The Future Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Janas

Daniel planned the perfect proposal for Colleen on August 20, 2023. Along the way he had recruited Colleen’s Parents, her friends Kristin and Paul and his friend Robert. After a lot of talking and researching Daniel’s plan was to surprise her at Lake Katherine and propose in front of the waterfall. The day before Daniel brought Colleen to the Morton Arboretum and had an amazing time. Every laugh together and every conversation only made Daniel so much more excited and anxious to drop to his knee and tell Colleen how much he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. On the proposal day, Daniel brought fake tickets for a “prize” redeemable at Lake Katherine. Colleen and Daniel visited the Forge in Lemont and planned to do their scavenger hunt. Unfortunately, that day was incredibly hot and humid. After purchasing tickets, he used his sleight of hand to sneak the “gift vouchers” with the map given at the kiosk. After walking for a while, Colleen started to have issues breathing. The humidity, heat, and plant life had created the worst environment for her because she is allergic to everything! Shortly after Colleen was in a full-blown asthma attack. Thankfully Colleen had her inhaler in her car still from when she got her wisdom teeth out the week before. When Colleen and Daniel reached her car, Daniel shyly asked if they could go redeem the “gift vouchers.” After a small conversation, a very annoyed and struggling to breath Colleen agreed to go to Lake Katherine. Upon arriving, Daniel noticed Robert waiting patiently for them. Robert explained that He worked for Lake Katherine and he was giving out the prizes. He then gave two envelopes to Daniel and Colleen. Daniel opened his to find a gift card. Robert then took a picture to prove redemption of the prize. Colleen opened her envelope afterward and was confused why there were pictures of her and Daniel. Daniel slowly dropped to his knee while telling Colleen to look at the back of the photos. She had shuffled the pictures but finally noticed “Marry.” It clicked. Will. You. Marry. Me. Colleen? Colleen finally realized what was happening and said “Ohhhh!” She looked up, noticing Robert recording it all and repeated “Ohhhh!” Finally turned to Daniel on his knee with a small black box in his hand, Colleen could only say “Ohhh!” Daniel shared what he felt in his heart and asked Colleen if he could spend the rest of his life with her. Colleen said Yes! Daniel, excited and anxious, forgot to put the ring on her finger.

Fun Fact: Back when Colleen and Daniel first talked about getting married Colleen mention to Daniel how much her grandma (Busie as Colleen calls her) meant to her and how sad she is that she will not physically be here to celebrate with us. She mentioned how she would love to have her Busie's ring in remembrance of her. So Daniel talked to Colleen's parents and surprised her with her Busie's Ring. The ring is 76 years old!!!