Anne and Kevin were both individually invited to a Christmas party at their friends Alix and Parker’s house. Upon arriving (fashionably late as usual), Anne was introduced to the entire group and Kevin, watching the football game with the guys, couldn’t help but notice her. Anne also noticed Kevin during the introductions and was hoping that she would get a chance to chat with him. Anne was standing by the drinks and Kevin made his way over to her. He struck up a conversation that turned into lively banter almost immediately. They teased each other all evening and could not seem to stay away from each other. At the end of the night, Kevin offered to give Anne a ride home. On the way home, Anne subtly noted the beautiful Christmas lights in her South City neighborhood and how she would like to see them. Wanting to spend more time with her, Kevin was happy to oblige. The two drove around the South City streets looking at the gorgeous Christmas lights, laughing and enjoying their time together. Kevin then dropped Anne off at her apartment, but not before asking for her number (and a first date 😊). The rest is history!

Kevin had been planning this proposal for months with Anne’s sister Molly. He told Anne that his friend Jason was coming in town to visit the weekend of November 8th. He had also told Anne that the three of them were going to dinner at a restaurant in Lafayette Square. Little did Anne know, Jason was never coming in town and this was all a setup to get Anne to Lafayette Square Park at sunset. On the way to the restaurant, Kevin told Anne that Jason was delayed at the airport and they needed to push the reservation for dinner. To kill time while they “waited for Jason,” Kevin suggested taking a walk through Lafayette Square Park, a place that is very special to them. They walked around the park for awhile, enjoying the lovely fall evening. As they were walking, Kevin led Anne towards a secluded cobblestone path (that he had scoped out in advance). Kevin then dropped to one knee and proposed at sunset in this beautiful secluded section of the park, just the two of them. Anne was completely surprised and thrilled! She immediately said “YES!” about ten times. But there was one more surprise in store! Kevin invited Anne’s entire family to meet them with cake and champagne at a nearby restaurant where they could all celebrate the engagement together! Kevin had pulled off the surprise of a lifetime! And Anne has since forgiven Kevin for the months of deception 😊.