We originally met about 13 yrs ago at North Park mall and there was an instant attraction. We were at different stages in our lives and nothing developed between our initial meeting. About 2 years ago we reconnected on social media through a mutual friend and we vowed to never lose each other again.

My original proposal ideas varied: from an ancient message washing up on the beach in a glass bottle, to a helicopter trip up to a mountain peak, to a live proposal on ESPN at a Dallas Mavericks game. The Mavs game got the green light but deep down inside I was wishing it was a Houston Rocket game instead. So I finally chose something that I felt fit us better as a couple and would include family and friends. Something simple....that would have just as an amazing effect. The proposal took place on the evening of April 8th at Benihana, an authentic Japanese Cuisine restaurant. It was a perfect evening, the weather was beautiful, and friends and family came in from near and far to share this moment with us. Everyone knew what was about to go down except LaTonja of course (lol). The Plan: I was tasked with trying to figure out how I could get some of our family members, my friends, and a few of her friends all together without raising an eyebrow. My sister-in-law's birthday is in May so I decided to use that as the purpose of the dinner. I had her to act as if she was inviting us all to have this dinner to celebrate her birthday. The Set Up The day before I went and bought a dozen or so fortune cookies but previous to that I had special ordered one SPECIAL FORTUNE COOKIE for LaTonja. Once seated and everyone’s order was taken, the Benihana staff made sure everyone received a fortune cookie. To ensure everything went according to plan....my brother had everyone individually stand and read their fortune cookies out loud per request from the “birthday girl”.....Once the rotation started getting close to LaTonja and I.....I told her that I needed to step out to take a restroom break...Once the turn was on LaTonja....she opened her cookie and read out loud the WORDS "LaTonja, will you marry me”? I came from behind the wall...and got on one knee with the a ring in hand.....and she said YES....and now we are here and ready to begin our life of love together..