The day before, I attended a bridal shower while Ryan gathered the necessary lasagne, roses, candles and Martinelli's Sparkling Cider. He e-mailed my roommate Sarah (now a bridesmaid) with plans—even as he talked on the phone with my father on Sunday. After talking to my father, Ryan was required to call my Uncle Jeff to learn my bride price. After a short interview, the price was set at ten sheep. I don't know how much sheep are worth, but it sounds like he'll be paying more for me than my father did for my mother (two goats).

As part of the plan, Ryan's younger brother Sean invited us to Sunday dinner—eating the lasagna Ryan had provided. While we were gone, my roommates got the three dozen roses, the candles, the Christmas lights and the ring from Ryan's house and decorated my house.

When we arrived home, we came in the garage door by the kitchen. I flipped on the kitchen light and set my stuff down. Ryan turned the kitchen light back off and took my hands. He led me into the living room. The railing of the staircase was decorated with white Christmas lights. My first thought was, "Oh, look at the cute idea my roommates had," but before I could even finish the thought, I realized what was going on.

Ryan led me up the stairs, which were strewn with rose petals and illuminated by tea light candles. We reached the loft, which was strewn with more rose petals and roses. Candles were lit on the table and the hearth, including floating candles, interspersed with roses and rose petals. The bottle of Martinelli's and two glasses were set out on the hearth, as was the open ring box. My roommates had arranged the whole thing—including the spotlight on the ring.

Of course, at this point, I'm crying. Ryan expressed his love for me, then retrieved the ring and got down on one knee to propose. After I accepted, we sat on the love seat and toasted our life together.