We've spent the holidays with my family as well as AnnMarie's! Playing games is a great way to be reintroduced to the American society, not to mention going to a Redwings vs. Wild hockey game with your brother. Red Wings 4 - Wild 1. :) Personally, there have been a couple things that have provided me with great joy. Ecuadorian radio is good, but in comparison to the music coming out of my car's speakers...well, let's just say it's good to hear some great new country!
I'm grateful for your patience with those first two paragraphs because they probably aren't the reason you've decided to read this particular blog. On December 23rd, AnnMarie and I were able to embark on the start of a new journey lasting the rest of our lives. Around noon on the 23rd I met my brother, who had done me a large favor in ordering a certain kind of precious metal for me while I was away. Upon receiving this piece of metal it got me thinking, tonight is the night. That afternoon I met with Ann Celiberti to ask her a few specific questions. I believe she knew what questions were coming, since we met at the same place as when I asked if I could date her daughter. After a lovely coffee date, it was time for me to rush home to dawn the "Suit of Destiny" as it's appropriately been nicknamed. It is a plain ole pinstripe, navy blue suit, which has marked many special occasions in my life, my brother's life and the lives of many other lucky individuals. I also called on one of our good friends, Kelsey Houle.
I picked AnnMarie up at 5:00, with plenty of time for pictures even if she was running late, but to my surprise I found the most beautiful girl in the world waiting for me in a ravishing black dress. She found me to be speechless as I did my best to take in what my eyes were seeing. My mind may have already been cluttered enough for the night with other emotions, but I was taken aback with the astounding beauty that was revealed in front of me.
We went to Lord Fletchers our for dinner. The fact that they had valet parking was all I needed as a first impression to see their class. We were seated in a small window nook in the front of the restaurant overlooking the beautiful frozen Lake Minnetonka which was receiving just a little bit more snow. All night long we were serenaded, as were other guests, by a small chamber choir singing some beautiful Christmas carols. Along with the magnificent view and company, the food was spectacular! If you ever have the means or just a good reason to eat at a fancy place, I'd highly recommend it. Following our meal I again corresponded with Kelsey Houle in regards to our following destination.
Driving out from the overhang outside the front door, we realized the snow had begun to fall faster and fuller, making for a very romantic drive to Centennial Lakes park. A dazzling frozen chain of ponds awaited us when we arrived. We saw lots of smiling and laughing friends, couples and families carving their way down the river-like frozen pools. We laced up our skates and joined the others to reintroduce our skates to ice once more. It didn't take long for me to realize skating couldn't last much longer. After skating under a particular bridge that arched over the river, I pulled my date to the side. She hardly inquired as to why we were stopping, and needed no more explanation when I intentionally dropped to one knee and looked up at her, hoping that I was fulfilling her dreams of a perfect proposal. I asked "AnnMarie Celiberti, will you marry me?". The intention of this blog, is to announce to all of you that her answer was, "Yes!". We are engaged and couldn't be happier!! : )
There was also another surprise to accompany this fantastic night. Our friend, Kelsey, who we had discussed would be a good candidate for taking engagement pictures, was hiding at the park taking pictures of AnnMarie and I. After a few cherished moments of hugs and kisses, I let AnnMarie know we had a photographer with us. We were attempted to pose on skates and get some good pictures immediately following our engagement. We hope they show up well and that you're able to share our exciting moment with us.
Back and happier than ever, your newly engaged couple,
Michael and AnnMarie
 |
| This was before we left for dinner at my house (that's my purity ring.. not the engagement ring) |
 |
| The proposal! |
 |
| Back home after the night - celebrating with my family. |
 |
| The beautiful ring... he did such a wonderful job : ) |
