THE PROPOSAL
For Memorial Day weekend 2006, Chris arranged a trip to one of our favorite destinations, New York City. Unbeknownst to Chris, Cindy had a strong suspicion that he would propose at some point during the trip. The first night we went to the Yankee game, but Cindy couldn't completely relax as she was deathly afraid of a scoreboard proposal. To her relief, the scoreboard proposal was not forthcoming.
The next day (as penance for going to the Yankee game) was spent indulging in Cindy's favorite pastime – yes . . . shopping. During the day, Chris stole Cindy's mobile phone to call Cindy's dad, in order to ask his permission to marry Cindy. Mr. Nguyen was caught off guard and perhaps it was the slight language barrier, but it took Chris three attempts to secure his blessing.
Later that evening, we planned to watch the sunset at the top of the Empire State Building. Chris thought he was being smooth, but Cindy sensed much nervousness in Chris. (Chris drank 2/3 of a bottle of champagne before heading over to the Empire State Building, which Cindy took as a sign of nervousness – although Cindy now realizes the affinity for champagne is a genetic affliction.)
Because Chris did not want to miss the sunset, he took every precaution and bought them a "fast pass" for the elevators to avoid the long lines. The plan worked so well that they got to the top an hour before the sunset. As the sun finally set, Chris proposed to Cindy, on one knee (of course), amongst the throngs of people. Cindy said "yes" in between tears. Once the crowd around us realized what was going on, there were many cheers, tears of joy, and congratulations.
Chris proposed with two "symbolic" rings: one belonging to his mother and the other a wedding band engraved with the date, "May 27, 2006" and "ESB" (Empire State Building). (Chris and Cindy would later design the "official" engagement ring.)
The night was topped off with dinner at Nobu where Cindy was surprised with her favorite flowers, white roses, by her now fiancé.
It truly was an unforgettable night and weekend.
ABOUT US
Cindy Nguyen, 32, was raised in Orange County, attended UCLA (go Bruins!), and then Loyola Law School. Cindy's career as an employment attorney in San Francisco sustains her "shopaholic" habit.
Christopher Mader, 34, was raised in Northern and Southern California, attended Chico State, and then Hastings School of Law. Chris is a securities attorney, who enjoys riding and driving (on the rare occasions that they are running properly) his Ducati 999 and vintage Porsche.
HOW WE MET
In 2003, Cindy lived in Santa Monica and Chris lived in Manhattan Beach, and we both worked in the same downtown L.A. office tower. One afternoon, Chris saw Cindy heading into the office building and decided that he had to meet this cute girl. As fate would have it, Chris's friend, Armen Mitilian, was with him at the time, and recognized Cindy as opposing counsel on one of his cases.
Chris asked Armen to set up something, as though they were in grade school. (Cindy wouldn't realize until it was too late, that comparing Chris's maturity level to that of a grade-schooler would be a severe disservice to grade-schoolers everywhere.)
Armen, being a good friend did try to set something up. Using their case as an excuse to talk, Armen telephoned Cindy and proceeded to tell her that he had a friend who thought she was very cute and wanted to meet her. He proceeded to give Cindy all the vital stats: tall, handsome (according to Armen's wife), and (most importantly) property owner, as though to ensure her that Chris was a stable adult.
Cindy was flattered, yet due to her highly skeptical nature, suggested they all get together with a group of friends and co-workers for happy hour. Chris, lacking patience just e-mailed Cindy (without any introduction) the following week. Cindy was totally taken aback by Chris's bold approach, but slightly amused and engaged in a lengthy e-mail exchange, which turned into an hour phone call, and finally drinks. Even though Cindy had agreed to drinks that same day, she (in a Carrie Bradshaw-like way) made Chris wait a full 30 minutes beyond the appointed hour.
Once we finally met in person, well, as they say, the rest is history.
