The Mermaid Ring (Or, the Post Where I Go Overboard with Exclamation Points, and Rightly So)
21 June 2009 | by Jen in Whatnot
Hi, my lovelies! I thought I would get a chance to post sooner but I’m out of town (returning today) visiting my family and friends; the computer access is not what it is at home (read: wireless and 24/7), plus my site was down for half a day or so (there’s spiffy new hardware so all should be good now) but I’m posting now because I cannot wait.
Well, there’s no sense in beating around the bush (or the kelp, to go with the mermaid theme here), but I’ve got some big news…I’M ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m really so excited, and well, so happy! Cloud 9 with a sparkling silvery lining happy. My boyfriend (eek, Fiancé!) and I have been together for over 5 years and have been through many ups and downs, big moves, a death in the family, career changes, etc. It’s a little surreal and crazy but not, you know?
Engagement Story! (I don’t normally get to gush and be girlie in this way so I hope you enjoy it!):
Last Sunday, I took my boyfriend to Osteria Mozza for his birthday. I’ve been hearing great things about it and thought it would be nice to take him to a fancy place. (And thank you, Rebekka, for posting about their Olive Oil Gelato – it was wonderful and surprising!) The dinner was spectacular (I had the wild boar pasta, he had the lamb and mint linguine) and seemed relatively normal and uneventful except for the part where he wouldn’t hold my hand (which he would normally do, at least at one point in the evening) and he didn’t finish his dinner. I didn’t think much of it at the time although I noticed.
At the end of the evening, after being thoroughly stuffed and a little buzzed (I had some red wine and Averna, a digestif, to celebrate and I rarely drink nowadays) he asked me if I need to use the restroom. (Leave it to me to have the bathroom factor into my engagement story.) I didn’t need to go and we’re not too far from our place so I didn’t see the point. So we just sat there for a minute. Then he said that maybe the bathroom was really fancy and I should check it out. I’m like “Oh yea, and complete the experience?” Ok, so I did, why not. (By the way, the bathroom is nice but there’s not fountain nor tiny butlers in tuxedos.)
When I returned from the restroom, he stood up and was smiley. I thought, naturally, it was his turn. When I came up to the table he came up to me and motioned to put his arm around me or something which I thought meant he was going to kiss me or thank me for dinner. Naturally. But he didn’t. Instead he grabbed my forearm (which left me thoroughly bewildered). I’m sure I made a face and thought (or even started to say) What are you doing? The next thing I know, he was on the ground, on one knee. I’m sure on some unconscious level I knew what was happening, especially since I don’t think I was able to feel the ground beneath me, but, consciously, I was wondering why he was on the ground – did he drop something? I noticed he was holding my hand and a little vintage blue box seemed to float out of nowhere. Oh yea, and this box had a ring in it!
Then he looked up at me, his eyes sparkly, and said those words: “Jennifer Susan…will you do me the honor…” something something, I’m not entirely sure what was said at this point because I could not get out the words “YES! YES!” fast enough. We hugged and cried and I really felt happier than I ever remember feeling. I was also feeling a little bit in shock; the person that I loved the most felt the same way about me: Wow. The rest of the evening is a bit foggy. I know I commented that the ring was a “mermaid’s ring” and I was sad I couldn’t wear it because it was too big. (I quickly got the ring re-sized at a local vintage and antique jewelry place [Danny, it's funny that we ran into each other when we did] so I could show it to my friends and family here up north.)
And there it is, my story! Needless to say, my trip up here has been extra special. My friends and family are so completely delighted. My parents took us out to dinner last night to celebrate and my sweet sister-in-law made and decorated a beautiful engagement cake. (I think I may have gained a pound since being up here.)
And I so wanted to share my story with you, my blog-friends! Of course, I’ll be talking more about my plans (or non-plans as I like to think of them as I’m not 100% down with the whole traditional wedding thing) on this blog but I promise, it won’t turn into “The Fabled Needle: My Blog About My Wedding.”
Cheers and I hope you are all having a lovely solstice, Father’s Day and Sunday! When I return I’ll get a post ready so we can start making that Built by Wendy dress!
What are your thoughts, dears? | ♥ 25 Comments
My only question is: what took him so long?! Sheesh!
Anyway, he’s got great taste in jewelry. Vintage/antique is definitely the way to go for anything sparkly.
Congrats, sweetie! xo!
Congratulations!!! What a lovely story and a beautiful engagement ring!
congratulations!
and may i say a gorgeous ring. the antique rings are the best in my opinion.
have fun planning….
Congrats!
(I am in agreement on the vintage rings. Mine is a vintage reproduction, but I still adore it.)
Congratulations! Love the ring and the story!
HOORAY! So happy for you! I would be THRILLED to read your all-about-my-wedding-blog, so bring it on!
Wow, Congrats!!!! What a sweet story and what a cool ring.
(I have to admit I thought you were already married.) I can’t wait to see if you make your own dress and if so, what patterns you’ll be looking at.
Congratulations!!!! Your engagement story is so sweet and beautiful… Brings back the light headed, fuzzy feeling I had the night my husband asked me to marry him.
You ring is utterly GORGEOUS–it’s so unique and YOU! Looking forward to your wedding plans. 
oh congrats! it’s all very beautiful…
How incredibly lovely! I love weddings and beautiful rings! I can’t wait to see what you come up with, I’m sure it will be outstanding.
Yay!! You made my afternoon…such fantastic news. I’m a big sucker for an engagement story and the whole nine yards, and it’s OK, to turn it into a wedding blog
Best wishes,from a blog pal!!!!
OOPs forgot to say how gorgeous you ring is!!!!!
you are all so sweet, thank you! i’m giving virtual hugs right now.
late in saying but CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! so so wonderful and beautiful ring and such a sweet story! yay for love
lar, congrats again. your engagement story still brings tears to my eyes! i am sooooooooooooo happy and excited for you and k.! i share your love of exclamation points!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats!!! What wonderful news and such a beautiful ring!
Congratulations !
Congratulations!!!!!! I’m so happy for you. The ring is beautiful!!!!! All my best to you and your fiance.
That is so wonderful! Congratulations!!
Pretty nice post. I just found your blog and wanted to say
that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your posts. In any case
I’ll be subscribing to your blog and I hope you post again soon!
Congratulations! What a beautiful ring! It is such an enchanting time in life, to be a fiance, to be engaged! I have been married four years now. Savor every moment! I think back so fondly about our engagement. To love and be loved truly is life’s most beautiful gift isn’t it!
Best wishes, Cece
I love that story!!!
And how LAME is it that you got spam commenters on this post??? WTF?
Yay Jen!!! Good news!!! And the ring… wow. Foggy? Yes, I could relate. Funny how that happens. I am excited to follow along this happy time with you in blog land. Cheers!
Congratulations!!!! Your ring is so beautiful and your fiance sounds like such a sweetheart! He must know and understand you so well to pick out something so perfect!
Ah, and you know – I totally got teary eyed reading this! Thank you so, so much for sharing!!
Ciekawy post, dodalem twoj blog do ulubionych, teraz bede zagladal tu czesciej