Jessica & Brandon: their engagement story

Our engagement story started a year before the actual proposal, when I was living short term in Malawi, Africa; and Brandon was in full time school here in Manitoba. Amongst dealing with the stresses of long-distance relationship, we spent a fair amount of time Skyping one another. One night, on a particular difficult day to try and make a hard situation easier, it might have slipped out that Brandon was possibly looking at rings while I was away! I soon became suspicious and thrilled that our engagement might be a lot sooner than I expected upon returning home.

Fast-forward a year later, and I was still waiting for that ring, but Brandon had been planning very carefully for our second anniversary to be a very special and memorable day. He had been listening to my likes and dislikes and exactly what I would prefer for our proposal. He also enlisted the help of many of our friends in ring shopping and planning.

On April 5, 2013, Brandon picked me up, wearing a suit and tie, with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers in hand. He had supposedly made reservations at my favourite restaurant but first insisted on stopping at Starbucks for a special “deal”. I reminded Brandon of the time restraint before our reservation and that any drinks from Starbucks would ruin our appetite. All he would say is that the day was special and because it was snowing (in April!) and I was wearing a dress, we needed to find a way to warm up! Nevertheless, Brandon drove off, in the opposite direction of the restaurant.

When we arrived, very quickly my best friend appeared out of nowhere, and just a few seconds later a familiar car of one of Brandon’s friends pulled up in the middle of the parking lot, blocking cars from every direction. Someone jumped out of the car, with a face mask on, and threw Brandon into the car which went speeding off. I was left standing with my friend who handed me, my first clue to find my “kidnapped” boyfriend. From there the we went off on a scavenger hunt around the city and mall with silly tasks such as finding photo booth props, singing in the movie theatre and buying a teddy bear at Build a Bear Workshop for our sponsor child.

The very last clue was for me to be taken to Brandon’s house where I would find my boyfriend. When I arrived, Brandon opened the door and brought me inside, the lights were dimmed, candles lit, our favourite music in the background, and food on the table. He took my hand and helped me sit down. He apologized that they didn’t go to the restaurant like he had told me, but hoped that this might be better. I could barely say anything I had been in shock and amazement the entire evening. When he opened the box of food there, written in skittles (I favourite) was “Marry Me” and a ring box. He took the box and got down on one knee and asked me to Marry him! Of course I said YES!

Neither of us could eat because of the excitement and soon our friends, who had helped plan and carry out the whole night, joined us to celebrate! After all said and done, Brandon made sure this was a one of a kind, thrilling, and romantic day possible.