December 31, 2002

 

Jon and I have wonderful news to share with our family and friends during this holiday season!

We are engaged and are just beginning to plan our wedding for the spring of 2004.

 

Here’s a look back on the last week and what a whirlwind it has been! As the winter solstice approached on Saturday, December 21, 2002, Jon decided to treat me to a nice holiday dinner before we set off to visit his family in Champaign, Ill. and my parents and extended family in Carmel, Ind. Believing we were headed for a romantic dinner at one of Chicago’s premier downtown restaurants, I had no idea that our night would signify the beginning of the rest of our lives together.

 

The evening began with Jon in his tuxedo and me in a festive black and silver evening gown. Walking out the door, Jon informed me that his friend, Rob, invited us to his apartment for cocktails before dinner. Initially I resisted, but then agreed. Typical of Chicago ’s residential streets, when we arrived at Rob’s apartment, we could not find a parking space. Concerned that the time was quickly approaching our dinner reservations at 9 pm (so I thought), I told Jon that I didn’t think we would have time to stop by Rob’s. Disregarding my concern, Jon frantically found a parking space and assured me that we would not be late for dinner.

 

As we entered Rob’s apartment in a beautiful historical building, Rob (in a nice suit) greeted us and took our coats. Immediately I noticed that the apartment was completely silent…and wondered why the “cocktail” party had not yet begun. Jon then directed me into the dining room, where a candlelit dinner for two awaited us. He said, “Merry Christmas, Molly! Rob [a French chef] is going to cook us our holiday dinner.” Still absorbing the environment and in complete awe, I was thrilled that Jon had put forth the time and effort to make our celebration special.

 

After Rob asked us what we would like to drink, Jon added, “Rob, the only thing that would make the evening more perfect is music.” Rob disappeared and then two musicians dressed in tuxedos - an upright bass player and a jazz guitarist - emerged from the hallway playing “Fly Me to the Moon,” one of my favorite songs. Excited that we would be enjoying live music, I then heard Steve Biossat, one of Jon’s close friends who also happens to be a professional jazz singer, begin singing the lyrics. With his voice soaring through the wide hallways, Steve entered the room and serenaded us.

 

Jon literally swept me off my feet as we danced, and I tried to catch my breath from all of the excitement! After Steve finished singing the first song, he asked Jon what he would like to hear next. Jon said, “L-O-V-E,” a Nat King Cole classic. Jon then sat me down at the dining table and positioned my chair to face the band. “I’m going to sing you a song,” he said. Well, that was one of the best surprises so far because my heart always melts when I hear Jon sing.

 

He sang, “L is for the way you look at me. O is for the only one I see. V is very, very…extraordinary, E is even more than anyone that you adore…etc.” At the end of the song, Jon kneeled down on one knee and, holding my hand, said, “Molly, I love you very much. Will you marry me?” In ultimate surprise, I shouted, “Yes!” and hugged him tightly. Jon presented an engagement ring to me and said, “Then, will you wear this?” Sitting in a black velvet box, the ring was so beautiful that I was speechless. I said, “I can’t touch it, it’s so beautiful!” He said, “Well, I can!” ;) and placed the ring on my finger.

 

The band continued to play a few more songs and Jon and I (still in shock) danced the night away. Meanwhile, Jon’s friend Gary, a part-time film director, filmed us dancing and enjoying the evening. Steve then presented a heartfelt toast to celebrate our love and life together. After the toast, the musicians left and Rob served a gourmet four course meal, which consisted of a lobster and risotto hors d’oeuvre, arugula salad with baby asparagus, filet mignon with bordelaise sauce and baby French green beans, and a delectable orange infused crème brulee for dessert. We talked and talked about everything Jon had experienced in the past three months - from buying a ring and coordinating the evening to making a secret 3 ½ hour trip to Indianapolis to ask my parents for their blessing. It was the best meal and company we have ever enjoyed!

 

Jon dazzled me with love in a private, elegant setting - a surprise that I will always cherish. Our engagement night felt like a never-ending dream. We both could not be happier to have found each other. Since the first time we met, Jon and I have shared a special bond that transcends the definition of love. Although that night had to end, the past week has been filled with visiting friends and families to share in our excitement as we begin our lives together as a soon-to-be-married couple! And, we are so excited to share this news with you. We wish you all a very Happy New Year filled with much love and happiness!

 

Jon and Molly