Our Engagement Story

Vinh's point of view

On August 23, 2024. I had to pick up the ring. My challenge is that Michelle and I track our phones. How will I go downtown without being noticed? I told her I was going to the pool in my condo and won't be able to see my phone. In the meantime, I took the REM and ran as fast as I could to the jeweller. After careful review of the ring, it was time to leave but the ring box didn't fit my fanny back. The jeweller put the ring in a small plastic bag as a temporary storage. Step 1 done.

For all the guys, I'm sure you will understand how nervous I was. I wasn't able to sleep that night. I had asked Kuya Ace and Ate Monique (Michelle's brother and sister-in-law) to help me decorate her parents' place while we were out in the morning of August 24. I was so nervous that I asked if we can change the plan and get it done as soon as possible. Instead of proposing in the evening, I would get on one knee at lunchtime. We left early morning to go to Fairview. The moment we got to Fairview, I texted Kuya Ace to let him know that he can start to decorate. Step 2 done

Throughout the shopping spree, I was so nervous. I kept going to the barthroom. I kept looking in my fanny pack to make sure the ring was still there. I kept looking at my phone to keep the family updated on when we were leaving Fairview. Kuya Ace texted me that everything was ready as we were getting ready to leave from Fairview. Step 3 done.

While driving to Marathon to pick up food, I got called out. Michelle was asking if she should be worried because I was starring my phone all morning and didn't talk much. I didn't know what to say because I didn't want to spill the surprise. I told myself: "Vinh, don't say anything, she will understand when it's all done". The problem: we hit every possible red light to go to her place....instead of a 5 minutes trip, it was 15 minutes trip of pure silence. It felt like 2 hours.

We got to her place and my heart was pounding. I asked her to go to the backyard and she knew something was up at that moment. There was an alley made of flowers on the ground and it was beautiful. Kuya Ace and Ate Monique made a beautiful set up with a sign "Will you marry me?" in the pool with the bouquet of flower.

I got down on one knee but little did I know, I completely forgot to put the ring in the box. So i took out the ring from the plastic bag but my hands were shaking so much. I got even more nervous when I realized that I was next to the pool. What happened if I dropped the ring in the pool? I don't remember what I told Michelle. To this day, it is still a blurr. I don't even remember if she said yes. 

The following moment was just pure love and emotions. Adrenaline kicked in to the sky and it was just magical to be there just me and her for couple minutes. Somehow her presence didn't make me realized that I was stress-free. I had switched gear to excitment and happiness without knowing this whole process was stressfull.

Mission Accomplished. 

Oh wait, we had to plan for a wedding, that's going to be the real challenge!

Michelle's point of view

On August 24, 2024, Vinh & I went to Fairview Mall. He usually puts his phone away when we're together, but that day he kept messaging someone. He went to the bathroom more than 3 times. 

On our drive home, I asked him "You're with me but your head is somewhere else. Should I be worried?" he answered "what? no!" It was a silent drive home. 

When we got to my parent's place, he led me to the back door, and voilà... ballons on the pool, a beautiful bouquet, my whole family watching. 

My emotions went from worried → mad → surprised → touched → happy → excited 

Overwhelming but filled with love :)

I honestly can't remember what he said, all I remember was "Will you marry me?"  - I was a little confused because I was expecting a ring box, but I got a zip bag .. 

Anyways,

Ofc I said yes and here I am typing on our wedding website :)