Imagine being IN the movie “pretty woman!”…how much ladies do you wish you could be treated, pampered, loved, spoiled…how many movies do we as women watch and think “ya right – only in the movies!” WELL IT HAPPENED TO ME!!! So Wednesday December 10th, I get up at 5a.m. and get ready for my shift as a Paramedic. I go to work for 7a.m. and for some reason my supervisor decides to begin “quality assurance” and starts the process with my crew. So we get a car accident first thing in the morning (minor – one patient and she was totally fine)…then at 11:30 we get another call to Dunnville. Once we cleared that call we head to the ambulance base in Dunnville for lunch. My supervisor says “come with me” and brings me out the garage – hands me a red envelope and there stands Norm-a wonderful man I know (the father of one of the medics I work with)…and who is Norm?? He drives limosines!! He brings me out to the parking lot and straight to a limo!! YES – I’m now officially off work for the day!! I open the envelope and it reads: “Good Afternoon Love: I have a little game to play, If you want to join me you can’t stay, grab your things, it’s time to go, no worries about your shift they already know. Hurry up now lets get going step outside, A vehicle is waiting, it’s a pretty cool ride…”
UH WOW!!! Now my heart is pounding and I am in a limo with NO CLUE as to where I am being taken! Half an hour later – we arrive – at my house. My house?? Yup – my house. There is a car in the driveway – no clue who’s it is? I walk in – and there is my boyfriends sister-in-law waiting at the kitchen table. She says “Hi Tonia” and with that I begin balling!!! Yup crying like a baby! She says to go shower but not wash my hair. Did I mention she is a hair dresser? So – I come back down from the shower and she begins to do my hair! Now I’m wondering what all women wonder at this point (or probably sooner) “is he going to PROPOSE!!!?”

So my hair is done now and she hands me a red envelope…hmmmm seen this before – what could be NEXT! My heart pounds with anticipation as I open the envelope: “GORGEOUS HAIR! Here is what you will need if you care, grab some clothes enough for 2 days wear. Tooth brush, personals and a bathing suit, whatever you bring I’m sure will be cute!” then it says “chop chop! Time is ticking…get back to the car!” Wow!!! SO I run up the stairs and I’m so nervous, I’m grabbing ANYTHING and EVERYTHING and just throwing them into the first duffle bag I can find!!! Okay – back to the car!!!! Now where are we going I ask Norm. “I know nothing” is what he replies. Wow…how exciting! I’m calling everyone I know on my cell phone freeking out at the events taking place! I’m getting answering machines from my family which was driving me nuts but I got a few friends on the line and explained what was happening and everyone was so excited !!! Hmmmm where could we be going!!??? Oh…exiting Upper Wentworth…hmmmm…why?? What’s there?? Oh my goodness – we are turning into…THE MALL?? WHAT?? Now I’m confused? We are now parked in front of the mall, Norm steps out, opens my door and hands me…yup – a red envelope!!!!:

Didn’t he pick out the MOST BEAUTIFUL SHOES!!! HE picked them out!!! And to go with them – a little black clutch purse. WOW! And oh - not done there. The salesman says “oh I have something for you” …and yes – hands me a red envelope!!! “Beautiful feet that look just right, need sexy shoes to wear tonight. Just a couple stores down is calling your name it’s JMICHAELS, enter and do the same….”
