Joe proposed to me on a Tuesday night at 9:45 p.m. right before we were about to go to bed. It wasn’t a grand production since we had talked about getting engaged, and I would’ve been suspicious if he had done anything out of the ordinary. He had planned on doing it earlier in the evening, but I kept getting in his way. Let me explain...
It was a gorgeous evening in September, and we went to dinner at our favorite outdoor cafe. We weren’t seated at a great table, and I was complaining a bit to Joe. I probably made more of a fuss than I should’ve...I really wasn’t that upset. Joe, on the other hand, was thinking, Great, I can’t propose here since it’s not perfect.
Photo: Jason Pohuski/Star Quality Photo
Jen Schefft and her fiance Joe Waterman.
He then decided he’d propose in front of my building where we had our first kiss. As we were wrapping up dinner, Joe told me he had to use the restroom inside the restaurant. Mind you, my place (now our place) is literally right next door, and I asked him if we could just go home instead. He (nicely) dismissed my plea, so I told him I’d be waiting for him outside. He met me there, and I promptly told him I now really had to go the bathroom. I ran off and was in my building before he could stop me (I realize this might be TMI; I didn’t know he was going to propose, and it’s an important part of the story!). Needless to say, I was driving him nuts.
Finally, we were in bed about to go to sleep, and he handed me the ring and said, “I’ve been trying to ask you this all day…will you marry me?” I was completely taken off guard and happily screamed, “YES!”
My friends and family were so excited when they heard the news -- I called everyone right away. It helps that they all love Joe too. It did take a while for it to sink in, though, since we got engaged after being together for only seven months. I know I’m not ancient (I’m 32), but I’ve waited a while to get married since I’ve always believed it’s better to wait for the right person rather than settle. People always told me when I met the right person, it’d happen quickly, and they were right.
We’re currently in the midst of planning. The venue and the music are reserved, the flowers are set, the honeymoon is booked, and the invitations went out. I’m now working on putting together a wedding web page. Luckily, Joe is being very agreeable (although if he had his way, we would’ve just eloped). He keeps telling me it’s my day and only steps in when I need his advice. What can I say? I’m a lucky girl.
Jen Schefft is the author of Better Single Than Sorry: A No-Regrets Guide to Loving Yourself and Never Settling.
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-- Jen Schefft
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