The Proposal

On the Friday before Memorial Day, Patrick picked up the custom engagement ring he and a family friend/jeweler had been working weeks to find and build. On Memorial Day, May 28th, Patrick and Laura went on a walk together they’d never forget.

Carrying the ring in his right pocket, Patrick led Laura to a beautiful sunset viewpoint in Volunteer Park in Seattle, and sat with each other overlooking a reflection pool. A more beautiful location couldn’t have been picked, but something wasn’t quite right. Although the park was fairly quiet, there were several people very nearby that Patrick wasn’t interested in putting on a show for. Although tempted to ignore that hesitation, he also couldn’t pull the ring out of his pocket while sitting with Laura, and took it as a sign that it wasn’t the right time.

As the sun was getting low in the sky, they continued their walk through the park together. Although he was once again tempted to pop the question, an oddly dressed old man was following them along the way, often within 10 feet of them, even stopping to view the scenery at the same time as the couple. Again, not the right timing.

As they left the park, and the sky growing darker, Laura asked if they should head home. Patrick suggested they push on, and together they began walking through the quiet neighborhood of Capitol Hill. With darkness as his ally, Patrick pulled the ring from his right pocket and held it in his hand, while his left hand held Laura’s. As they turned down 17th avenue, the topic of conversation turned to their mutual love for each other. Patrick said “I love you so much, and I can’t wait to marry you someday.” Laura responded “That would be wonderful, I love you too.” “Would you want to marry me?” he asked. “Of course! We’ve talked about this before. I love you.” “Are you sure?” he asked. “YES!” she replied.

At that exact moment, they became illuminated by the soft glow of a streetlight, and Patrick could tell that they were completely alone. Dropping to one knee, Patrick raised the ring into view, brilliantly sparkling in the lamplight, and asked “Laura Li, will you marry me?” Laura took a moment to take things in, but looked slightly lost in emotion. “Wait, what?” she asked. “Will you marry me?” he repeated. Patrick then slid the ring onto her finger, and she became overwhelmed and embraced him. A few moments later, she paused and looked him in the eyes; “I said yes, right?” she asked, “Because YES!!”

Pan Pacific Hotel wedding – photo

Portage Bay cafe Wedding – photo

Patrick and Laura’s Vendors List

• Officiant | Reverend Ray Van Winkle
• Ceremony & Reception  | Portage Bay Cafe (South Lake Union)
• Catering | Portage Bay Cafe (South Lake Union)
• Desserts | Trophy Cupcakes
• Hair | Crystal Kosta
• Makeup | Jen Debonnaire
• Jewelry | Gallery of Diamonds
• Florals | Handmade by the bride
• Invitations |  NMI Creations via Etsy
• Accommodations | Pan Pacific Hotel (Seattle)
• Dress Hanger- GetHungUp via Etsy
• Groom’s Attire |  Men’s Warehouse, Socks- Made by Bride, Tie and Pocket Square, Tie Clip- RiverValley Jewelry via Etsy
• Bride’s Attire | Victoria’s Bridal Couture, Cardigan- Made by Bride, Shoes- Zappos, Hair Combs- Anna Panik via Etsy