Joanne and Steve Real Engagement Story

My boyfriend Steve and I had been together for just over six years when, on Christmas morning last year, he gave me a Rough Guide to New York and told me we were flying out the next day! I burst into tears as we’d always wanted to go, preferably at Christmas time. Steve had arranged for us to stay with good friends who’d recently emigrated to New Jersey for a couple of nights, and a B&B in central NY for one night.

We had a lovely time with our friends, and then the day we went into NY itself he suggested we get a cab part of the way to the B&B and walk the rest to see some sights. We walked till we were opposite the Waldorf Astoria when he said: "Shall we go in and see if they’ve got anything?" It dawned on me that the ‘B&B’ he’d booked was there! More tears!

We then went to the Empire State Building. When we got to the top, Steve got down on one knee and produced the most beautiful diamond ring I’ve ever seen. He asked me to make him the happiest man on earth and marry him! After all the previous surprises all I could say was yes for a few minutes – then there were a few more tears!

He’d booked everything six months beforehand and started getting my ring made at the same time – our families and a few friends knew but they’d all kept quiet. He’d called the Empire State a few days before to check he wouldn’t have trouble getting through the metal detectors with the ring. He was convinced he would and I’d then see it if he had to show security.

We had an amazing time – it was freezing cold, with Christmas decorations everywhere and we loved NY so much we want to go back as soon as we can. Steve had always said that if he proposed it’d be a complete surprise and he’d do something big!

We’re getting married at the end of November 2004 and we’re looking forward to it!