Laura and Michele's Harry Potter Proposal
Laura, a Midwestern-transplant to Virginia, and Michele, an armed forces member from Tennessee stationed in northern-Virginia, met at church at one of the monthly Beer and Hymns events.
One stop on the 13-hour first date was at the Iwo Jima memorial.
The First Date
"Our first date was not supposed to be a date. It was a group brunch, but everyone else cancelled and it just kinda changed into a date -- 13 hours worth of sightseeing in downtown Alexeandria and Washington, D.C.," Laura says, adding that "Our first real date was to be church followed by brunch a week later. It was promptly crashed by a church member and her two terrific children under the age of 5. So, the four of us had a perfectly wonderful brunch!"
After being with Michele for about a year, Laura approached me about creating something special for her proposal. Michele is a huge Harry Potter fan and Laura wanted to create a secret compartment in a Harry Potter book for the modern yellow diamond Golden Snitch engagement ring. As a fellow Potter-head and wizard wanna-be, I was happy to lend a hand.
A special Harry Potter proposal. Michele specifically wanted a yellow diamond, so Laura had a ring specially made that looks like a modern interpretation of the Golden Snitch.
And never fear book lovers, no first editions were harmed in the making of this proposal!
The Proposal
In their own words:
Michele: In the most adorable way ever! Use of Harry Potter and a gorgeous custom designed ring :) I'll let Laura explain how she did it, but let's just say this: I actually thought she was breaking up with me, and was internally freaking out! Of course, once I realized what was happening, I freaked out for a different reason.
Laura: I took her back to the Torpedo Factory ( a series of artist studios ) where we went on the first date. I had two very meaningful lines ready to say to her (written down). I said them. I saw her eyes. I thought she knew what was happening.
Then she said, " But......"
Apparently, she had no idea what I was trying to do. I handed her the book. She thought I had done something with her first edition Harry Potter and was very confused. I took her hand and opened to the RIGHT portion. ( She, I think, had started to re-read at chapter 1!)
She just stared at it all until I said, "Whatcha think? Wanna?".
She still didn't understand. I then said "I asked your parents permission." Then the tears and the 'oh my goodness' came. I asked her if that was a yes and if she could put the ring on.
She forgot to say "YES". Of, course, I forgot to say " Will you marry me?". I guess we are even.
"Whatcha think? Wanna?" She said yes.
Love Wins
Michele is now on a deployment, but the couple is planning their small, intimate wedding celebration for next spring. The ceremony will take place where it all started out, at their church.
Michele: She looks out for me in a way nobody ever has before. She just gets me, sometimes better than myself. She keeps me safe, sane, and reminds me everyday that I am beautiful and loved.
Laura: She brings lightness to my life. She grounds me. She makes me laugh. There are a thousand other things, but this I know to be true - from the moment she and I started talking - I knew that my thoughts, dreams, and heart we safe with her. I just had no idea this is where we were headed. I'm grateful every single day that this is where we have ended up.
A huge thank you to these two amazing women for letting me play a part in their special proposal story. I can't wait to watch their journey together unfold.
Ring created by Etsy seller Irina of Bridal Rings.