I am in complete awe at this point. What to think, what to do…where is MY MAN!!! I just want to hug him and cry and never let go! I mean WHO DOES THIS!! I walk to JMichaels and with a huge smile on my face…didn’t even have to say “Hi I’m Tonia”…all the ladies working there knew who I was! Nicole comes up and shakes my hand and says “I’m Nicole and I’ll be taking care of you today”, then leads me to the change rooms at the back of the store – to which I found the most beautiful gowns all awaiting trial!! “Wow is this truly happening? Someone pinch me”! By the time I tried on 3 or 4 gowns that my wonderful boyfriend chose for me – I found “the one”. It was beautiful! Floor length black gown with high neck and a small train! It was gorgeous! Beautiful bead work at the bust line and the neck…wow! I felt exactly like Pretty Woman! I asked “so did he come here this morning and do this?” They said “oh no dear, he has been coming here for a very long time…even brought his parents to get their opinion”! OMG – he HAS TO BE PROPOSING!!??? Now with all the woman working there standing with me at the back of the store – I have on more thing to try on with my beautiful gown…a dress coat. Here are the choices…and the one that fit and looked so stunning – was chosen by my man! What nice taste! A cashmeir jacket! WOW!!! The women said I had to leave the store dressed in this gown and jacket! I was like “WHAT!!?” LOL…and in all the excitement left my clothes in the store including the leather coat I had come in with! Oops…oh and of course - they had something for me…a RED ENVELOPE! “WOW. So hot, so sexy, so beautiful you are, walk tall and confident back to the car. Your a gorgeous woman for all to see, yet set aside, a gift from God…just for me!! xoxo” Oh the tears were starting again…wow…and the ladies who were so wonderful and felt like family by the time we were done – walked me out of the mall, back to the limo and to the awaitng Norm – opened the car door and out steps the most hansome, wonderful man – my Will !!

I was SO HAPPY to see him!!! I couldn’t contain my smile from ear to ear!!! My face was actually hurting from the past 4 hours of pure joy!! In the limo we go with a thanks to the ladies who helped us out – and a glisten of tears in their eyes…but where to NOW?? Will didn’t say a word! (I mean about where we are off too)… wow. Speachless. Thinking “oh my goodness is he going to propose?” Will and I have talked about marriage, but I thought he wasn’t going to propose until next year. As a matter of fact, I would have bet my life on it! I had NO clue he was going to do this! AND he said he will do a few wonderful things that will make me think “yes this is it” but it won’t be! That way I’ll never know when the real time will come! So as much as I’m thinking that he has to be proposing…I’m also thinking…he can’t be! He wouldn’t do it the first amazing time out like this? Could he!??
Oh…I see the CN Tower! YES we are in Toronto! Norm pulls up to the Keg! My favourite restaurant! OUR favourite restaraunt! Maybe he’ll do it over dinner? Will it be in the dessert? Nah that’s cheezy? Oh I just want to know!!! Dinner comes – so delicious!! And…goes. Dinner is over – and low and behold, the car I drive to work – is parked under ground in TORONTO!!! How did THAT happen?? Will’s wonderful parents drove it to Toronto during the day so we would have a ride back home when all was done…how wonderful!!!
So now we are in the car…but where are we going? Oh…I think I see the Royal Alexander Theater~~and guess who’s pulling into it!!! YUP! WOOHOO we are going to see Dirty Dancing!!! I LOVE THAT MOVIE!!! I wanted to see this play so bad!! OH IS HE GOING TO PROPOSE??? HERE?? Best seats in the house and all to ourselves we get the box seats! Do I have THE BEST BOYFRIEND EVER OR WHAT!!!!!!!!
The play was truly amazing! I loved every moment…but as quickly as it seemed to begin, it ended…and no proposal (LOL)…I am of course thinking this entire time “he can’t be proposing…this is a tease but how could he top this!”?
Back to the car we go. And to the Cambrige Suits Hotel…and not just any room but the PENTHOUSE!! DOES IT END?? Wow – the most amazing man has done the most amazing things for me today! FOR ME!!! Could this be happening? REALLY happening to somelike itty bitty ME????

