As many of you know, we have a wedding in our future. December 31st to be exact. I figured I would start by answering a question I am frequently asked lately: "How did you get engaged?" Some know the story, others don't, but for the record, here it is:
It all started here:
We went to Vegas in early December with our friends, Tommy and Terra. It was somewhat of a last minute trip: Tommy had a conference to attend, and invited us to join. We figured "Why not? Who gives up a chance to go to Vegas?"
We had a great time. Our nights were packed with shows, playing slots, and just absorbing all that Vegas has to offer. One night in particular; however, we went to "The Bar at Times Square" in the New York New York (or as I like to call it, The Piano Bar). This is, by far, my favorite place to go in Vegas. For 6 hours we sit and listen to two amazing musicians play the piano and duel for tips. Put a song of your request in, and with the right amount of money, they will play it.
As I was innocently sitting there, singing along, my friends began acting very strange. It began when I asked Terra to join me for a bathroom run. Afterall, we were drinking, and bathrooms do eventually become your frequent friend when this occurs. As Terra informed her husband that we would be back momentarily, he quickly stated, "No, you are not allowed to leave." This was a little odd. (Note: Hint #1)
Moments later, the man playing the piano made direct eye contact with Joel for almost an entire song. Again, this was odd: why would he try to make direct eye contact with one person for an entire song? Hint #2.
It became very clear to me what was happening when Joel never made eye contact back, and the man eventually held up a sign that said "Name?" Yep, you guessed it: Hint #3. As Joel walked up to the man and began talking to him, I anxiously turned to my friend Terra and asked what was happening. Surely she had to be in on this. As she turned her head, pretending not to hear me, and avoiding the question at all costs, I knew it was coming.
Two songs later, the man began talking about certain occasions someone would come to celebrate. Birthdays. Bachelor Parties. And of course, Wedding Anniversaries. Then it began. The man announced my name, and I was forced to walk up, and told to sit on the piano.
He then asked that every man that was sitting at the tables in the bar to come up and surround the piano. I quickly had close to 40 men kneeling around me. They were instructed, by the piano man, to join him in singing "You've Lost that Lovin' Feeling." Yes, I will admit, I was a little embarrassed.
The men were then instructed to dismiss, leaving Joel as the only one kneeling. What happened from there? Well, I bet you can figure it out:
So there you have it. In front of, easily 300+ people, we were engaged. The end result?
We have a very exciting year ahead of us . . . Let the planning begin!