Every couple has their own timeline, but from the beginning, we always joked that we did everything “backwards.” We bought our first house in November, welcomed our first child in December, and somewhere in between settling into a new life together, I started planning how I would propose. Most couples get engaged first and build from there — we built first, then finally made our way to the moment that would officially start our future.
The First Proposal: A Quiet, Traditional Moment at Home
At the time, we were still early in our relationship, learning each other, growing together, and adjusting to everything happening all at once. I wanted our engagement to feel meaningful, personal, and grounded in the life we were building. So I chose New Year’s Eve — a fresh start, a new beginning, and a night that already felt like a milestone.
My plan was simple but intentional. I bought roses, cooked dinner, and made a photo album of our favorite memories up to that point. Thankfully, I already had the ring because I paid close attention during our conversations… and yes, I may have checked her Pinterest board once or twice. I knew the exact style she loved.
When the moment came, I got down on one knee — something I believe every man should do, no matter how simple the proposal is — and asked her to marry me. That first proposal wasn’t flashy or public. It was quiet, intimate, and fitting for a time in our lives when we were still piecing everything together.
The Second Proposal: The Unexpected Public Moment
Time passed. Life happened fast. What was supposed to be wedding planning slowly turned into navigating career changes, relocating, welcoming our second child, going on family vacations, and even facing a layoff. We always knew marriage was the goal — but the timing, logistics, and life stress kept pushing it off.
Eventually, I knew I wanted to propose again, this time in a way that honored the journey we had been on since that first proposal. I decided to take her back to the restaurant where we first met — a place we visited many times and had never once had an issue with.
Until that day.
Right in the middle of dinner, a mouse sprinted through the restaurant like it was training for a marathon. We were both stunned. Out of all the nights we had ever been there… a mouse decided to make a surprise appearance on the night I planned to propose again.
For a second, I questioned if I should still do it. But then something clicked:
this was life.
Life, marriage, children… none of it is predictable. None of it stays perfectly clean and organized. And waiting for the “perfect moment” is exactly why we let our wedding get delayed the first time.
So instead of letting the mouse throw me off, I realized it represented everything that makes life unpredictable and beautiful. If anything, it made the moment more memorable.
I had purchased a loose diamond from a wholesaler this time, planning for us to customize the ring together afterward — something I highly recommend because it turns the engagement into a fun experience afterwards.
After dinner, I decided not to propose inside. I waited until we walked out of the restaurant. I played it casual, said we should take a quick selfie, and at the last second, pulled the diamond box into the frame. When we checked the photo, I asked her if she noticed anything… and the moment she saw the ring, I asked her to marry me again.
And this time, it felt like a celebration of everything we had survived and built.
💍 Tips for Proposing at Home (Private Setting)
- Get down on one knee. No matter what style of proposal you choose, this tradition makes the moment meaningful.
- Practice what you’re going to say. If speeches aren’t your strength, using a photo album or memory book helps guide the moment.
💍 Tips for Proposing in Public
- Expect the unexpected. Things may not go perfectly — like a mouse running through the restaurant.
- Be quick on your feet. If the setting changes, adapt and embrace it.
- Use unexpected moments to create memories. Sometimes the imperfect moment becomes the perfect story.
- Consider buying a loose diamond from a wholesaler. Customizing the ring together afterward makes the experience even more meaningful.
- Public proposals are great if you don’t want a long speech. The energy, environment, and spontaneity help carry the moment.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Proposing twice wasn’t the plan, but it ended up being part of our story — a reminder that love doesn’t need perfect timing, perfect circumstances, or a perfect setting. It just needs intention, honesty, and the willingness to move forward together, even when life gets messy.
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I love this story! I would have panicked at the mouse and probably given up for the night. The hidden diamond in the selfie was such a fun idea!