The day I proposed to Danielle is a day I will always remember. I had spent a lot of time planning and trying to make it a day that she would never forget. Danielle and I had planned for her to visit Michigan just before Christmas. One of Danielle's favorite days out of the year is Christmas and I knew of a place that would be full of Christmas spirit that we both have yet to explore together...Chicago.

The time was approaching and I was getting extremely excited, nervous, and anxious to ask the biggest question I had ever asked in my life! I reserved us a room, right near the magnificent mile, at the JW Marriot. The room was unbelievable and the city was spectacular with every one getting ready for Christmas. We spent the first day in Chicago just exploring the city, going from shop to shop and checking out all of what the city had to offer. I honestly could not have imagined a more perfect day. It was brisk, but not too cold, it was cloudy but the sun popped out here and there. We were just having so much fun exploring. After walking all over and as the evening approached, we headed back to the hotel to relax before we had to go out. Danielle did not know what the plans were for the evening, but the planner in her kept trying to snoop and ask questions about what we were going to do. Little did she know our dinner reservations were on top of the John Hancock building at the Signature room at the 95th restaurant. I figured it would be a place Danielle would love because it overlooked the city and she would be able to see (one of her favorite things) all of the city lights while we had dinner. But before the reservations I had planned a little detour through Millenium Park. Once we were both ready we started making our way through the streets of Chicago.

It was chilly, and starting to drizzle and I was getting extremely nervous. I had arranged for one of my best friends, Steven, who lives in Chicago to hide out at Millenium Park and take pictures of us when I popped the question. As we got closer, I began to walk faster and faster. Danielle knew something was going on because (as I recall) she said, " Okay Speedy Gonzales, why are you going SO fast!?" Steven was hiding out near the silver "Bean" in the middle of the park.This location is usually very busy so I was nervous that there were going to be a lot of people around. As we approached the "Bean", I spotted my friend Steven and to my surprise, there were very few people around. Luckily, Steven was someone that Danielle had heard a lot about, but had never actually met so she did not recognize him. As Danielle and I walked around the "Bean", I made eye contact with Steven as we passed, just to let him know that I was about to get down on one knee. Danielle was looking at all of the wonderful lights around the city and it was a perfect opportunity for me to reach into my coat pocket and grab the ring. At that moment, the feelings that overcame me were indescribable. I got down on one knee, and I asked the women of my dreams to marry me. When Danielle said YES, she made me the happiest man in the world. I am so happy I was lucky enough to have my good friend Steven there to capture the moment that we will both cherish forever.

It was not over yet for Danielle. After we returned from Chicago back to Michigan, my cousin Jan was throwing a Christmas/ surprise engagement party for us. To much of Danielle's surprise all of her relatives that live in Michigan came over and Danielle's mom, Cyndi (the great mother she is) got on a plane straight from work and flew across country from California to Michigan to also surprise Danielle! Needless to say, Danielle was speechless! To what was already a wonderful surprise in Chicago. She couldn't have thought of a more perfect ending.

D&P

Wedding Day

5:30 PM

Wedding

Reception