I proposed to Kelli down at the Kemah Boardwalk on March 25. After concealing the engagement ring for nearly 2 weeks, we departed for Kemah. Kelli had no clue of what was to happen on this trip. She just though it was another little local, weekend getaway. This was the sight of our first date by the way. We stayed at the Inn, where I had the staff arrange champagne and chocolate covered strawberries in the room upon our arrival. She loved it, and this still did not give away the surprise that awaited her. I’m very sneaky.
We had dinner out on the patio of the Flying Dutchman by the water, and the entire time I had the ring box in my pants pocket. This made me extremely nervous that she would see it and put two and two together. Somehow, my covert operation succeeded through dinner, and then we took a stroll along the boardwalk. The spring evening couldn’t have been better. The cool breeze off the bay was fabulous, with a clear, star-filled sky above.
We bought two tickets for the ferris wheel ride, and this is where “the moment” would take place. Once aboard, I waited until our gondola was stopped at the very top, providing quite a view of the water and the whole boardwalk. I struggled to get the ring box out of my pocket, which felt like an eternity. With Kelli’s head turned and eyes gazing out over the water, I opened my hand with the ring box just in front of her. She then turned back to me, and when she discovered what was in front of her, her hands immediately covered her mouth and eyes began tearing up. After I opened the box, the only words I could voice were, “Kelli, will you marry me”. I did have a nice speech prepared, but that went out the window once I saw her reaction, and I was caught up in the moment with eyes tearing up as well.
I will never forget that feeling for the rest of my life. Purely amazing! The photo is of us as we just got off the ferris wheel, and after Kelli announced to the whole crowd, “I just got engaged!”. Thank you so much for your contribution in making this a very proud night for the two of us. We will be back for the wedding bands!