We are getting married!

When is the right time to propose? How does one go about doing it? Where is the right place? I didn't have an answer for any of these, but I knew I wanted to make it special for Brandi. Rewind to the day before. I received an invite to tag along with a group of buddies heading into San Francisco for the day, and they took me to a jewelry store to look at rings. Brandi knew what I was up to and wished me luck. So I did a little research beforehand to learn what Brandi liked and disliked, her ring size, and differences in cuts and clarity of diamonds. After looking at a few different diamonds and settings, I found a combination that I really liked. Sold! Bring out the champagne! Now what? Well, I discussed a few options with the guys and came to a conclusion. There was a planned get together the very next day where lots of Brandi's friends would be attending. I thought, "what better than to pop the questions with all her friends around to help her celebrate?" I'll surprise her....That will make it even better! So I returned home and told Brandi that I did not buy anything, but that I learned a lot about rings and what I personally liked and didn't like. Told her it was a good start and I'll have to continue looking for the right one. I don't know if she believed me or not, but she liked the interest I showed in finding the right ring......

Meanwhile, I had sent the ring home with Joe Bavaro for safekeeping, whose parents' house we were meeting at the next day. I made a few phone calls and texts, in secret, to friends and family to let them know that the day had arrived that I ask Brandi's hand in marriage. Brandi was none the wiser to my plan. In the backyard, between the pool and the outdoor pizza oven, was a spiral staircase that led to an underground wine cellar. Joe and Travis Bartelink staged the ring downstairs for me, and at some point during the party, would ask Brandi and I to go pick out a bottle of wine - that was the signal to everyone that I was about to propose. When the time came, we walked hand in hand downstairs and arrived at a huge castle-style door to the cellar. I opened the door and let Brandi walk in first. lt was pitch black except for the light on the opened ring case shining directly onto the ring. She saw it immediately, it looked like the ring was magically suspended in the air. A diamond right shining so bright it nearly illuminated the dark room. I turned the lights on and saw a few tears come down her face. I took her by the hand and took a knee. I then said, "Brandi, I just have one question to ask you. Will you marry me?" Not an elaborate speech by any means, but the delivery was solid, and she said yes! We took some time for her to process everything. She began to piece together all the clues and hints over the last few days. Once Brandi was ready, we marched up the stairway to find everyone at the top cheering us on, with cameras taking pictures, and with champagne on stand by. All the girls flocked to see Brandi's new ring, and the guys lined up to shake my hand and say congrats. Spent the rest of the evening celebrating and announced to the world we were engaged. Overall, I thought surprising her and having many of her friends there to help celebrate would make it special. Most importantly she said yes, and she loved the ring!