We decided to have our Valentine's Day dinner on February 11th in order to avoid a hectic dining experience of the actual day of the 14th.

Unbeknownst to Rachel, while she was at work, Jared spent the morning video calling his parents to let them know his plans and video calling Rachel's parents to ask for their blessing. Both sets of parents were excited for the news and couldn't wait to hear how the night went.

Jared made a reservation at Cooper's Hawk, a winery and resteraunt, and when we arrived we started with a lovely wine tasting. Once that was finished, we were taken to our table where we were served a delicious dinner that ended with fabulous dessert: a slice of white and dark chocolate cheesecake topped with dark chocolate peppermint bark.

After we left the restaurant, Jared decided we should stop at a small park we frequently take walks in. While there, we walked to the pond underneath a gazebo, where there is a lovely view of the Schaumburg Library (Rachel's place of employment) across the pond.

We stood together looking across the water and enjoying the view. Jared began telling Rachel all the reasons he loves her and that he can't imagine a future without her. At this point, Jared gets down on one knee and asks, "Rachel, will you marry me?"

Of course Rachel replied with an ecstatic "YES!"