Proposal Story

I shared my engagement pictures yesterday, but wanted to post the whole story today! (The picture is just a happy selfie I took at my desk the next day!)

On the night of my 23rd birthday, I walked into Cypress Restaurant, (where I worked until October of this past year) expecting to attend the staff Christmas Party. My former boss, Caroline, had called me a week earlier and invited me, saying, "Even though you don't work here anymore, you're still family!" 

I wasn't suspicious that the party was on my birthday because Monday is the only day of the week the restaurant is closed and the annual party is always in early December. Instead of other guests, I was greeted by Caroline, restaurant co-owner Elizabeth, FSU sports photographer Ryals (who is also Elizabeth's brother!), and "Oh shoot Maya, I forgot to tell you the party got pushed back a half-hour."

I asked what I could do to help, and Caroline she waved me away, saying we just needed to wait for Chef David to bring the hors d'oeuvres. However, then she "remembered" the new party game we were going to play, adding that the rules she read on the internet confused her. She suggested Stephen and I get started figuring out the game, so it'd be easier for the other guests to jump in as they arrived. As I turned to read the first clue to my sweet Stephen, Ryals asked me to angle toward him; he wanted to test his camera's flash in the restaurant's dim lighting. (I know, I know-- how did I NOT suspect at this point? It all happened so fast!) 

As I'm sure you can guess, the poem confessed there was no party; I was taken there for the start of something much greater. When I looked up, Stephen was on one knee, those green eyes and a diamond sparkling under the Christmas lights. The feeling was indescribable. I couldn't even speak-- it wasn't until three days later that I told him, "Oh by the way, YES!!" 

We stayed at Cypress for another 2 hours, sipping champagne, talking with Caroline, Elizabeth, and Ryals, and calling immediate family members. After that, Stephen and I made our way to the nearby Wine Loft, where we had some sliders, honey-baked Brie, and more wine and beer. I called a few close friends and of course told the cocktail waitress, "We just got engaged!" Around 12 or 1, we finally made our way back to our cozy little home. Hands-down the best night of my life!!!

I am so incredibly grateful to everyone involved in the planning of our special night (the Cypress lineup was drilled every shift "If Maya Schuller asks, when is the FAKE Christmas party?" haha) and to everyone who contributed to the outpouring of love in its wake. My family and friends have expressed repeatedly how thrilled they are, and I've received the kindest wishes from many people I haven't seen in years.

Even after 5 weeks of engagement, I still find myself feeling that it's surreal--in the best way! Earlier today Stephen and I were on a hike (we're in North Carolina at his Dad's vacation house) and I started jumping up and down and yelling, "I can't wait to MARRY YOU!!!"  It's amazing. I am so in love with this man and can't wait for our adventure together!

My new name to-be! Doodling as if my cubicle were a 4th-grade classroom. ;) And the ring again... Can you tell I'm obsessed?!?