After dating for nearly a year, I proposed to Elicia on October 11, 2002.  I took the afternoon off and drove to my parents' place in Sealy, TX, while Elicia thought I was at a conference all day.  We were planning on going to Sealy that Friday evening to meet up with my parents, like we often do on Fridays.  With the help of my family, I had dinner made already (thanks Jen!), the place decorated (and mom!), and she was in utter shock when she saw the candles, dinner, and wine.  She cried a lot.

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner, but she hadn't quite yet realized what I was up to.  She mainly just thought I was being sweet.  She did, however, notice the wrapped box on the table.  I wouldn't let her open the box until after dinner.  When she finally did get to open it, she found a model of a 2002 silver Jaguar XJ-S convertible.  She was confused. 

While she was fiddling with the box, I retrieved dessert from the refrigerator, put her engagement ring on the dessert platter, and stood over her while I offered her her options.  "Would you like pecan praline pie, key lime tart, 3-layer chocolate mousse, or would you like to marry me?"  More crying followed.  She finally stopped hugging me, let me put the dessert tray down, and we popped a bottle of bubbly to celebrate.

  After calling everyone under the sun to let them know about it, we had an incredibly relaxing evening out under the stars.  I had to explain to her the significance of the Jaguar (it really was more than just a distraction gift).  I had been planning to propose to her with a Jaguar for many months prior to the engagement.  On one of our first dates together, she told me of her fondness for Jaguars, and proceeded to tell me that she would marry the first man that bought her one.  I did, so she really had no choice but to marry me.  =)