What did you expect? Alex and I would only propose once?! I mean, c’mon, two weddings, two dresses, two outfits, two of a whole lotta things… Yes, we proposed twice. Well, each of us proposed once, but it was two in total so…ah well, you know what I mean.
We figured out a while back that we’d both propose, and I think we also kind of knew that I would be the one to propose first. (Or at least I did–Alex is way more patient than I am!) So, I found the ring, spoke with her parents, picked a day (Easter Sunday 2009), and attempted to prepare to propose. By that I mean, I tried to figure out to say–mostly wanting to write her a poem (I’m a poet) but having it not happen!–and relying on a few phrases that would get me through in a pinch (mostly that ‘I want to go on this journey with you’). Then, I waited the two weeks for the day to come.
When she said yes (eventually), we wrote this transcript of my proposal to send out to family and friends back home to announce our engagement.
12th April 2009
Erica: On March 31st, I sat down with Alex’s parents for a chat (more on that later) in St. James’s Park in front of Buckingham Palace. Alex had no idea.
Alex: I had no idea.
E: We arranged for Easter Sunday to be the day; they would be around the corner, waiting, with champagne to celebrate with us and family friends, S&J.
A: I had no idea. I was busy celebrating being 25.
E: Alex and I arrived in Fowey on Thursday for Easter weekend. It was torture not telling her anything about the plans–so I told all my classmates in London instead!
A: I was just happy to be in Fowey at last!
…Easter weekend…
A: The weather is beautiful on Easter Sunday. We’ve finished our Sunday roast and decide to go for a walk up to the St. Catherine’s Castle, except I don’t want to go.
E: I quickly convince Alex that it is a GOOD idea to go for a walk–we can visit the big oak tree after all!–and today is a very special day for me: Easter reminds of a time when you can build your own kind of family and today I am here with her.
A: So off we go, with the rest of the family up ahead: Mum, Dad, S&J.
E: I haven’t been nervous up to this point. Just excited. Really excited. But now I’m nervous, and walking really fast!
A: I still have no idea. I’m just happy walking along with my love.
E: We get to the tree–and no one’s around, phew. The ring’s in my pocket. I had a speech planned, but that’s all gone out of my head at this point. I look at my love.
A: She hangs my jacket over a branch of the tree, looks into my eyes and says: ‘Alex, I honour you. I want to go on this journey with you.’ And then she gets down on one knee–at which point I forget how to breathe, and start crying–and she says ‘Alex, will you marry me?’ And she pulls out the ring.
E: Meanwhile, I’m freaking out and trying to remember all the bits I wanted to say–like ‘Alexandra’ not ‘Alex,’ and the romantic leading-up bit about having found the love of my life–and now my left knee is kind of wet and she says ‘But I’m wearing mascara! Are you serious?’ Yep, she is, and I am serious.
A: And then I say ‘Yes.’
E: And then she says ‘Yes’… but I’m not sure I believe her. So I ask her again, as I untie the ring from its ribbon.
A: And I say ‘Yes, without hesitation.’
E: Then we kiss!
A: Our first kiss as fiancées!
E & A: We don’t take any pictures, but there’s more talking and hugging and kissing and we go round the corner to the shelter on the cliff above St. Catherine’s castle and enjoy champagne and strawberries and chocolate Easter eggs in the beautiful Cornish sunshine.
Ah, the first proposal. It was sweet and scary and wonderful and surprising. Lesson learned: Alex may like surprises but can say silly things initially in response, for example ‘Are you serious? I’m wearing mascara?’ (WHAT?!?)
Alex’s Engagement Ring (Photo by me.)
For the next re-telling, I’ll be interviewing Alex for her side of her proposal…
Awww, so sweet!
So cute!! Two is your lucky number!!
[...] promised before when I wrote about my proposal to Alex on Easter Sunday, I interviewed the lovely Alex for her side of the story of her proposal [...]