Stephanie & Richard

How They Met

We met in elementary school in Gaithersburg, MD. We had crushes on one another in 5th grade, very exciting, I know!  My family moved around a bit while I was growing up because my father was in the Navy and we didn’t see each other again until a few years later. We officially started dating December 11, 2005. We stayed together throughout our years at the same college. We moved in together in Louisville, KY after he received a job offer.

The Proposal

To celebrate our seventh year anniversary, we wanted to have a nice dinner downtown but the 11th fell on a Tuesday and I had other obligations. Not being one to throw a fit over such a conflict, I suggested we move the date to the next night. So at 7pm on 12/12/12 we had had dinner in the Galt House at the Rivue. It’s a nice restaurant at the 25th floor of a very nice hotel. The dining area that we were seated at revolves around, providing guests with a nice view of the Ohio River and a small part of the town.

I was really hoping he would be asking me this night, but couldn’t tell if he was going to or not. So after having a wonderful meal and delicious dessert, he asked if there was anything else I wanted to do before going home. Because he had given me “options” I didn’t think he would propose after all.

We ride the elevator down to the lobby and through the doors I see a horse and carriage waiting! I point this out to Richard to which he replies, “I think this is for us.” Before we climb aboard he begins to say “The last seven years have been like a fairy tale. So what would a carriage ride be without a glass slipper?” As he pulls something out of his jacket pocket he goes down to one knee and says,”Will you keep writing the fairy tale with me? Will you marry me?”

By this time I’m tearing up and half sobbing and half laughing. He knows me too well. I love my Disney movies but I didn’t see something this sweet coming. All throughout this proposal I see flashes on my left side. After I said that I would marry him he then introduces me to the photographer he hired for the occasion. After a few more pictures we go on a half hour carriage ride around the town and begin talking marriage.

The Engagement Ring

I’ve been told my ring was designed by Christopher Designs. It has about a one and quarter carat circular diamond in the center, five smaller pave princess diamonds on the shank (ten altogether), and twenty-four very small (yet sparkly) round diamonds set on the sides. There is also a small amount of engraving on the band beneath where the diamonds end. The base beneath the loose diamond is intricately designed filigree, almost crown-like in shape. I could not be happier about this ring.