How We Met

          There are a few things that led up to the making of this love story.. First things first, one of Dan's best friends - Mark, who I also know through work, decided that he was going to play matchmaker.  One day at work my boss, Brad, says "Mark wants to know if he can give your number to one of his friends", my response was "Does he have a job?". Since Dan did have a job, Mark gave him my number and a few days later Dan called to set up a time to meet. The call came in about 10 PM, he told me that he had just left work for the day. He must have known about the 'job' requirement :) Either way, I was impressed. We set up a date for a few days later at a local restaurant, the Wild Grape. From our first conversation over the phone I could only picture Dan to be a blonde, tan, California-dreaming type. How wrong was I? 

          When we met for dinner we talked for hours. At the end of our meal Dan asked if I wanted to get dessert at another restaurant across town. We drove separately over to Sea Salt. When we arrived, the restaurant was closed. Luckily, the staff let us in - and we shared tiramisu in the empty restaurant.

 The rest, is history....

How He Proposed

I feel so grateful to have such an amazing girl in my life. I knew that I wanted to try something special, something that was worthy of the feelings I have for her. 

I decided to surprise Portia by flying out to Chicago on the tail end of her girls-trip in July.  My plan was to surprise her at a botanical garden in downtown Chicago, late afternoon, with long stem roses, and our song playing in the background (Brandi Carlile, "The Story"). Then I'd drop a knee, hopefully compose myself, and see what happens.

I flew into Chicago, about 11:50 pm, on Saturday night to start the preparations for the proposal on Sunday. I couldn't believe this was actually happening. Having seen so many of my friends get married, it felt surreal to know that it was my turn.

The next day consisted of wardrobe malfunctions, restaurant reservation audibles, inclement weather patterns, buying new clothes, and hiding and dodging literally hundreds of feet from Portia and Kristin all afternoon. Stress was high, but so was my confidence, I was feeling like I was just about to successfully pull off a major heist.  Then, I get the call...

"Portia just got a text asking her 'Do you have something to tell me?'... CALL ME ASAP"!

-Kristin

I'm starting to lose it as panic sets in. Meanwhile, Portia is calling her friend and asks "What are you talking about? What's going on?". Fortunately, she realizes quickly that the engagement hasn't happened yet. So, she lies and tells Portia... "I'm pregnant".   - That 10 second conversation saved my weekend!!!

There's no better feeling than when a good plan comes together. Fortunately, I've learned that this is rarely the case, and you best be on your toes with plans B, C, D. Chicago followed true to form for me. 

After the call, I felt like the night was on cruse control.  I finished getting ready, headed to the park, and waited at my spot until they got there.

And waited... and waited.... then Kristin texts me," We're here, be there in 5 min!!!" 

Out of  nowhere, a concert on the other side of the garden starts playing the loudest classical music ever!! I  couldn't hear myself think! 

Quickly, I have to abort and sprint off to plan B (which had too many people and no privacy - Plan C!) 

At this point, I'm in full scramble mode, trying find a spot and get ready before they walk in. 

Plan C was the place where a naked old dude had been sunbathing earlier in the day (see pic).

Clearly the perfect place for me to propose, should have been my plan A. 

I set up, tried to contain my sweating and pretend to look like I've been there the whole time. Kristin starts giving me the play-by-play as they enter the park. I can see them. Portia looks stunning, I'm so excited to see her! They start to "slow roll" as they get closer, stopping to take selfies. My heart's seriously going to explode at this point!

Finally Kristin's able to spot me, and leads Portia over my way. I pause, turn on our song, and wait for Portia to notice.  Of course she takes a look, then turns her head and keeps walking. She's completely oblivious that I'm right in front of her and to what's going on.  I called out her name. She stops. I'll let you watch the rest...  

I am so grateful to Kristin for helping me pull off the greatest night of my life, so far. You are such a great friend, and I love you for helping us document our special night! 

Portia - You are my best friend. You are the love of my life and I am yours forever! I feel so lucky to have found you! I am humbled to have the rest of my life to honor and cherish you! I love you so much!!

-Dan

Thank you Chicago for an amazing night, dinner, and celebration with the love of my life & one of our best friends!

                                                       Grateful to finally have my babe.