After graduating from law school, and having dated Mr. Jasmine for three and a half years, marriage was definitely on my mind. Luckily for me, it was on his mind too. We spent a few glorious afternoons looking at rings at jewelry stores on Michigan Avenue– an activity that never gets old. So needless to say, I knew a proposal was coming, I just didn’t know when.
Tne random Monday morning in March, Mr. Jasmine and I were chatting via Gmail Chat. We do this fairly often and I’m shocked I haven’t received an angry call from the work IT guy wanting to know why I’m on Gmail Chat all day. Anyway, he suggested we go to Bandera after work. Bandera is one of our favorite restaurants in Chicago– all warm, sophisticated ambiance and lovely views. I immediately agreed, my mind more on the delicious beef ribs than the romantic atmosphere.
We met in the concourse of my building after work that day and he suggested we go for a walk. That should have been a tip-off since Mr. Jasmine is not one for physical exertion of any kind, even meandering strolls. But I agreed happily and we went for a walk through Millennium Park. The day was lovely– all sunshine and warm breezes. It felt really lucky for a day in March to be so nice.
We walked through the park quietly, holding hands, until we came to a lone bench, with amazing views of the Chicago skyline in front of us and the park around us. Mr. Jasmine and I sat down and he cuddled me very close. He told me he loved me and leaned in and said, “Will you marry me?” I gasped– I knew he was going to propose, but who expects a proposal on a Monday? I wasn’t even wearing one of my nice proposal-ready outfits! Tears started streaming as he hugged me to his chest and pulled out the little blue box. He had bought me a gorgeous solitaire from Tiffany, an engagement ring I had ogled weeks previously. After spending a few teary-eyed moments on the bench (and receiving shouts of congratulations from bemused onlookers), we had a very romantic dinner at Bandera (and I had my beef ribs!).
It was a really beautiful moment– simple, sweet, and honest, which is one of the things I love about Mr. Jasmine. He rarely dresses his love up in anything extravagant or over the top– he expresses it earnestly, simply, and honestly. That’s exactly how his proposal was and I wouldn’t have it any other way.As thrilled as I was to be engaged (and as much as I wanted to delve headfirst into wedding planning), I knew I had to wait. We couldn’t be officially engaged until we had our families’ blessing. More on that to come…
How sweet! My husband proposed to me under the bean in Millenium Park, so it’s wonderful to see more love stories unfold there, too.
Awwww this story is so sweet!!! I love the way you tell it too, I really got swept up in the moment! 
It’s so good to see pictures of Chicago!!! We just moved out to California, and although I never thought of myself as a city girl (I grew up in the NW suburbs), I MISS THE CITY!! My husband and I LOVE Millennium park, especially the Bean and the awesome amphetheater. Best of luck to both of you, loved reading about your engagement!!
My proposal was on a Wednesday…never saw that one coming. Good job Mr. Jasmine!
The first time that Mr Peony and I looked at rings together was on a trip to Chicago, at the Tiffanys on Michigan Ave! What a sweet story - can’t wait to read the second part about your parents’ blessings.
you’re a great storyteller. keep em coming!
Haha - my proposal was also in Chicago, on a random afternoon in his apartment on the South Side (I thought I was picking him up for lunch)! Months later, we took an architechtural boat tour together on the Chicago River to celebrate getting our marriage license… yay Chicago! And yay for you guys. What a sweet story!
Hehe…proposal ready outfits. Cute story!
How funny! I had no idea that Bandera was a chain! My FH and I shared our very first date at the Bandera in Sacramento. LOVE that restaurant!
I love Chicago - and I’ve been to that Bandera so I feel a connection to your story, which is dorky. But I love it - looking forward to more posts from you.
That’s funny! We got engaged right after a dinner at Bandera in LA - and we’re getting married in Chicago! Mirror universe, much?
“simple, sweet, and honest” - my proposal was like that too! Mr. Jasmine sounds kinda like Mr. Peach =P
[...] marks one year since Mr. Jasmine and I were engaged! Technically we had two engagements: a private one in Millenium Park and an engagement ceremony with family two weeks later. We consider the [...]
Mrs. Jasmine, Chicago/LA
Age and Occupation: 25, Attorney
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Attorney
Engagement Date: March 24, 2007
Wedding Date: June 7, 2008
Blogging Since: September 20, 2007
Venue: Hotel on the westside of Los Angeles
About Me: I'm a happy-go-lucky, imaginative spirit trapped in the body of a lawyer. I love reading, shopping, dining out, and exploring my beloved adopted city of Chicago with my fiance. We're planning the wedding of our dreams in my hometown of Los Angeles and we're excited to incorporate our cherished Indian/Pakistani customs and traditions.
Aww, it’s so sweet to see Chicago landmarks and restaurants factor into someone’s relationship story. I love Bandera! And strolls through Millennium Park too. Congratulations!