He arranged rose pedals to be put in our room for when we got there….they did a beautiful job!! We had a beautiful room! We spent a very romantic evening just being together and celebrating this magical day. What a wonderful way to spend time with the most hansome man …and we had the BEST sleep EVER! No proposal…
At 9a.m. the door bell rings to our room…Will gets it and a few minutes later shows up with breakfast – served to me in bed!!! Bacon, Eggs, Orange juice, fresh fruit…the works! Wow – breakfast in bed, in the penthouse suite! In Toronto! With the man of my dreams! Does this get any better? Not a chance!!!! So we eat our breakfast, thank God for our blessings and just enjoy the food. Half way through the dessert Will gets up, walks around to my side of the bed…and gets down on one knee! OMG THIS IS HAPPENING!!! He gave the most beautiful speach and it ended with “would you be my wife”….YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!! I cried and hugged him and he placed the most gorgeous ring on my finger that he had made JUST FOR ME!!! A ring that I fell in love with and continue to love more and more with every passing glance !

BREATHTAKING!!! I look down to my left hand and want to cry…I can’t believe I am the lucky one who gets to marry Prince Charming! Will is the most amazing man EVER!!!! I am so happy, so in love, so content – so overwhelmed and so emotional! So…ladies …these things aren’t just part of movies, or fantasies, or fiction…they HAPPEN!!! It happened to me and I want to share and write it and remember it until I die! JUNE 12/2009 is the big day!! Delicate Impressions will be closed the entire month! I am marrying the man of my dreams and I couldn’t be MORE HAPPY!!! WOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
I’M ENGAGED!!! HOLY MOLY!!!!! WOWZERS!!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!! …hubby – sorry “FIANCE” wants the gown on here! So here it is: (I love you baby!)
See? He’s great at taking pictures too! We had a little model session …it was actually quite funny! Realzing we didn’t really get any pictures of the dress we put it back on (oh twist my arm) and joking around he just kept shooting and I was acting like a model (clearly NOT ONE) and almost killed myself laughing! This was one of the fun shots before the tears started streaming LOL!!!
Tags: Wedding Photography
December 13, 2008 at 5:01 am |
OMG!!!! That’s amazing….you truyly do have a wonderful man Tonia! I couldn’t be happier for you….you deserve it so much! I’m beyond happy for you! I know you guys will be happy together….I’m sending big hugs for you! Love you babe!
December 13, 2008 at 5:51 am |
People who read this might think wow what a guy, but truthfully it fell way short of what should have been done for Tonia… For those who know her she is the most amazing woman, Gorgeous, sexy, sporty and fun, but inside is sooo much more, her personality out weighs her looks (if you can believe that) by far! Sorry guys but she said YES!! So in reading all of the wonderful things she has said, just know she is the reason it was done and brings what is deserving out of me for her. I love her very much and had just as much fun planning this event as i did watching it unfold because it was for her. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen.
December 13, 2008 at 10:39 am |
That’s quite the story… congratulations!
December 13, 2008 at 3:09 pm |
SEE!!! THE BEST BOYFRIEND (I MEAN FIANCE) EVER!!!!!!!! HONESTLY!!! WOW!!!!!
December 13, 2008 at 6:49 pm |
All I can say is… WOW!!! Tonia… I think this is one fairy tale that will come true!!! Congratulations both of you. We are all so happy for you and love you both!
P.S. He is definitely a keeper!!! But I am sure you already knew that!
December 14, 2008 at 3:12 am |
That is by far the best and romantic proposal I have ever heard of!
Congratulations to you both! It is such a joy when you see 2 people find so much love and happiness in each other and their sole purpose is to live for each other.
All the best,
Christina, Todd, Nicholas and baby-to-be…
December 14, 2008 at 3:49 am |
WOW!! What a fairy tale story! Congratulations to you both. I am so excited for you both. I got goosebumps reading through your story! Way to go!!
December 14, 2008 at 7:36 pm |
WOW Tonia! AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING!!!! You do have the most wonderful fiance ever (besides mine of course, LOL!) – I am so so so happy for you, and can’t wait to see that gorgeous ring when we come to have the baby photos taken! You really do deserve all of that and more, what a fantastic fairytale story come true!!
December 15, 2008 at 5:41 am |
Awww…thank you everyone for your best wishes! I am truly BEYOND happy!!!
