The Proposal

Don and I had talked for months about getting engaged, but still; on the day he proposed, I didn't know it was coming. It was the Sunday before Christmas, my very favorite holiday. After a 5 year long-distance relationship, the Florida boy finally decided to pack up his life and move in with me, to New Jersey. This was his first holiday season here, and seeing NYC at Christmas-time is a must. So I took him all around to see the lights at Tavern on the Green, a horse and carriage ride through Central park, a walk up 5th avenue; and finally ending with the grand finale.. the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. He took my hand and we somehow made our way through the thousands of people until we reached the base of the giant tree. I still remember how colorful and gorgeous all those lights were in the dark; and how cold it was that night, about 25 degrees! We stood there for a few minutes, with a huge crowd of mostly tourists viewing this NYC treasure. Then he kept fidgeting, and saying over and over, "So, Merry Christmas honey. Merry Christmas. " He must have said it 10 times. He reached into his jacket pocket and before I knew it, he was down on his knee proposing. He said a whole bunch of stuff that I'm sure was really meaningful, except I couldn't really hear him because there were so many people cheering, clapping, and yelling. One guy screamed out, "Hey, this guy's proposing!" and flashes started going off. It was so surreal. I had to take my mittens off to put the ring on, and I just remember crying so hard that I couldn't see. I think I cried harder and more during the proposal than I did on our wedding day. I just couldn't believe how perfect it was. Standing there, surrounded by thousands of strangers in the greatest city in the world. That evening put into motion my idea for a Christmas-themed wedding.

The Wedding

There were so many holiday touches that we put into play that helped make the evening stand out. Its amazing the little things that people remember. Perhaps the biggest surprise of all was the Hot Chocolate. I wanted to do a Christmas-y holiday-type drink that we could have served with the wedding cake toward the end of the night. So I came up with the idea of Peppermint hot chocolate with candy canes and whipped cream. The staff did it up homemade for us; using real cocoa and chocolate, nutmeg, cinnamon, and milk. The candy canes melted and gave it this amazing taste. The staff at our venue came around with mugs on silver trays, and the guests went crazy. It was sooooo good! Later that night when the reception was over, the servers told us how noone wanted any coffee; and everyone kept demanding more hot chocolate! One table of our friends drank so much, they finally just brought out a whole pitcher and left it there! Months after the wedding, people still tell us how that was the best hot chocolate they have ever had. The ironic thing is; the whole thing was my idea, and I never even got to try any! So at your wedding, remember to eat the food and drink the drinks ... you might never get the chance again.