Engagement Story

We got engaged in Sedona, AZ on November 2, 2012.

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I wanted to surprise Tatiana with a romantic weekend in Sedona, AZ. I packed a weekend bag containing warm clothes and comfy shoes, without disclosing our destination. She of course insisted on knowing where we were headed. However I kept my mouth shut and revealed nothing to her.

Tatiana had no idea where we were headed, until I exited the ramp towards Sedona. I then confessed that we were spending the weekend in the Red Rock country. We arrived at the Amara Resort and Spa to a room overlooking the infinity swimming pool but later switched for a larger, more private room facing the lush forest and tranquil riverside. After setlling into our room, I quickly grabbed the bottle of champagne from my bag and took it to the front desk, without Tatiana having the slightest idea. As soon as I gave the reception my name, they knew exactly who I was and about my weekend plans to propose to Tatiana. I must have spoken to almost everyone working at the resort in the last few weeks, to ensure my weekend plans were flawless. I wanted to make sure that the bottle of champagne awaited our return from the next mornings hot air balloon ride. We spent the rest of the day hiking through the mountains and later relaxed by the hotel hot tub and pool. Before going to sleep, I told Tatiana that we had to wake-up early and that she must dress warm. I stuck to my surprise idea and instead told her I was renting a Jeep for a morning/afternoon drive in the mountains.

The next morning, I studied my proposal thoughts written on an index card one last time and tucked them away in a bag along with the engagement ring. At 6:00 am the shuttle bus picked us up for the hot air balloon ride. At this point, I decided to tell Tatiana the truth about where we were going.

From the people we meet in the shuttle bus ride to the launch site of our balloon, our morning was off to a wonderful beginning. After our balloon was assembled, we began boarding the balloon. A total of 12 of us would be airborne, together in this awesome balloon. As the balloon began to drift upwards, you could see the sunrise to the east. The only noise was that of the propane tank, occasionally blasting flames into the balloon, followed by exquisite silence. I then began to make preparations to begin my proposal speech. I made several attempts to make eye contact with the balloon operator. The staff at Red Rock Balloons knew me by first and last name after the many phone calls I had made, to ensure our special day was perfect. Without success, I awaited another blast of propane into the balloon and began my proposal speech to Tatiana while the silence of the balloon filled our ears for the next few minutes. I placed my hands into hers and began speaking my warm heartfelt words to her. I then reached into my bag and pulled out the little red box containing the engagement ring, got down on my right knee and asked Tatiana if she would marry me. She of course said yes and as would luck have it, a woman happened to see me get down on my knee and began to video record my proposal. Noone aboard the balloon had any idea till I got down on one knee.

When we landed, we were given a champagne toast and light brunch to celebrate our balloon ride.
We returned to our room shortly afterwards, exhausted and immediately passed out for a few hours, while an unnoticed bottle of champagne was chilling in the icebucket beside us.

This engagement weekend was absolutely perfect. I’m so thankful and proud of myself for making this engagement a truly memorable occasion.



                                                                                                                                                                 Tommy Garthwait