I have to confess that I don’t really get the big, production number proposal. It’s not that I have anything at all against it if it floats your boat. It’s more a case that it not only doesn’t float my boat, it befuddles my poor little dingy.
And while making a bigger deal out of it certainly wouldn’t have made me say no to Mr. Twistie, the fact is that I’m glad he went for the incredibly low-key approach. Here’s how the conversation went in November of 1991:
Mr. Twistie: June thirteenth is a sunday in 1993.
(very long pause)
Me: Ah. (slightly shorter pause) And…?
Mr. Twistie: I know you like thirteen.
(another very long pause)
Me: Yes, I do. And…?
Mr. Twistie: Oh, well, I thought maybe we could get married that day.
Yeah, yeah, I know, many a lady would have beaned Mr. Twistie with a brick at that point, but my heart fluttered and I knew this was right. Why? Because as odd and seemingly unromantic as it sounds, he’d taken so much about who I am into consideration. He’d thought about how long I would need to get ready (and he knew I was going to make my own lace, so that needed some considering!), a meaningful date (thirteen is my lucky number), and my desire to be married out of doors.
In short, while I can certainly see why it isn’t for everyone, it was the perfect proposal for me, and I wouldn’t change it with one where I was whisked off to Paris or suddenly saw my name and the Big Question on the Jumbotron or where he went down on bended knee at some Important Family Event.
But while there’s no way in heaven, hell or anywhere in between that I would want to change what I got, I still get wibbly when I hear a good story where somebody went the extra mile to make that proposal just right for the person being asked.
And that’s why I got a bit misty-eyed at an entry at CakeSpy a couple days ago. In addition to her blog discussing various and sundry delicious sweet treats, Jessie the head spy is a professional illustrator. Her speciality is watercolors of anthropomorphized cupcakes in various whimsical situations.
Not long ago, she got a commission to do a series of four pictures. The fellow commissioning them was about to propose to a fan of Jessie’s work…and he wanted pictures of their romantic trip to San Francisco and his proposal to give the lady.
The Big Proposal as a concept may continue to befuddle me, but damn! there’s a guy who definitely got it right. I hope you’ll all join me in wishing the happy couple all joy and a marriage just as sweet as the illustrations of the proposal.
I loved how my partner proposed to me, first he took me out for spaghetti because he knew it was my fave meal, then he was going to propose on a jetty near where we first meet but it was to crowded and he got a bit shy. So he took me to a beach where we watched the sun set, and queitly asked if i wanted to get married. i loved it and would not change a thing. Oh and he took me on his motorbike because he knows i like getting on the back.
That sounds lovely, Blossom! He definitely knew the way to your heart…and that’s the thing that counts.
My husband apparently seriously considered doing a Jumbotron proposal. I’m glad he didn’t though! His proposal was very low key–he gave me a gift of an art pottery vase of a type I collect on the anniversary of the day we moved in together. There was a piece of paper inside that turned out not to be the receipt, but a note from him saying “will you marry me? Check the correct box” There was a large box for “yes,” and a tiny one for “no.” I ran and got my good pen and checked “yes.” Then we kissed. And I cried. It was the perfect proposal for us. The note is now framed in our living room.
Pencils, that’s a delightful story! I would have framed that note, too.
Your guy knew the way to your heart! Congrats! Great read!