Clyde's side of the story...

I wanted to propose on her birthday via a Hot Air Balloon. I figured that she would not suspect anything on her Birthday. Plans fell through on that one. I had her ring at the house in my closet for a GOOD MINUTE. I must admit that it was hard not to give it to her (especially since she kept hinting around at it), but I was set on making it a special proposal. I brought up the whole helicopter ride idea to her soon after like it would be a fun thing to do. I wanted to make sure that the air ride did not seem to come out of the blue and cause her to raise an eyebrow. The day previous we did the Coca Cola museum and I was doing the Bachelor party thing with some friends of ours from KY. Big Shouts out to Vic and Buck Jones! I did not make it back to the house until 5am...I know, right.
I woke up and decided to photo document the day.
We met at the Atlanta Helicopters office at the Peachtree-Dekalb Airport. No one had any idea that I was proposing on that day...I could not afford to have any "loose lips" ruin this one for me. Our pilot, Scott, introduced himself and asked what made us want to take a helicopter flight. Angela is all " we just want to have a day out..etc." while I stick out my ring finger...he gives me the nod. While Angela is looking at the other helicopter and the private planes and taking pics, the pilot and I are making plans.
We get strapped in and head towards Buckhead. Scott gives me the signal that he isolated our headsets and while Angela is looking out of the window and taking pictures going " OH Baby look at that building" I say " Baby, I love you" (with ring in hand). I'm being half ignored at this point. She manages a " I love you too" not turning around at all. I say " Baby, I really love you" and Angela, without even turning her head says " I love you too....look at that building!". I figured I had to start this one..." I love you more". She FINALLY turns to look at me and there is the ring. I asked her to marry me and for the 1st time she was speechless. She makes the Miss America ugly cry with the hand fanning and all and forces out a "Yes...OF COURSE!" I place the ring on her hand and we kiss. I'm done around this point. We take a couple of shots of the ring and show the pilot. I think that she must've stared at the ring for another 5 mins...while I was taking pictures of the buildings.
She scared me on the way home...how do you have two separate conversations on two cell phones in ONE hand...she did it... I'm glad we drove separately.

For dinner that night, I had previously coordinated a dinner with my friend Ron Eyster, head chef of Food 101 in the Virginia Highlands (http://www.101concepts.com/ {morningside}-shameless plug). Dinner was incredible.

I saw the whole day as an investment into an incredible future with the woman I love...
2 the 9's
~Clyde