried to get everyone's attention. I tried hard to piece together a new opening line ("Thanks for the great cake" didn't seem too appropriate). I managed to get on my knee and get most people to quiet down. I told Deb how wonderful she is, how life really started the day we met and asked her to marry me. Half way through my mini-speech, people realized what I was doing (after all, this was not expected by anyone) and were so excited. Deb was shocked (in a good way) and yes completely surprised!