On New Year's Eve, December 31, 2002, Jon got down on his knees to propose to Chelle in the middle of the Flood Tide Restaurant in Mystic, CT.

It was a night to remember . . . We decided to make reservations at a fancy restaurant for a nice New Year's Eve dinner. We had a lot to celebrate, we were in love, so happy, and blessed with our family and friends.

The dinner was fabulous from course to course. Throughout dinner though, I noticed Jon was a bit fidgety, I thought his stomach might be bothering him. He said, "he was feeling fine, just a bit full from dinner."

After dinner, he returned from the restroom and knelt down beside me. He asked me if I dropped something and showed me this beautiful diamond engagement ring. I was so surprised. He continued his proposal by telling me how much he loved me, and how much I meant to him, and asking me to be his wife. Meanwhile, tears are streaming down my face, and of course I said, "yes" to this wonderful man. An audience of sorts began to build and word spread throughout the restaurant.

People began to applaud and others came over to bid us well wishes.

It was certainly a night we will remember for the rest of our lives.

Of course it became even more heartfelt when I learned that Jon had gone to ask my parents for my hand in marriage. My Mom, Dad and Sister did an incredible job of keeping the secret.

We enjoyed sharing our happy news with our amazing family and friends.