Nothing extravagant or elaborate; no jumping out of airplanes or windswept beach scenes in faraway foreign countries, no Rocky Mountain high or deeply forested enclave, no nightclub, fancy restaurant, no handmade signs on highways, no rings in champagne glasses, no moonlit strolls.

None of those events or places or things meant as much to me as when Joseph simply asked me to close my eyes as he put the ring on his pinky finger to present it to me, and when I opened them he said those four great big words, "Will You Marry Me?" Yes, I said, Yes, Yes, Yes. And then I cried great big fat tears of great big fat happiness.

After being together for 3 years and 3 months, it's time to make it official, and for the rest of our lives.

And last but not least, the engagement ring, in Aquamarine, "...for according to legend it has its origin in the treasure chest of the legendary mermaids, and has for ages been reputed to be a lucky stone for sailors. Its name has been derived from the Latin terms "aqua” meaning water, and "mare” or sea. Allegedly its powers develop best if the stone is immersed in sun-drenched water. However, it seems a wiser course to carry it, because according to ancient traditions, carrying an aquamarine is supposed to guarantee a happy marriage and to make its owner happy and rich at that – the ideal gemstone, not only for lovers (but for) married couples..."