On December 19, 2015, the day I had been planning for weeks to have Richard a surprise birthday dinner at Tobacco Company Restaurant. I had secretly invited his closest friends and family to help him celebrate as he typically doesn’t get to celebrate on his actual birthday because its Christmas Eve. So I thought what better way to show my man that I love him and that he is worthy of a birthday celebration than to surprise him with a dinner party; however, little did I know he had a secret of his own.

Everything was great and turned out exactly how I imagined. After dinner, Richard insisted on everyone walking down to the James Center to see the Christmas lights. It was so cold outside, so of course I initially refused. But he has a way of always talking me into things so I gave in, but I complained the entire time. We all walked into the James Center to see the lights from the inside, because I refused to stand outside in the cold. As Richard and I are looking out of the huge inside window, he began to tell me how much he loves me and then tells me to turn around….as I turned around, the man of my dreams dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him! This moment felt so unreal but it was the happiest moment of my life! This night was definitely one to remember and a celebration!