Do you partake in advent calendars? Patrick (on the left) and Mark, a couple residing in Washington D.C., are avid fans of the Bonne Maman calendar, which features 24 different jams. One morning, the calendar unveiled something unexpected…
Joanna: How did you come across the jam calendar?
Patrick: Back in 2021, a friend of mine was sharing her daily reviews, and I became captivated, watching all her videos. The next year, I purchased the calendar, and on December 1, 2022, I said to Mark, ‘Okay, we’re doing this calendar and we’ll give it our ratings!’ He responded, ‘Wait, so we’re going to review it every day on your Instagram Story? This is hilarious!’
Did both of you review the jams?
Patrick: Absolutely, but by day three, Mark wasn’t really into the calendar. At one point, he started to walk away, and I playfully scolded him, ‘Are we engaged, Mark?’ He jokingly said, ‘We are not engaged yet.’ Then, people on Instagram began asking if we are engaged, and I thought, we really should be.
What did you do next?
Patrick: Both of us hail from the Midwest, and while visiting my parents in Chicago, I asked my mom if I should propose. She was like, OMG YES. That very day, we went to the mall and bought the ring.
I love a mother’s enthusiasm! Mark, did you have any inklings?
Mark: That morning, I was on a work call that was supposed to last 30 minutes but dragged on for 2.5 hours. I was wandering around in my pajamas with my AirPods, and there was Patrick, dressed up in a turtleneck, all freshened up. I thought, wait, why is Patrick so well-dressed? Then it clicked, oh my goodness, the silly calendar. [laughs]
What was your proposal plan?
Patrick: My parents, sisters, and I were all gathered around the kitchen table. I had hidden the ring box inside the calendar door along with the day’s jam. We were saying to each other, this call will never end!
When Mark’s call finally wrapped up, what occurred?
Patrick: I set up my phone to film the jam review. I said, ‘It’s day 19, a special day, and we still haven’t had a 10/10 yet, so hopefully today we will…’ Mark glanced at me, and I revealed the ring box.
How thrilling!
Mark: I was completely shocked! It was so characteristic of Patrick.
Patrick: And he accepted!
What was the jam of the day?
Mark: It wasn’t particularly good.
Patrick: It was a bit disappointing. Orange cinnamon spice.
For their wedding reception, Patrick and Mark used mini jams labeled with guests’ names.
How charming is that? What other proposal stories have you enjoyed?
P.S. More proposals, featuring a bakery, a bookstore, and a beach.
(Wedding photos captured by Sam Hurd Photography.)
**A Devastatingly Heartwarming Marriage Proposal Revealed**
In a world often caught in a whirlwind of activity, the essence of love continues to radiate in the most unforeseen and imaginative ways. One such tale has recently enchanted the hearts of many—a marriage proposal so poignant and distinctive that it has left viewers worldwide smiling, weeping, and reawakening their belief in love’s magic.
### The Scene: A Narrative of Thoughtful Preparation
Every memorable proposal is initiated by a narrative, and this one is no different. Introducing Emma and Liam, a couple whose romance ignited five years ago at a neighborhood bookstore. Uniting over their mutual admiration for literature, their bond thrived into a partnership filled with mirth, escapades, and unwavering support. Liam, a self-described hopeless romantic, understood he wanted to propose in a manner that would symbolize the depth of their bond and the journey they had traversed.
Following months of meticulous organization, Liam chose to recreate the very instant they first met. The proposal was to unfold in the same bookstore where their love story kicked off, but with an unforgettable twist.
### The Proposal: A Tale Cloaked in Literature
On a crisp autumn afternoon, Emma presumed she was meeting Liam for a casual coffee date. Little did she know, Liam had planned a grand affair involving the bookstore staff, their closest friends, and even a bespoke book.
Upon entering the bookstore, Emma was welcomed by a familiar sight: the aisle where her conversation with Liam blossomed. But this time, there was a noticeable change. The bookshelves sparkled with fairy lights, and among the volumes were handwritten notes—each detailing a cherished memory from their relationship. From their initial road trip to their most beloved inside jokes, the notes illustrated a radiant tapestry of their love story.
At the end of the aisle, Emma spotted a magnificently bound book adorned with her name. Inside, Liam had penned a heartfelt message recounting their journey and articulating his aspirations for their shared future. The last page simply instructed, “Turn around.”
When Emma turned around, she was met with Liam on one knee, ring in hand, surrounded by their loved ones who had silently gathered. Overcome with emotion, Emma accepted, prompting the bookstore to erupt in celebration.
### The Aftermath: A Sensation That Went Viral
What amplifies the uniqueness of this proposal is how it resonated beyond Emma and Liam’s immediate circle. A friend who filmed the moment shared it online, where it rapidly gained a massive following. The video, showcasing Liam’s thoughtfulness and Emma’s emotional response, struck a chord with audiences globally.
Comments flooded in from strangers inspired by the couple’s heartfelt story. Many applauded Liam’s ingenuity and the consideration he poured into making the proposal so intimate and significant. Others recounted their own love tales, generating a wave of positivity and enthusiasm.
### Why This Proposal Resonates
In a time where grand gestures too often feel contrived, Liam’s proposal distinguishes itself through its genuineness and sincere intent. It wasn’t about opulent displays or hefty costs; it centered on honoring the unique bond shared between him and Emma. By weaving in elements of their joint history, Liam crafted a moment that was profoundly personal and unforgettable.
This narrative serves as a reminder that the most impactful gestures often originate from the heart. Whether a small act of kindness or a grand proclamation of love, the essence lies in the thoughtfulness and care behind it.
### A Love Story for the Ages
Emma and Liam’s engagement transcends a romantic tale; it symbolizes the strength of love and the magnificence of human bonds. As they gear up for the next chapter of their lives, their story continues to inspire many across the globe.
Ultimately, this touching proposal is a celebration of love in its most genuine form—a love that is thoughtful, imaginative, and deeply rooted in shared moments. In a time when the world deeply craves more joy, Emma and Liam’s narrative stands as a luminous beacon of hope and happiness.
