The idea to ‘pop the question’ came to me around Christmas 2014 when Katie and I spent the holiday apart, this ensured the next 2 months were filled with planning just how to do it. After getting my parent’s seal of approval (not just anyone can become a Lacey) and, more importantly, getting Father Sowden’s agreement, I set about procuring a ring worthy of my future wife, a difficult task for a girl who is notoriously picky! Lots of toing and froing with various jewelers filled the following weeks until I had decided on the design I wanted, and ordered it – no going back now!
Next – plan the ‘delivery’. Again, weeks of going back and forth in my head what I wanted to do for Katie, we had planned a holiday to Iceland but my nerves wouldn’t have made it through security, especially with a big fat ring burning a hole in my pocket. But a plan I did reach:
Thursday 19 February 2014
Work went ridiculously slow, only close family and my best men knew it was coming but they didn’t know when. I spent the day picturing everything that could go wrong and the ‘what ifs’ – especially what if she says no (as if)…
Home time – I bought some Roses (the flowers, not the chocolates) for Katie on my walk home, this was big give away number 1. Katie had beaten me home so I met her at the door with my flowers and a kiss which thankfully masked the terror running through me. Straight to the kitchen, I need alcohol so went for cracking open a fresh bottle of Grey Goose, we’d agreed it was a ‘special occasions’ bottle – big give away number 2. I’d hidden the ring in amongst my camera equipment – so what better time to sort through my bags than when we are in a rush…!? Despite my faffing, we left on time for our surprise destination.
In my 2 months of planning I really wanted to find a bar that had the best views of London, so settled on Vertigo 42 in the Tower 42 – ‘London’s highest cocktail bar’. Part of the appeal was that neither of us had been here before but this also meant I had no idea on the layout and therefore my meticulous planning could fail at any point. We got to the top of the tower and were greeted by the friendly staff – who, rather unhelpfully, wanted to take my (ring bearing) jacket from me. As cool and as naturally as I could, I politely declined their offer and continued to our table which offered stunning views of Westminster, St. Paul’s, and other glorious London landmarks at night.
One glass of prosecco down and still I had not found the courage to do it, i’d decided after the waitress pours the second glass it’ll be go time. She poured. I delayed some more. Conversation had become a little…interrupted…as I plucked up the courage. I think Katie sensed something was up, I was checking over my shoulder constantly (to check people weren’t watching of course) and had a silly grin on my face. Then, in a sudden clarity, I slid off my stool to my knee fumbled for the box in my pocket, and something like:
‘You’re my best friend, I love you and I want to spend my life with you, will you marry me?’
She said yes….
Obviously
BEST. RING. EVER !