Shawn's & Michelle's Vacation
Our Hotel	Universal Studios	Islands of Advent.	Citywalk
The Proposal	The Fireworks	The Flight	Etcetera
The proposal at Emeril's Restaurant What Michelle didn't know about this trip was that I had also planned to propose to her at Emeril's Restaurant in Orlando. The restaurant is right at the Universal Resort, and she knew we'd be eating there, but didn't know the surprise that was waiting for her at the end of the meal. The staff at Emeril's was absolutely the best, working with me to coordinate this whole night. It all happened perfectly, and Michelle was completely surprised. Click on one of the pics below to see a larger version.
	Emeril's Restaurant viewed from the side. Our table was just inside the windowed section, near the left side. It was a beautiful table, complete with a view of the water and, just after the proposal, a beautiful sunset.
	Emeril's Restaurant front view. I discovered that Emeril had a restaurant at Universal Orlando just as I began planning the trip. Since I know how much Michelle admires him, I knew I had to try to get a reservation for us here. When I found out we had the reservation, I knew this would be a special dinner. It hit me that I may not ever have a better opportunity to propose.
	Michelle in front of Emeril's. This was a few days before the proposal and she had no clue of what was to come at this point. I was still worrying about sneaking the ring to the restaurant somehow. :-O
	Here's another shot, this time Shawn in front of Emeril's. I was already axiously looking forward to the big night. I was still crossing my fingers that all the planning would somehow comw together.
	Here we are in the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel, dressed for the dinner at Emeril's. The ring was already there waiting for us, dropped off the day before. Michelle thought we were simply wearing nice clothing for a special dinner. It wouldn't be too much longer until she found out just how special.
	Another shot of us in the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel, taken by the concierge. I don't think Michelle was extremely happy with me when she found out I had bought an entirely new wardrobe for this dinner. When she found out the real reason I did that, I believe I was forgiven. ;-)
	Here is the shot you have all been waiting for..... taken just after the lids were lifted off of our desert plates, as Michelle was trying to figure out exactly how she was supposed to eat a ring. :-)
	Here I am just picking up the ring box from her plate. Michelle is still in shock, not quite believing what is happening. In case you can't make it out, the lettering on the plate reads "Will you marry me?"
	Now I have the ring out of the box and am getting down on one knee, ready to propose. "I want this night to be perfect,to make you feel as special as you've made me feel every night we're together. I want to be able to feel this way for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?"
	She said yes and I placed the ring on her finger. Miraculously, it fit perfectly! The night had turned out even better than I could have imagined. Michelle was completely taken by surprise, the weather was perfect, the dinner had been excellent, and we were now officially engaged to be married!
	Still nearly completely in shock, Michelle and I share an embrace to the cheers of the rest of the diners in the restaurant. It was an incredible feeling. I doubt that anyone from the restaurant will see this site, but my thanks go out to you all for the warm encouragement you provided. Especially to the highly professional group of employees at Emeril's who helped make this night such a success. I also want to thank all of our family and friends who have responded to this announcment with nothing but support and encouragement.... Michelle and I are lucky to have you all in our lives.