“Since December of 2014, I knew she was going to be the one I spent the rest of my life with, but I didn’t know how I was going to ask for her hand in marriage. I was informed in early December that her family was celebrating her Auntie Elaine’s 65th birthday party in my hometown, New York City on June 13th. I knew then that that was my perfect opportunity to propose. After several ideas were formulated, I decided to take a sentimental route that highlighted the milestones in our love story.
I created our “1st Date Book” as a walk down memory lane recapping numerous “first date” encounters between us, such as our first walk on campus, our first date, and even our first HBCU homecoming as a couple. I prerecorded a voice over featuring yours truly, and narrated the timeless collage of memories in a custom-made photo album. The idea in my heart finally started turning into reality. Jessica had no idea I was going to be in New York during the family trip to celebrate Auntie Elaine’s birthday (thanks Mom, Dad and Mom Jennifer for keeping the secret for so long). I solicited the assistance of a few friends and even a new acquaintance who helped execute this very special moment even better then I could have ever imagined. In front of family and friends, the well-constructed plot began.
My friend Costal entered with a bouquet of roses posing as a random stranger that got asked to drop off these flowers to “some news anchor” named Jessica in exchange for $20 dollars. Then a singer Jared walked in immediately after looking for Jessica and sang a melody of Michael Jackson’s “Lady in my Life”. Lastly, my friend Jequan entered with a box containing an iphone and the “1st Date Book.” He asked Jessica to press play.
As my voice over commenced, I slowly began walking in and stood behind her. She still had no clue I was even there. When she got to the final page of the photo album, it read “Proposal Date: June 13th 2015. She started screaming and crying, and when she turned around I was standing there behind her. I dropped down to my right knee and well….. the rest is history. “
