Because both FI and I are such big planners, and because of us both having children, we both went into the relationship with the understanding that we are looking for a long term commitment(mostly for the stability of our children). The last thing I wanted is for men to come and go from my daughter's life, she was not going to be introduced to any man unless I was sure I was going to be with him for my life.

We had both talked about how seriously we take marriage, we both sare the same views that marriage is a lifetime commitment and divorse is something that happens to easily these days. we both share the understanding that a high level of communication, respect and understanding is required to make a lifetime commitment work.

After we had both agreed that we were ready to make that commitment, we chose a ring!

After the ring was chosen, he was given it to do the whole clasic proposal thing....

On Febuary the 14th 2010 he took me down to the duck pond in the park by where he grew up, we each held a lit candle and he told me exactly why he wants to spend the rest of his life with me, he talked about how we should only take such a step if we are both commited to investing all our skills and energy into ensuring that our marriage AND family works. He then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him :) we let the wax from our candles drip together as one :p and we kept the candles and will keep them forever :)

Our friends were delighted, our families were initially unsure because we had only been together 6 months, however they are all over the moon now and really enjoying helping us with our planning! :)