Engagement Date: Oct. 25, 2008

Wedding Date: June 20, 2009

The night Russell proposed was the most magical night of my life…

The week of October 20th 2008, I was visiting a long-time friend of 30 years who now lives in sunny California; however, little did I know that my future fiancé, Russell , was in PA secretly planning a very special marriage proposal for when I returned from California.  While away, Russell and I had regular communication via e-mail and by phone, but during those calls I never suspected he was planning the proposal; as well as, taking my mom out to dinner to get permission to marry me.

Ironically, as I was boarding the plan to Philadelphia, I met a woman from South Jersey and I told her that my boyfriend was picking me up at the airport. I also mentioned to her that I felt bad because it was during the Phillies World Series playoff game and she said to me “oh that definitely sounds like an engagement soon; that’s love”.   (Now looking back she was an angel on earth letting me know that my life was about to change).  As I was on the flight home from California, I thought about how lucky I am to have such a wonderful man in my life and I truly couldn’t wait to get back to PA to see him.

I called Russell when I landed and told him that I was waiting at the baggage claim and I would be ready for him to pick me up soon.   As I’m standing in the airport waiting for my luggage, Russell surprised me and walked in the baggage area dressed in a suit with a dozen roses looking so handsome; we gave each other a big hug and he kept telling me how much he loved me…. I thought to myself “oh my, it’s happening tonight…”  As we were leaving the airport, I was so excited and I asked Russell - where are you parked?  - He pointed to the white stretch limousine with the Phillies T-shirt hanging on the passengers window for all to see (I told you he was a Phillies fan).

We got into the limousine and immediately I felt so overwhelmed with happiness, love, and blessed to have Russell come into my life that I started crying AND then it happened - Russell got down on his knee in the limo and said some very sweet and romantic things to me and asked me to marry him! Of course, I said yes right away and shortly after I wanted to call my family and friends to share the exciting news with them; however, Russell already had that taken care of for me (but I didn’t know it at the time).

After wiping away many tears of happiness and looking for tissues, we had a toast and we also said Thank you to God for bringing us together.  I turned to Russell and asked him if I could call my Grandfather because I promised him that he would be the first to know about the engagement.  Although it was late in the evening, and I thought my Grandfather may have gone to bed, I had to keep a promise and so I called him. My Grandfather was waiting up to hear the news from me because the word spread in my Italian family that we were getting engaged that night!

Russell had some of our friends and family members waiting at the restaurant so we could all celebrate this special occasion and the next day we had more friends and family over for breakfast and then headed to the Eagles game to continue the celebration.  It truly was a perfect surprise and I’m so glad my flight wasn’t delayed!