Our Story
A His and Hers Perspective
How it All Began...
She said: So far the night was rather boring, I was looking around and locked eyes with a cutie at the bar. We kept meeting eyes, well actually - I was trying to reel him in, and he took the bait. Ryan finally came over and asked to buy me a drink. When he came back we chatted and he asked me out to lunch on Saturday. All Saturday I waited for his call...No call! Sunday, he finally called and I was ecstatic! We made our first date!He said: I was out on a guys night-out. I introduced myself and offered to buy Cindy a drink (classic move). Cindy ordered an Amaretto diet and drank it really fast. The two things I will always remember were her beautiful eyes and how she touched my arm on her way out the door. I still have a book of matches I picked up off the bar and feverishly played with during our conversation at the bar. Something told me I would always want to keep something to remember that night.
The First Date
She said: Our first date was at the Water City Grill in Oshkosh. The restaurant was amazing, especially since my college budget only supported ladies night - anything free. I was very nervous, I could tell Ryan was very smart and he was involved in church, that was a clincher. I hardly ate five bites of my salad, he was so amusing. We went down to the riverside bandstand and listened to live music. Then he showed me where he lived, nice fish tank - full of piranhas! He asked if he could see me again, Yes! And we hugged goodbye.He said: I picked Cindy up after cleaning my car for several hours - had to look my best. I ordered vodka tonic and swordfish steak, Cindy ordered a salad and midori cocktail. She dipped your lettuce in her dressing, I never saw that before and now I do it too. Half way through the meal Cindy ordered a Coors Lite (a down to earth girl. I love you!) I talked a lot, embellished myself and tried to impress the new college hottie I was trying to win over - I must have said something right!
Engagement Glory
The Proposal
| It was a beautiful sunny Friday morning, Ryan and Cindy set out for the "adventure" Ryan had mentioned a couple days prior. Ryan told Cindy to be sure to have off on Friday, this was an odd thing for Ryan, so Cindy had an inkling something was up. With her nails buffed and manicured Cindy was full of anticipation for the day! After stopping off for gas in Oshkosh Ryan did not get back onto the highway, truly confused as to where they were going Cindy just watched for clues. Ryan finally parked the car in front of the Water City Grill. Ryan made reservations at the very same table that we had sat in for our first date. Looking at Ryan across the table Cindy also noticed that Ryan was wearing the same shirt that he had worn on their very first date. After a wonderful meal where Ryan had ordered the same dinners as their first date - Ryan asked, "So do you know why we are here?" "I think so..." Cindy said, as Ryan moved down to one knee and asked that all important question, "Will you marry me?" Not being a girl to let a good moment pass to quickly Cindy excitedly had Ryan repeat the question twice. "Yes!" And the tears flowed, but we won't say who cried first! |
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Sharing the Wonderful News
Cindy had always dreamed of coming home one day with that diamond glittering, just waiting for Mom and Dad to notice. After making sure the parents were home and crafting an excuse to visit, Cindy and Ryan headed over to the Johnson household. After some chit chat, Cindy decided it was time to make it obvious. Mitchell the cat got a big loving pet and Mom got a glimpse of the ring and screamed! Hugs and tears for all!Dad finally arrived home, not quite as observant as Mom! Finally Mom could not contain her excitement and blurted out the great news!
Still loving the wait and notice game, Cindy and Ryan met Mr. & Mrs. Burwell at the cottage. When that long awaited gasp finally came - the news was out. That night we all celebrated at the clubhouse!