December 16, 2008 at 1:33 am |
My face hurts because I just saw Tonia at work and I couldn’t stop smiling during her story and I’m STILL smiling!! I’m just getting my vision back to normal now too from the blinding light reflecting from the BEAUTIFUL ring!!! Great job Will…not sure if my future husband (whoever that may be!) will appreciate the high expectations you may have set!!! Congratulations you two!!!!
(oh, and Tonia, LOVE the shoes…and dress…and hair!)
December 16, 2008 at 3:22 am |
Bling Bling!!!! its beautiful Babe. That was the most Beautiful story I have ever heard. He is such a wonderful man as u are a wonderful and beautiful women. I wish u both all the happiness the world can bring. Congradulations to the both of you love u both very much.
December 20, 2008 at 9:08 pm |
WOW TONIA! What an awesome story. And bravo to Will for pulling it all off! Congratulations to all of you!!
December 21, 2008 at 12:59 am |
wow what a magical day !!!! congratulations and all the best.
December 21, 2008 at 4:37 am |
What an unbelievable story. I am so jealous…………..yet very happy for both of you. You deserve it. What a fairy tale come true!!!
Congrats.
Hugs and kisses to you both
December 21, 2008 at 3:20 pm |
Congratulations! So you need a photographer?
December 23, 2008 at 5:55 am |
LOVE LOVE LOVE the dress… the ring… the shoes… Not very often do we really get to dress that way… you look very stunning in the dress!! GORGEOUS!!
December 23, 2008 at 8:36 pm |
Congratulations Tonia – What a wonderful story!!!! All the best to you and Will!!!
Lindsay and Nathan Hall
December 31, 2008 at 6:27 pm |
Congratulations, Tonia! You have come a long way from when we met at the Catalonia Bavaro back in 2003!!! What an amazing engagement story…your finace rocks for coming up with such an elaborate plan for the proposal! Wishing you both all the love and happiness in the world ~ Jen & Brandon Stevens (yes, we finally tied the knot, too!)
January 12, 2009 at 6:30 pm |
My best friend has won of the heart of the best man! It is such a beautiful story and one that I don’t think even Tonia could have dreamed up for herself! I was lucky enough to have Tonia plan my proposal with my now husband and it was a night I will never forget for sure. Now, I am honored to be a part of Tonia & WIll’s special day on June 12th, 2009. I love you both!
January 23, 2009 at 4:42 am |
You are a great story teller Tonia-I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Having met Will, I can see that this is something he would do for you and will keep doing for you in years to come. I’m very happy ( and a little jealous ha ha) for both you and can’t wait to see your wedding pictures in July!! Congrats and all the best : )
January 23, 2009 at 5:45 am |
Congrads to the both of you!!! for the few mins I got to meet will he seemed like a great man wish you both the very best!!!!!
January 23, 2009 at 6:57 pm |
Tonia you make me laugh and cry , you are truly deserving of a beautiful happy life , I have know you for nine years and never have I met more beautiful, uplifting woman you ,your life has not always been easy but you are postive and smile through it all, Hon, you are amazing and with an incredible personality best wishes to you , Will and Mia and(harley) you are blessed PRETTY WOMAN!!!!
March 6, 2009 at 3:43 am |
Wow! This is such an amazing story! And you did such a great a job journaling and remembering it. That is my business- storybooking, you have to get this in a book! Here is my website and I also work with photographers to get their work in hard bound books, canvas posters, invitations, announcements, and prints. Our products our high quality and a very reasonable price. Check out the website and here is a book preview.
http://www.amemorynotforgotten.com
http://www.heritagemakers.com/index.cfm?event=projectBrowse&projectID=a95a7604-d812-4208-bb2f-a1dc602db941&productId=11
March 30, 2009 at 12:31 am |
Well Miss Tanya, knowing how hard you have worked and the pain these last year have given you,YOU truly deserve a prince charming in your life forever!!! what amazing story , all three of you will be blessed to begin a new life in June, congratulations chickie!!!! Homer