Now, Susan is always online so when I didn't see her Friday, I was curious. I thought, Maybe Brendan surprised her with more than dinner.. And knowing Susan checks-in on Facebook from time to time, I figured I'd try there instead of texting her and possibly disrupting whatever lovey-dovey thing they could be doing.
Posted at 12:14AM on on March 9th was:
"Got outta work today annnnnnnd B surprised me with a trip to chicago! Hello chitown:)"
How awesome! Go Brendan! And also interesting.. I need to do some more sleuthing.
At 2:20 PM I IMed Susan and Brendan's friend in Chicago, Drew, and asked if he was going to see them this weekend.
He didn't respond for nearly half an hour, during which I was going mad just wondering what warranted this grand gesture..
2:56 PM: Drew finally responds saying Brendan had planned a surprise party for Susan in Chicago that night. A surprise ENGAGEMENT party!!! EEK!!
Susan and Brendan have been together for nearly seven years and he had totally thrown her off with his generous Christmas gift of a Tiffany necklace. (He ever remarked "This should buy me at least another couple years"!)
I debated whether or not I should go since it was incredibly last minute but Susan is one of my oldest (since bus rides in the 7th grade!) and best friends so I sucked it up and booked my flight at 4:00 PM. There was NO way I was going to miss this! (This is what savings is for, right?) With Drew's help, we planned logistics and I was off to Chicago!
10:30 PM: 760 miles later, I walked into Susan and Brendan's engagement party in one piece. Though I missed the initial surprise, I couldn't wait to see the look on her face! Brendan also had no idea I would be there, he hadn't told anyone on the east coast about what he was planning since everything was taking place in Chicago.
When Brendan saw me, he was shocked and said "Susan's going to kill me, I just told her no more surprises.."
He shielded me as we set off to find Susan and when we did, he stepped away and her reaction was absolutely priceless! She cried, I cried, we hugged. She was absolutely glowing with happiness, surrounded by their friends and Brendan's many, many family members. (About time, Brendan!)
Susan's reaction upon seeing me:
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Now on to the most magical engagement story ever!
Their seven year anniversary was yesterday (3/15), so this trip was an early anniversary celebration.
Susan got home Thursday and Brendan called her to let her know there was good news and bad news: the bad news was they were not going to dinner. The good news was they were, instead, going to Chicago! He had already packed her bags (which consisted of many bras and no flats) and had a town car waiting for her downstairs.
Thursday night was a typical night, they caught up with friends who were nearly bursting with Brendan's secret plans.
On Friday, Brendan took Susan out to a romantic dinner and told her they were going to see a show later. They arrived at Auditorium Theater and it was empty. Susan asked who was playing and he handed her a brochure that listed her as the performer. (Susan is a classically trained pianist who has always dreamed of being a concert pianist.) He had rented a grand piano and had his guitar brought to the theater for this.
They ended with a duet of "Layla" by Eric Clapton as the final song. Heart pounding, he then dropped to one knee and proposed.
She said yes.
They then headed to their favorite bar, Halsted Harp, where "a few people" were waiting for them. Susan was overwhelmed when she walked in to see fifty of their closest friends and family waiting to congratulate them.
Amaaaaazzziiiinnngggg!! What a night for them! I can't believe Brendan was able to pull this off, so magical! Love them both and wish them more than the best!
Brendan took this photo at Auditorium Theater that sums up the magical evening leading up to an amazing night:
I had an incredible weekend in Chicago, and am so glad I was able to be a part of their special evening!!
CONGRATS GUYS!! Can't wait for the wedding (and bachelorette ;D)!
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