We’re getting married!

They first met at a fraternity party. They greeted each other, not knowing that they would one day start a life together. The night came and went and they would meet again at other parties or events. According to her, it wasnt until he wore his Marine Corps dress blues for an event that made her think of him as more of friend. Dress blues will do that to a woman. They would continue to meet at more events and parties until at one such party, Jesus actually asked her to dance. Now as you might know he’s not that good of a dancer but can fake it really well. One dance turned to another and another and both were feeling pretty good. Afterwards, both were feeling a little awkward and would see each other at UIC. She was working for TCF and would be at a table in front of the bookstore working but she was more worried about what was 28 down on that days issue of the Redeye. Jesus would walk by her every day and give her goofy looks (his version of flirting) and would occasionally stop by and help her out. With him starting grad school and Alicia finishing her bachelors, they ended up studying a few nights during the semester and during finals. They would talk some more and study some more. Watch a few movies all the while maintaining that they were just gonna be friends. Well as friends they decided to go see Lincoln as they both like history and have been wanting to see the movie. (This is what they consider their first date as they dont recall their actual first date). They started to talk more and more without the “study” excuse. Eventually things became serious and Jesus asked her to be his girlfriend at Navy Pier with fireworks in the background. They have returned to Navy Pier every year to mark their anniversary and even celebrate their engagement. They have moved 3 times and finally settled in their home in Chicago along with their dog Ella. They have been together for 8 years and cant wait for more years to come.

We had bought our house a few months before and I wanted to take the next step in our plan as we had talked about getting our house first and then get married. I thought of proposing on our anniversary but that would be too predictable. Our anniversary came and went and they were expecting a proposal. If you know Alicia, you know she loves Harry Potter, New Girl and Gilmore Girls. In one episode of GG, Lorelai is proposed with 1000 yellow daisies and that episode always makes her tear up. I set my plan in motion. I made sure she would be off and had made arrangements to get 1000 yellow daises in the house. We left the house late which was ok as the flourist was arriving as we were leaving. I kept getting updates which annoyed Alicia since we were having brunch. The flourist needed more time so I took her to Home Depot to buy some nails and some other items. If you’ve ever shopped for nails/screws you can definitely waste time. She was getting more annoyed with each box of nails I picked up, wondering out loud if these would do the trick. Eventually the flourist told me that everything was set up and that they were leaving. I grabbed a random box of nails and said we should get home. Now the whole time, I had nerves of steel as I didnt want her to know anything was going on. That was until I was a few feet away from our door and my mind went to mush. My hands were shaking that I couldnt unlock the door. I was visibly anxious that Alicia asked me if I was ok. I was like yea and finally walked in. I opened the door and went behind letting her walk in. Shes like what is wrong with you and nothing was coming out. So as she always says, actions speak louder than words. I grabbed the ring, went down to one knew and asked her “will you marry me?” She was stunned, shocked at what was happening before her and she just gasped. And with a yes we held each other and embraced as a newly engaged couple.