We're Getting Married

Taken in by the girl with big brown curls and witty commentary, Philip messaged Dana repeatedly on dating app OKCupid, to resounding silence. While she thought Philip was cute, Dana hesitated due to a healthy skepticism toward online suitors. Looking through his profile photos, she noticed a shot of him dressed as... a lobster? She remembered the YouTube video her friend Lisa K. had sent her: Lisa and her co-workers in seafood-themed costumes for their food company's summer lobster promotion. She made a mental note to ask Lisa about it the next time they saw each other. To Philip's dismay, that wouldn't be for several more weeks, which would find Dana and Lisa at the wedding of their mutual friend Lisa H., over Halloween weekend. As they sat at the bar, Philip coincidentally texted Dana again, letting her know (gently) that this would be the last time he'd try to connect. Suddenly remembering the lobster costume photo, Dana asked Lisa if she knew this guy who kept emailing her. "I don't know why I never thought to set you two up before -- you'd be PERFECT together! You have to write him back RIGHT NOW and go out with him immediately," Lisa said. There were drinks, a group effort to draft the perfect response to Philip, and a first date was negotiated.

FROM DANA: "Philip made a late dinner reservation at our favorite spot in NYC - Union Square Café. I had been sick for his birthday a week earlier, followed by work travel, so I had wanted to take him our for a proper dinner. Once we were seated, the waiter brought over two glasses of champagne, noting that it was a 'special occasion.' Remarking to Philip (with a laugh) it was ballsy to mark his own birthday as a special occasion on the reservation, I proceeded to drink my glass. Philip began saying some lovely things but I was pretty hungry, and it was a minute before I grasped what was happening. When he took the ring box out of his pocket and I finally understood, I whispered in disbelief, 'Are you really doing this right now? It's a Thursday and I have dirty hair and no manicure!' Philip slid around the table, got on his knee and placed the most beautiful ring I've ever seen on my (un-manicured) finger. And I kissed him. Philip explained that while it might have seemed like an ordinary Thursday night, he had planned the night to thoughtfully not coincide with pre-existing occasions, but in advance of the holidays, so that we would be with our family to celebrate our engagement all together and in-person. Just one of the many reasons I love him.” FROM PHILIP: This was ostensibly my belated birthday dinner. Dana had been traveling for work and ill lately. The ring laid dormant in my sock drawer for two weeks. Union Square Cafe is our favorite place. Cozy & familiar. "The ring was in my jacket all night. I kept turning away to avoid her finding it. When we were finally seated, I ordered champagne while she was away. She said, "Oh, a special occasion on your birthday?' I said, 'Well, not my birthday.' The rest is a blur. I only got on one knee when she started crying. I assured her I was, in fact, serious. For the rest of the night, I grinned and laughed like an idiot because I had pulled it off: a great proposal and the perfect girl."