The Proposal
This picture was taken at Frog and the Peach right after Tanya said yes!
The Basics:
Eddie proposed to Tanya on December 30th, 2008. It was Tanya’s 29th birthday, and they were celebrating with dinner at The Frog and the Peach in New Brunswick, NJ. Here’s how the event went down from the perspective of both the bride and groom.
Her Story:
Two days before my birthday I found a note inviting me to dinner on December 30th (my birthday). I was excited that Eddie had planned something for just the two of us, since we had to attend an INROADS networking social later that evening.
My cousin Candace called to wish me a happy birthday and to tell me she was convinced it was time for Eddie to propose. Repeatedly she’s say, “I want Eddie to give you a ring!” My response was simple, “We’re happy, when that time comes, I’ll be ready, but it’s not happening today so don’t get your hopes up.” She continued to press and directed me to text her when I received my birthday present.
Before we left for our date, Eddie said he had to give me my gift because it was too large to take with us. For Christmas, he had given me the Wii and I was hoping for Wii Fit. Sure enough my wish was granted. I sent Candace a text message letting her know what I received. Her response was, “Boooooo, I wanted a ring!” My text response was, “He should have said ‘Wii fittin’ to get married!”
After a wonderful dinner at the Frog and the Peach, Eddie begins to talk about how 2009 was a year for new beginnings. Before I knew it, he was on one knee asking me to do the honor of being his wife! Unfortunately in disbelief the first words out of my mouth were, SHUT UP!” Finally I remembered to say yes as tears literally spring from my eyes mixed with laughter as I thought back to the text message I sent an hour earlier.
I tried unsuccessfully to reach my parents and was further surprised to find them at the INROADS social along with Eddie’s parents and our friends. What started out as a networking social turned into a birthday/impromptu engagement party. I’ve been all smiles ever since!
His Story
Tanya told me long ago that if I wanted to surprise her with something, I would have only a couple hours once I told her mother. So when the time came to ask for her hand in marriage, I put that advice to work. I asked her parents for their permission only hours before dinner. With their emotional approval behind me, I departed for Tanya’s house.
To remove any air of suspicion about a proposal over dinner, I gave her Wii Fit as a “decoy gift” before we left for the restaurant. As I suspected, she was convinced that the video game she really wanted was her only gift. Little did she know, I had the gift of a lifetime in my pocket.
After our lovely dinner, I spoke about the fresh start that would come with the approaching New Year. I told her I was excited to face 2009 together with her. Then, I got down on a knee and removed the box holding the ring from my pocket. I believe my quote was, “Will you do me the honor of being my wife? LaTanya Bennett, will you marry me?”
At that moment, tears literally jumped out of her eyes. She was excited and shocked. After exclaiming “SHUT UP!!!!” a couple of times, she managed to say yes. I was shaking with excitement. It was a wonder I was even able to put the ring on her finger. But I did, and it fit. A perfect size seven. (She had told me that, too.)
As we departed dinner she couldn’t reach her parents on the phone. Well, that was because they were waiting for her at our next stop, the INROADS Holiday Mixer. Also there were several of her friends, my parents, my brother and my friends. And a whole bunch of INROADS alumni. We all celebrated with smiles, stories and Buttercup cupcakes. And I haven’t stopped smiling since.
Us with our parents at the INROADS Holiday Mixer.