The Engagement

Jason's Side of the Story

On Sunday, April 10th, a very exciting moment in my life took place. That was when I asked Shannon, my wonderful girlfriend of 2 years, to marry me. And, she said YES!!

Earlier in the year, it had seemed that there was so much uncertainty about future plans, especially Shannon's education. However, after much prayer, thought, and seeking Godly counsel, I had made the decision in early March that it was time to move towards marriage. I met with Shannon's parents and started looking into the engagement ring, although Shannon didn't know any of that. I managed to keep it a secret for the whole time. When things were in place for the engagement, I looked around to find a restaurant with a private room I could book. I then went in on April 9th, and explained to the waiter what I was planning. He cleared out the room, and put up a table for just the two of us. During the afternoon on April 10th, while Shannon was doing an event with some girls from the church, I finished setting up the room at the restaurant with a rose bouquet and rose petals on the table and floor.

That evening, I told Shannon that I had some plans, although I tried to play it down as much as possible. When we got to the restaurant, we were first seated in the main dining area downstairs. I left, telling Shannon I had to go to the washroom, but I actually went up to the private room and got the waiter to go get Shannon.

The waiter told Shannon he wanted to take her on a tour of the restaurant, which sounded slightly reasonable since it's actually in a big old house. Shannon was a little confused why he was doing that, but went along. The waiter led her up to the room where I was waiting for her. She was quite surprised!

After our private dinner, I played a song for her on the guitar, and then proposed. It's so exciting to finally know for sure where we are headed in this relationship, and to start planning for a life together!

Shannon's Side of the Story

When Jason was taking me out to dinner on the 'fateful' night, I was SO hoping that it was 'the' day, but didn’t want to get too excited in case it wasn't! For the month or more leading up to that date Jason had been taking time to seek God about His timing for us to get married and every time I asked him, he always said vaguely "I'm still waiting for an answer." (HMPH!) But at the point in the evening that the waiter came to the table, telling me to follow him for a tour, I was completely oblivious to what was happening. In fact, so oblivious that I persisted in asking questions about the old house that the restaurant was in and did not realize that as he was leading me up some stairs, the candles along them were for me!

When I first entered into our private room with the candles, flowers, and single table, I was completely shocked! I felt so beautiful, special and completely loved by what Jason had done for this evening. And, it was a wonderful meal together and we had the opportunity to share deep thoughts about the future, us, and what the past couple of years had been like. Then, as he pulled out his guitar and started singing...I couldn't get past how excitedly he smiled and the amazing look of love in his eyes. I would look at him singing to me, listen to the words, and then have to look away because I was blushing so much. As I was listening to how confidently he sang, not even with a hint of nervousness, I was just so indescribably romanced by the love shining from him! And then, he got down on his knee, pulled out the ring, and proposed. The whole evening even including the ring was just so thought out, so gorgeous, and so very special.

Ever since the engagement everyone and circumstances have all been so encouraging! The support and excitement that we have received from others has over and over again confirmed and re-affirmed God’s timing for us. Wow- I stand in awe of God's wonderful gift of love for us to share in!

The Song

Here's the song I sang for Shannon:

Echos of Eden
by Steven Curtis Chapman

What is it about a kiss
Makes me feel like this
What is it that makes my heart
Beat faster when I'm in your arms
What is it about your touch
It amazes me so much

How is it that your sweet smile
Can get me through the hardest mile
What's the magic in your eyes
Brings the love in me alive
What is it about this dance
The sweetness of our romance
That makes me feel this way

These are the echoes of Eden
Reflections of what we were created for
Hints of the passion and freedom
That waits on the other side of Heaven's door
These are the echoes of Eden

How is it the sky turns gray
Anytime you're far away
What is it that makes me sad
Anytime you're feeling bad
What is it about this night
The music and the candlelight

These are the echoes of Eden
Reflections of what we were created for
Hints of the passion and freedom
That waits on the other side of Heaven's door
These are the echoes of Eden