I know it's unusual to have two proposals from the same person, but I can explain and it's quite a long story, so here we go!

The first proposal from my boyfriend was on the 3rd of May 2010, six months after we met. We met at the Opera House Gala in Palermo, Sicily. At that time I had no idea the same person I met there will propose me in six months. 

The day of the proposal we were at his family house in Milan and we stayed inside, because of the bad weather and didn't go to Portofino. I was a little bit disappointed as he always promised to take me there. But anyway he was cooking for me and I always enjoy his Italian food and sometimes it's also nice to stay in and watch a movie and eat ice cream. I have a great boyfriend who cooks for me and even feeds me. After the dinner he asked me "Did you eat enough? Are you happy now?" Which he always asks me everytime we have a meal, because he is Italian. But this time he continued "You are not tired? Are you sleepy? Are you happy that we are staying in?", "Are you happy with me? Do you love me?" So many questions!!! I felt like a delicate pregnant woman. We were in his room and he made me sit down on the bed and he said: "Close your eyes and don't open until I say ok?" I thought he was going to put an action movie on, because I like love stories or epic historical movies. Anyway I was ready to let him put his action movie on, as an appreciation of his delicious dinner. I believe that compromises are very important in a relationship!

But when I opened my eyes, he was on one knee, holding a diamond ring and looking at me with a puppy face. And he said: "I know it's too small for you, but it's a D color and vvs 1 Best clarity. I know you only wear D color!" I was almost laughing! Who cares about the value of the diamond in this situation, but I smiled instantly. The man you love is bending in front of you on his one knee, holding a ring for you. The only thing you can say is YES and smile! It doesn't matter if it's a stone or carbon from the street on the ring. 

And the ring was perfect. He was preparing this ring for 3 months, measuring my rings in my house and trying it on my finger when I was sleeping. At least that's what he said. I had no idea that he was trying to give me this ring for a long time. Since then we were engaged secretly. Only family and our family friends knew about this. 

Then 2011 November we got officially engaged and we announced the wedding date to our family at the Christmas dinner. So the first proposal was in May 2010, but he proposed to me again in Marbella. Once again it was a total surprise, because I thought he was in working in Milan. I was just having with my best friend and was walking on the Paseo. I walk there because I love looking at the sunset on the Marbella Club bridge - that's my favorite place. On the bridge my friend, Tiara, noticed that there is a envelope to Miss Saeko Hamada on one of the lights. In there I found photos of all my favourite things! Baby and puppy, full moon, sunset, Venice, la Scala, Opera, Pasta, Rose, The Phantom of the Opera, Mt.Fuji, Claude Monett...so many things that I love in this world and also a card saying "And more more and more... for the rest of your life - I love you " 

Suddenly the music started -  a lady with a violin started playing my favourite opera music from Cavalleria Rusticana, but at this point I still had many question marks in my head. I thought "what a coincidence to hear this music in my favourite place with a sunset and his message" until he actually showed up from the bottom of the bridge with 50 red roses!!! I looked at my friends, they were already crying as well (Of course they knew about the plan !!!) I was speechless. As we were listening to the violin he start showing me more cards "Only few words to make you understand that you are my only love in my life in my soul and I will love you forever. Will you marry me? " and he gave me baby shoes.

We listened to the violin until the sunset ended and that was his second proposal. I didn't even know that my PA went to Airport to pick him up on same day and the help one of my best friend to organize everything. 

That was a big surprise for Valentine's Day 2012. I promise myself to give him nice Valentine's day for him last year and 2010. (Please see my column vol.20 St.Valentine's day) 

But this year I say it again: "I am too lucky to have him!"

I will be his wife next Valentine's day and it will be my turn to surprise him and make him smile. 

Big thank you to all of my best friends who made this happen. Thank you for helping my future husband  to make this wonderful gift for our new life.

I love you all,

Saeko Hamada