December 8, 2006
To celebrate our 3-year anniversary, Mal and I planned a trip to New York City. Neither of us had ever visited during the holidays, so our plan was to see the big Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, do some holiday shopping, and enjoy a mini getaway together.
After a long bus ride down to NYC, we checked into our hotel and discussed what we should do first. We hadn’t eaten since breakfast, so lunch was the first stop on our agenda. Little did I know what Mal had up his sleeve– literally!
Mal and I walked down to Rockefeller Center and found a cute, little wine bar, right near the big Christmas tree, to have lunch.
It was a freezing cold day, so I ordered a glass of Pinot Noir to warm up. (This photo still cracks me up! Check out the size of my wine glass! Holy moly! 
)
For lunch, I ordered the fig salad and Mal ordered the steak salad. Both meals were delicious from what I remember! 
After finishing our meals, Mal suggested that we order dessert and coffee too. When dessert arrived, he gave me a wrapped box, which, at the time, I thought was a new pair of gloves. (I had suggested them as an anniversary present a couple of weeks earlier. ) So, I unwrapped the box, sifted through the tissue paper, and saw a smaller ring-sized box inside. I thought it was a little weird, but I did not expect an engagement ring to be inside. We had barely even talked about them!
When I opened the box, I was surprised to find absolutely nothing inside. What?! At this point, Mal got down on one knee, said a bunch of wonderfully romantic things, and popped the question. It was one of those moments you play out in your head that you’re going to say the perfect thing and act the perfect way, but I just sat there and stared in disbelief at him! Mal later told me that I had the blankest look on my face and he thought I was going to say no! Of course, I said yes, and few minutes later, I started crying– tears of happiness.
We left the restaurant and wandered around the city for a few hours as a newly engaged couple. It was a very romantic afternoon to say the least! 
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
this is so adorable!! i love it
So cute!
So did he have the ring?!
LOVE the engagement/shower/wedding repeat posts. I have only been following for a year so I love being able to re-visit your past. Thank you!
that sounds absolutely, perfectly romantic!!
cute post
Adorable! I’m so glad you’re reposting these stories!
This story just gave me goosebumps
you are such a beautiful couple.
What a great story!! I got teared up just reading it. I bet it was the most romantic day walking around NY newly engaged!
OMG Tina!!! I LOVE CHRISTMAS! More than that, I love the tree in Rockefeller Center – I cry during the TV special every year and I watch it over and over. Your proposal is EXACTLY what I’ve always dreamed mine would be! (Except that I’m from Missouri and it’s completely unrealistic!) Tell Mal GREAT JOB on the planning! On my goodness, I would have MELTED! I think I’m going to call up the BF and tell him this story…
Such a cute story! And..during my favorite time of year.
Such a cute story! I’m smiling ear to ear right now.
What a cute story! And a great couple to boot
I love this story!
Perfect day
so simple yet so romantic!
happy, happy, happiness. that is all
What a sweet story:) Mal looks absolutely relieved and so excited you said yes. Thanks for sharing.
This is such a sweet story!! Ya’ll are so cute together and such a sweet couple to follow.
Wow Tina, you two are soooo friggin cute! Loved reading your story
I’ve been reading your blog forever but just checked out your engagement story today! I loved it and it reminded me of the day my fiance and I got engaged last year…the whole day was so romantic and nothing can ever beat the feeling of that first afternoon being engaged!