An Engagement for the Books | My Hoboken Proposal Story
Two years ago today, my husband proposed in the most special way possible.
Taking us back to where our relationship started, he drove us to Hoboken, NJ. On our drive in, we listened to some of our favorite songs, talked about our favorite college memories, and where on Earth our friends were that we were supposed to meet up with.
As we got closer to the parking garage, my then-boyfriend told me to open his car's glovebox; my pulse quickened, and a paper heart fell out. It said, “The first place you need to go is great for a first date.” Based on the events of the day prior and his demeanor a bit during the car ride, I already had a sense of what this day was going to be like, but this little paper heart solidified my suspicions. I was going to get engaged.
Once we parked, we began a scavenger hunt throughout Hoboken. What I didn’t expect to come across was my friends at each of our destinations to hand me the next clue. It was such a thoughtful way to include them in this special day, while also allowing us time for privacy during these intimate moments.
We went from the restaurant where we had our first date, to Stevens Institute of Technology, where my husband went to college, to the bookstore we frequented when I needed a new book to read on the train ride home, our favorite bar that we would party with our friends on the weekends, and finally to Pier C park where we went at the end of our first date and every other time we got together in Hoboken throughout college.
As we walked through the park and got closer to one end, I could see my best friend in the distance (who wasn’t expected to be there that day) holding a bouquet of flowers and two books. The first book was Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins and the second was Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey. She handed over the bouquet and walked away, leaving Stephen and me overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
The books were representative of his favorite book and my favorite book. Within the pages he wrote, “Will you marry me?” showing me and opening them, before he got down on one knee beside me verbally asking the same. It was so personal, so special, and so perfect. Shaking and teary-eyed, I wrapped my arms around his neck, kissed him, saying the easiest “yes” of my life.
The rest of the day carried on with photos, congratulations, getting stuck in the rain, and a dinner in Hoboken. We drove home, stopping at both our parents' houses to tell them the news and celebrate some more. It was a great day and one I would never change for the world. I am grateful for the vivid memory of this day and for being able to relive it so clearly in my mind. I love you, Stephen. Thank you for proposing in the perfect way; I’ll cherish these memories forever!
