So, after Mr. Buttons and I went shopping to find my perfect ring style, I got my stinky nose out of it (as much as I possibly could)! I kept wondering how long it would take for him to make a purchase, and I kept thinking of the most opportune moments in which he could propose.
One thing about Mr. Buttons that I absolutely love is that when I ask for something, he somehow manages to get it. Seriously, he is a great listener (GASP! What?!?! Crazy…I know!); he remembers all of the little clues that I drop, and even picks up on hints I’m not aware I’m giving! Case in point: I was looking for a new bikini online one day, and was oohing and ahhing over one in particular. And, wouldn’t you know it? That little beauty arrived in a box a few weeks later! Good job, Mr. Buttons! Anyway, being the control freak that I am, I did mention to Mr. Buttons that if I could have the perfect proposal, I would want to be dressed up and look fabulous.
My birthday was right around the corner, and Mr. Buttons suggested that we get gussied up and go to our favorite restaurant (and, consequently, the location of our first date: Casa Ludovico… seriously, if you are in the Clearwater area, you need to make the trek to this restaurant, it is phenomenal) to celebrate. I spent a few hours going through my closet, unable to decide on the perfect outfit. I had a feeling that it was “the night”, so I wanted to make sure I was picture-ready in the event that I was right (even though Mommy Buttons assured me that he had not yet asked Daddy Buttons for permission yet… and I knew that he wouldn’t propose without doing so. Mommy Buttons LIED!).
I landed on a pretty turquoise Calvin Klein dress with a pair of Betsey Johnson heels, and Mr. Buttons and I went on our merry way.
In the car, Mr. Buttons pointed out my birthday card that was sitting between the seats. He informed me that I had to wait until dessert to open it. When we arrived at the restaurant and began to eat dinner, I couldn’t help but notice that Mr. Buttons was inhaling his pasta at an incredibly fast rate. He had polished off his plate before I knew it, and I began to scoop some of my own dinner over to him. I guess he wanted to get on to dessert as soon as possible!
One of my favorite things about Casa is their tiramisu. Oh my goodness, I DREAM of their tiramisu… it is that good. I dare you to look at it and NOT drool…
(OK, this picture is from a different event, but it’s the only photo I have of the dessert… yummm.)
We never go to Casa without ordering dessert, and this night was no different. I told Mr. Buttons to go ahead and order it while I ran to the ladies’ room. When I returned, I noticed a group forming around the kitchen doors. Every single staff member was converging there, and they began to walk to our table, carrying a plate of tiramisu. One of the waiters was holding a bouquet of roses that he presented to me. The light bulb switched on over my little button head. Mr. Buttons prodded me to open my birthday card. It read:
“Miss Buttons – I enjoy every day that I get to spend with you. From the first time we met on the beach to the many times we get to just hang out and watch movies. I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else at this moment…”
I looked up from the card, and Mr. Buttons had produced a small black box (which the bartender had been hiding behind the bar). I stared at the ring in surprise… it was exactly the one I had been eyeing. I am pretty sure that something like “SHUT UP!” escaped my mouth (how classy)… and I was so excited that I missed the rest of what Mr. Buttons had prepared to say to me.
I tuned back in to hear him say, “Miss Buttons, will you marry me?” and promptly began to kiss him. At this point, the entire restaurant’s attention had been drawn to our table, and everyone was waiting while Mr. Buttons was giving his speech. Some guy yelled out, “Did she say yes?!?!” before he even officially asked. Did I actually say yes, though? I’m not sure! I suppose it was an implied yes. When he put the ring on my finger, the entire restaurant broke out into cheers and applause, and I’m not going to lie, I really enjoyed being temporarily the center of attention. Restaurant patrons kept asking to look at the ring, and I was more than happy to show them, of course!
With that, we were officially betrothed! The phone calls began on the way home from dinner, where Mommy and Daddy Buttons had some champagne waiting for us when we returned! Best… birthday present… ever…
Was your proposal a public event or a private affair?
