The Perfect Proposal
Nashville, U.S.A. - February 20, 2007
Moments after the proposalLee and I didn't exactly have the typical courtship. We'd spent more than a year apart with five continents and 30 countries separating us. He'd been traveling (a lifelong dream of his), while I stayed back, missing him like crazy in the States.
One morning, November 22, 2006 to be exact, after a late night of talking on the phone, I woke up excited, as he told me there would be a special surprise arriving in the morning. I got ready to begin my day as I thought of him finishing his in South Africa.
Sure enough, after breakfast, my mom (who was in on the surprise) told me there was a box on the porch. Inside the box I found a DVD, a beautiful postcard, and best of all, a sweet love note. I watched the DVD of Lee in the Tokyo airport telling me the first of many clues for a scavenger hunt. He always planned the best surprises, so I couldn't wait!
Later, he called one more time to make sure the package had arrived. And then I was on my way to find the first clue. Each clue led us to a place where Lee and I had a special date and also included a small gift. But the final clue was the best of all as it led to my favorite chapel. When I walked in, I saw the aisle lined with candles and filled with rose petals, and one of our songs, "If You're Not the One," began playing. One dozen perfect red roses and a small note sat on a podium illuminated by spotlights. As I walked down the aisle to the flowers and note, I assumed the surprise was over.
But there was a knock at the side door, and I approached, expecting a friend with another gift. I never thought it would be Lee! After all, he just called from Africa this morning! I opened the door, and there he was, dressed in a suit with a huge smile. I dropped everything and screamed! He got down on one knee and said he couldn't stay away one second longer. He was home to stay and asked me if I'd marry him!
The story he told of his journey home blew me away. He traveled across the globe in a week sleeping in airports at Tokyo, Helsinki, Russia (deported BACK to Helsinki), Paris, London, Chicago, Champaign. Staying up ALL night, he prepared each clue and gift. The next morning he and his mom drove seven hours to Missouri. He went to each business, met with managers and planted clues. The next day, after calling "from Africa," he went to the chapel. Setting our song on repeat for over an hour, he hid in the small side room until I arrived! Astoundingly, the song started as soon as I walked in the chapel! The dream continued, as we were married just five weeks later on New Years Eve.
Traci Steffen
Momma Leger said...That was one of the best days of my life, and one of the fondest memories. Everyone I share with is amazed we were able to keep a secret and surprise. All I can say is "Amazing Grace....."
Shawn said...I arrived at this site from the CoffeeCup website for Lunarpages.com users to purchase and download a font program they had. The Travelingguys website was offered as an example of what could be done. I came across your wonderful stories and the special engagement surprise visit. How truly special! You are both blessed.