Thank you Annie, for that very nice post! This is the story of how it happened...

On Friday evening, Timothy began to hint that a proposal would be soon, very soon. We had been watching a Sherlock Holmes BBC episode, and Sherlock's cunning powers of observation must have rubbed off on me, because by the time Timothy left for the night, I had deduced that by "soon", he meant the very next day! I was so happy and a little bit nervous that it was difficult to fall sleep that night and I woke up at 6:15 the next morning, too excited to sleep longer!

On Saturday, Timothy came over around lunchtime already wearing his tie and suitcoat (and looking very handsome!). We did some reading and drawing as usual, and also decided to read a homily on marriage which I have always liked by St. John Chrysostom. Afterwards, Timothy went back to his place to "take care of a few things", while I got dressed up for the evening in my favorite wine-dark dress. Around 4pm, Timothy called me to let me know that he was waiting downstairs at my apartment. When I came down, I was pleasantly surprised to see him with a half dozen very full, brilliant orange roses. He said he chose them because they were the most open ones in the shop, which he knew that I liked. Timothy's friend from undergraduate who also lives in the area was waiting outside to graciously be our chauffeur. We all drove to a "mysterious location", even though I had a pretty good idea where we were headed!

Timothy took me back to the beautiful gardens where we first met, studying Greek together three summers ago. His proposal was very simple and beautiful, and I was (and am) very excited to say "yes"! In fact, I was so excited that I accidentally knocked the ring from his hands while turning to set down my purse when I realized that he was about to ask me! I'm sure it looked funny with us in formal attire both on our hands and knees looking for the ring after his proposal! But we found it - an elegant little garnet and gold ring. We wandered around the gardens for a bit, before having dinner at a lovely Turkish restaurant that we used to go to all the time when we were studying Greek.

The two of us and the ring were blessed on Sunday in church, which made it official. It was wonderful to hear all the congratulations and well wishes from our friends and family this weekend. In fact, at least two different people have informed us that it is proper etiquette to congratulate the man, while offering best wishes to the woman; something I never knew!

It was a beautiful proposal, and even though we have not yet set a date, I look forward to updating you with news about my own wedding plans, as they unfold. I am so glad that Timothy and I can now begin planning our future together!

Enjoy these pictures from the the happy event!