What a sweet story! It’s cool that you can go back to that restaurant to celebrate your anniversaries and stuff. My proposal was private–it was just us out on a beautiful bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.
My proposal was at home and completely random… we were watching movies on the couch! But when I suddenly saw a ring my first words were shut up and then I dont remember a thing he said! lol
oh how precious!! I have tears in my eyes! My dear FI had asked my daddy and I knew that he was coming to Alaska and that he was going to propose, but I didn’t know that he was going to do it at the airport… 
Sneaky boy.
So sweet! Great story. Also, your shoes are adorable!
I always thought I wanted mine to be public as well, but my parents convinced my now-husband otherwise. And I’m glad–he proposed when it was just us, and the next day we had a huge party (a surprise one, for me!). It seems like for most people, whatever it is ends up being so special and exactly what they wanted.
very, very sweet and romantic! i’m loving reading your posts miss buttons!!!
I love love love your dress! And tiramisu. It’s a tie. What a cute story!
my fiance proposed to me on christmas in front of my whole family. it was an amazing experience… i had no idea… he looked super calm from the outside. his made a video and wrapped it,and it was the last gift under the tree.when i opened it , it said watch me so the whole family and me gathered around the tv to watch. it was a video of pictures of us in high school (past) now (present) and us with wedding attire (future).
congrats on your engagement! ive already started planning im sure you will too.
<3 Razz
That’s such a sweet story!
Our proposal was very private, at home, just the two of us, which is what I wanted but it was nice because we got to celebrate with our parents later.
@Ms Potato Chips: Thanksss! For real…Calvin Klein that I found at TJ Maxx, $35…I die! Love that thing…
Congratulations! And I know what you mean about saying “Shut up!” Some nice things that came out of my mouth were, “Are you SERIOUS?!!” and (My personal fave) “Are you LYING??” Nice…
that is such a cute story! i think our proposal will be a bit more private. i’ve told him i didn’t really want anything in public so we’ll see what happens!
I also said “shut up.” I proceeded to add “Get out of here”! It was in a very public place in NYC which we love to hang out. I was also celebrating my birthday and all my friends and family were there having drinks. It was outside on a nice summer day so a ton of ppl were there. I was in shock the rest of the night, but wouldnt have had it any other way. Im not a low-key private sort of girl and love having people around, and he knew that.
our proposal was private in a public place… My fiance is a bit shyer than I am when it comes to PDAs and drawing attention to ourselves- we were at a tourist spot in San Francisco, and the first thing he said, in a low voice, was “I would get down on one knee, but I didn’t think there’d be so many people up here” or something like that. I also can’t remember everything he said , but I remember asking REALLY?! pushing him, making sure I didn’t force him into it (ha!) and also making sure he was holding my grandmother’s ring (my dad brought it with us on the plane in his pocket!)
Seriously, NO ONE noticed us!!! Like nothing happened except my cheeks were flushed and I was more dizzy looking out at the view, and my man was sweaty with nerves.
I love your proposal story!! It always gets me when the boy takes the time to plan something special…tear…
OMG. Love it! And I especially love that the first words out of your mouth were “SHUT UP!” Mine were “NUH-UH!”
(Also, tiramisu FTW!)
i told mine to shut up too when he pulled out the ring!! haha.
Love the dress and the story!
P.S. Our proposal was a private one, but your public one sounds so fun!
Mrs. Buttons, Clearwater, FL Age and Occupation: 24, "Working on it" Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Financial Services Engagement Date: June 13, 2009 Wedding Date: May 2010 Venue: Carlouel Yacht Club About Me: I'm a self proclaimed perfectionist and a professional nomad (seriously, I've lived in TX, WI, MI, FL, NC, and now VA!). I love wine, cooking, curling up with a good book (nerd alert!), spoiling the furbaby, and of course, the wonderful Mr. Buttons! We are planning a lighthearted and whimsical wedding (with a good deal of DIY projects) in Clearwater, Florida, but from a distance of 800 miles away! We are looking forward to sharing our day with our family and friends, and most importantly, starting our lives together as husband and wife!
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