The Engagement Story
Because we’re engaged.
Christopher Ryan LaRose proposed to me on March 13, 2010 and I was floored by the incredible surprise he provided me.
People to People: Because I should just get this stuff out of the way so I can tell the story properly…
Nick is my brother who lives in Hawaii.
Casey is my brother who lives here in Michigan.
Mike is the brother of Nick’s wife, therefor a brother-in-law of sorts.
Erin is my best friend who lives in Chicago.
Ok.
Nick was in town from Hawaii and Erin was in town from Chicago. Nick, Casey, Mike and I were going to meet up with Erin and Chris at The Crofoot Café for Karaoke. I didn’t know The Crofoot Café does not have Karaoke. I spent the day at my mom’s house playing Dominion with my brothers while Chris was “at work.” We had a great afternoon and then we drove to The Crofoot Café after stopping at Wendy’s for a nosh. I say nosh because Erin is in the story. On the drive over, I ask Mike “Do they have Karaoke at The Crofoot on a regular basis, like weekly?” and he says, after a long pause, “…Sure…” I think this is strange, but then, it’s Mike. So, we pull up to The Crofoot, park the car, and start walking in, while talking about the fabulous building that is The Crofoot. I walk in as Nick holds the door for me with a goofy look on his face and I think, “Why does Nick look so goofy? Eh, it’s Nick.” Enter the building. Here’s Chris down on one knee, holding up a ring, wearing a dress shirt and tie, saying “Andrea Gardiner, will you marry me?” and of course I say “Yes,” and we embrace. At first glance, I thought “Oh wow, there are a few other people here… Cool.” And then I realized that everyone in the bar except for the staff were people I knew. Family. Friends. Friends of friends. Families of friends. Friends of family. No joke, here’s an estimated list of people who were at the surprise engagement party. The list of people who knew I was getting engaged two months in advance and didn’t tell me. The list of people who collectively kept this information from me and did not let anything slip, not even a “See you Saturday.”
Mom
Dad
Chris’ Mom
Chris’ Dad
Nick
Casey
Mike
Kaylee
Mike
Erin
Aunt Liz
Uncle Kevin
Rachel
Dan
Sam
Will
Jason
Eric
Cheryl
Jeanette
Mehdi
Austin
Phil
Chris
Ben
Adam
Walt
Walt’s friend
Aaron
Kayla
Richard
Jessica
And I know I’m forgetting a couple people, but that list adds up to 32. I’d say there were probably 35 people there including Chris and myself.
I hugged Chris and kissed him and we kissed some more and I looked around the room over his shoulder and was amazed at the love I felt there. I laughed hysterically for a while and then broke down in tears. It was the best party ever. It was the best anything ever. Chris and I are so happy together, it’s disgusting. We’re probably one of those couples you see walking down the sidewalk and want to punch.
Chris had not gone to work that day. Instead, he had spent the day with the Buscemis putting this whole thing together. Thinking back on it, my mom was really fidgety all day. She really couldn’t get out of the house fast enough to “go out to dinner with Mike” and it was because she didn’t want to spill the beans. And of course, the ring is perfect.
I love you, Chris.