How She Did It

Amber’s Proposal to Rachel (From Rachel’s Perspective)

Amber completely surprised me with her proposal. She had admitted she had something she couldn’t share with me, but with it being so close to the Christmas holiday, I thought it likely related to a Christmas gift. On the evening of December 16th, Amber was scheduled to sing with her choir, Nashville in Harmony, at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC). The fact that she was performing and singing that evening had significance to us as a couple. Earlier in the year, I had attended a Nashville in Harmony concert at Vanderbilt University, which connected us and was a catalyst for our first date. On the evening of December 16th, Amber had a friend pick me up with a corsage from Amber for me to wear. I didn’t think much of it, other than “my girlfriend sure is thoughtful.” At TPAC, Amber’s fan club sat together in the same section. Her very close friends and family members were in attendance. At intermission, a 

TPAC employee, Ben, came to my seat and escorted me out of the theater. He said he wanted to give me a tour backstage. Of course, at that moment I knew something was going to happen and I decided to just be present and enjoy this surprise or adventure, or whatever it was. Ben led me into the TPAC Green Room, where Amber awaited me. I noticed right away the room was decorated with gorgeous flowers. 

She took my hand and brought me over to sit in a chair. She proceeded to recite incredibly moving words about me and our relationship, which I soon realized was her proposal. Yes, in the spirit of a true romantic, Amber held my hand and proposed on one knee. I managed to take it all in and simply appreciate the moment. My response? An emphatic, “Yes.” 

But that’s not all.  Following the concert, Amber escorted me in the rain, without telling me where we were headed (holding an umbrella above me to prevent getting soaked). We walked across the street and entered the Downtown Sheraton. She had reserved a suite there for us to stay the evening and had packed all the things I needed for the next day. Authentic rose petals awaited me from the entry way all the way to the bed where a large rose petal heart encompassed the bed. Champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, and my favorite chocolate chip cookies were on hand for a romantic evening that I will always treasure. The 

following morning, we awakened, had breakfast, and received a couple’s massage at a local spa.Amber’s proposal was so well-planned, creative, and magical, I feel it should be included on the list of the Top Ten Surprise Proposal Idea List, gay or straight!

Rachel’s Proposal to Amber (From Amber’s Perspective)

Having proposed to Rachel many months earlier, I had expected a proposal for quite some time. Rachel told me that even though I proposed to her that she wanted to propose to me, as well. I had it in my head that she would propose to me on the anniversary of our first date, as that was the only special date coming up for some time. We both enjoy surprising the ones we love, but I knew that Rachel would have a hard time pulling one over on me, as I am extremely observant…HA!

For several weeks, I had helped my friend Lori plan a surprise birthday party for my best friend, Janet (Best Lady). Part of that surprise included Rachel and I pretending that we were going out to celebrate Janet’s birthday the day after the surprise party in order to throw her off. We decided that since we wouldn’t get to have quiet time with Janet on her big birthday night that we would actually follow through with those dinner plans…or so I thought. I didn’t know Lori very well at the time, but took offense when she took over the planning of the dinner to include a walk over the Shelby Pedestrian Bridge. I had never been on the bridge and imagined a steep climb up and down and that was NOT what I wanted to do after a nice meal and especially in nice shoes. I talked to Rachel about my frustrations and she encouraged me to speak up and not go on the walk if I didn’t want to go. I decided instead to just go with the flow and bring other shoes if I needed them. 

During the day, Rachel wanted to straighten her hair, so we decided to splurge and go have our hair straightened and while we were at it, we got pedicures and our nails touched up. Rachel said we had been so busy that we deserved a little pampering. That night we went to eat dinner at a restaurant in The Gulch and afterwards went to walk on the bridge. Lori brought her camera, but Lori likes to take pictures, so I didn’t think much about it. I walked quickly because I wanted a few minutes with Rachel at the top of the bridge before Lori and Janet arrived. When we got to the top, I noticed that Rachel was breathing a little hard and I asked her several times if she was ok. This was quite confusing to me, because I wasn’t breathing hard at all and Rachel is in MUCH better shape than I am being a tennis player and all. (I didn’t realize that Rachel was just nervous.) Then Rachel started talking…and it sounded like something she had been thinking about for quite some time. When I realized that she was proposing, I was so happy that I started laughing…and couldn’t stop! Eventually, Rachel dropped to one knee and pulled out the ring. I did the first thing I could think to do…I squatted down right next to her, still laughing. (It just didn’t feel right to be standing over her when I have always felt we are equals in our relationship.) Rachel didn’t know how to take my laughing and I think she thought I might say no! Of course, the only thing I knew then for sure was that I would be saying, YES! It was then that I was told that Lori had helped plan this proposal with Rachel for weeks while I was working with Lori to plan Janet’s party and that is why she had insisted on walking on the bridge as that was where Rachel wanted to propose. (Lori is an amazing woman!) Even the camera had been a part of the plan, as Lori had been taking pictures of the proposal from the sidelines.

The surprises weren’t over though. Rachel told me that we were now to go to my Mom’s house, as she had insisted on seeing me right after the proposal. I thought for sure she was joking. (I mean really? You propose to someone then take them to stay over at her parent’s house…how UNromantic.) I went along with it, though and was surprised again when we actually pulled into my Mom’s drive. We went in and there was my Mom and stepdad, Lou waiting with glasses of champagne, but there was one extra glass. I couldn’t figure it out…until my sister, Andrea (Matron of Honor) and baby niece, Aria came walking into the room. Rachel had flown them in to be with me on my special night! I burst into tears of joy and scared poor Aria! Rachel knew how important my family is to me and did everything in her power to make sure that my night was one that was special for me. Andrea and Aria were only in Tennessee for 19 hours, but were able to come with me to a Nashville in Harmony concert. Aria even joined me on stage for a few minutes! (picture below) It was a magical weekend of friends, family, and love. What more could I ask for?