basically, we fell in love and we're getting married

Despite the fact that I've always dreamed about writing this story, I can't do it alone. I’ve asked Jonathan McCrary Keller--guest blogger extraordinaire and my fiance--to help me tell what has become very much our story. I’m thrilled to be able to help out. I've never blogged before so bear with me.

We have attempted to be purposefully detailed for the sake of faraway friends and family who aren't able to hear us tell the story in person. Today's installment is the first half...stay tuned for the part where he asks me a question and [spoiler alert:] I say yes!

Part I: The Beginning

In the beginning, God had this all planned out. He has orchestrated, directed, and guided us in this entire process. Also in the beginning was a terrific community of friends and loved ones. We have been rooted deeply in this group of believers and have been well-supported, well-loved, and well-grounded. We are grateful for their guidance and accountability.

When I met Jon at a dinner party last August, I had no idea that the tuxedo-clad co-host with a penchant for bow ties and marathon running would win my heart so completely, so quickly. When I met Mags at Filet Friday Formal on Saturday, I knew immediately that I wanted to spend more time with her.

Turns out, when you know, you just know. And we knew. Very quickly, we knew. I almost bought an engagement ring within a few weeks of dating Maggie. Thankfully, I waited and was able to get something she really liked.

Part II: The Set-Up

In February, Jon’s friends Drew and Alison invited us to the Chicago Cubs' season opener on April 2nd. So we made plans and bought airplane tickets. And all the while, I thought I was going for baseball. Technically, Drew bought the tickets and it was Drew's idea. I just paid for it. :) The entire engagement planning process, I asked the help of numerous friends and family. I also prayed a lot. Our friends and family prayed even more.

Then, two Sundays ago, I discovered I had mono. I took the week off from work to rest. And suddenly, everyone wanted to know if I was still going to Chicago. Wow, I thought, this baseball game is a bigger deal than I thought! I tried to downplay her needing to go to Chicago; I even suggested that she might not have to go...all the while hoping and praying desperately that she would still be able to.

So we went to Chicago. Not really for baseball. But I didn't know that.

There were a couple hiccups on Friday night: things I noticed and things I completely missed. Jon was very late picking me up for our flight, and I was nearly frantic! I kept pacing the house, getting more and more upset that he was so late! I showed up at her place about 55 minutes before our flight left...I had to pick up the ring!

Later that night, in the cab leaving Midway airport, I tried to make a joke about Jon’s intelligence which completely backfired, thus proving that I am not the funny one and should just stop trying altogether. On the way to Hyde Park, Maggie freaked me out. She asked about dinner on Saturday and I said, "All I know is that we have to wear nice clothes." Maggie quipped, "That's not all you know." I almost had a heart attack...did she know???? Had one of the 50-plus people I told spilled the beans??? No, she was just joking. I HATE not being fully open or honest with someone—even if it is for a surprise.

We stayed with Drew and Alison in Hyde Park, and all of us met up with Dan, Jon's friend from high school for the game Saturday. On the way, I asked Jon about dinner plans, since he had promised me a fancy dinner in the city. Jon acted like he couldn’t remember and asked Dan, who casually mentioned he made a reservation at the Signature Room at the top of the Hancock Center. Jon alternately feigned surprise and delight as Dan described the lakefront and city views and as I pointed out that we'd probably be there just before sunset. (That, of course, like everything else, was planned.)

The Signature Room was originally Dan's idea. When I was brainstorming places to propose in Chicago, this had been the one Dan recommended most highly. I made a reservation at 7:30pm, but told Dan to act like it was for 7pm; that way we would have some wiggle room. On the train, I did my best to pretend that I had no idea where we were going. Drew and Alison had to turn away to hide their smiles.

The Cubbies certainly didn't disappoint: they managed a comeback in the bottom of the 8th to win 5-3 over the Pirates. Jon was excited, but I assumed it was because of the baseball game. It was a great omen for the rest of the night.

Go, Cubs, go!

So happy to be back in Chicago!

Drew and Alison like Chicago, too!

After the game, we made our way back toward Hyde Park. The whole mono thing had worn me out, and I fell asleep a little on the Red Line. And again at Dan and Janelle’s apartment. But never mind that; it’s so not important in the grand scheme. Maggie ate cereal in the morning and peanuts at the baseball game. I worried about her strength, but was also unsure how to remedy the situation; I was concerned that she might not be able to stay awake for dinner!

We made a stop at the University of Chicago, where Dan delighted us all with a comedic tour of campus: pointing out the purposes of various buildings, telling us where to get the best coffee, and providing general commentary. My favorite moment was while we wandered around in the afternoon sun, I caught Jon looking at me. I squeezed his hand and smiled, reveling in how blessed I am to have him in my life. My anticipation was building.

And still, I didn’t know. I hoped this was true.

Back at Drew and Alison’s, we all got ready for dinner as fast as humanly possible. It’s quite likely I set a personal record. I felt rushed and flustered—I even did my makeup in the car—and it kept me from noticing Jon, a complete wreck in the front seat (poor guy)!

Of course, I was unaware that 6 of our Minnesota friends had driven down to surprise me at our engagement party. Jon, however was fully aware. We were running a bit late. I worried that people would get to the Hancock Center too early and that we would see everyone. I worried that we would see one of our friends walking on the street. I worried that Jake would pull up alongside us in the car. I considered ways to distract Maggie from a potential friend sighting and texted our friends to delay or stay hidden.

By the time we parked in the ramp, we were late for our reservation and I felt quite anxious. I sensed Jon was upset about it as well, as he grew very impatient that the ramp elevator stopped at every single floor. Still, I couldn’t understand why he had basically pushed me into the corner of the elevator.

I was panicked that one of our friends would be waiting on the other side of the elevator doors. I hoped at least I might see them first and have a chance of keeping Maggie from seeing them. Not only did we stop on the 8th floor, we were stuck there. The doors closed and we stayed...the doors opened and closed again...but we still stayed. On the 8th floor. Panic levels were quite high. Finally the elevator starting moving, right when I told people it would be all clear.

On the first floor of the Hancock Center, there was an elevator line spanning the length of the entire lobby. Jon stood there, BlackBerry in hand, muttering something about how we should be able to move to the front of the line. With a teasing smile, I reminded Jon that he can’t achieve priority status for everything; Jon was not amused.

We were sitting ducks! I had no idea where our friends were and had already told them it would be all clear! I texted people to let them know we were stuck in line, but I had no idea if everyone had their phones or if they were checking them as obsessively as I checked mine. At that moment, an elevator attendant informed us that those with dinner reservations could come directly to the front of the line.

When we arrived on the 95th floor, we conveniently discovered that the reservation was actually for 7:30 (miracle of miracles!). Jon took my hand and led me up to the lounge to take in the sunset city views.

I thought I had it made. The sun was setting, we had detached from our friends, and given an excuse. We got upstairs and got in line for table in the lounge/bar area. We noted, however, that they were carding. I obviously had my ID, but the ring box was on top of my wallet! I tried to fish my wallet out of my pocket (if you know me, my wallet is not the slimmest!), but it was not happening. We needed to get out of line and fast! I looked around for another place we could go, but before I thought of anything, we were at the front of the line! I blurted out “I have to go to the bathroom!”, left the line, and took Maggie with me. I was only in the bathroom about 15 seconds, just long enough to take a deep breath, take out the ring to make sure it was there, and then go back out. We had to find a different place to do this! Also, if you know me: my hands were VERY sweaty at this point!

If you’re still with us, congrats! The next part is when it gets good, so check back tomorrow!