Our Journey Together: Engagement Weekend of Surprises

Remembering my wife, and our fabulous engagement weekend.

The anniversary of my Ivana’s passing was only a few weeks ago. The anniversary of our engagement is just a few weeks away. I’ll never forget our fabulous weekend in Toronto, filled with memorable surprises. 

I had known for some time that I was dating a very special woman. I knew that I wanted Ivana by my side for all of life’s adventures. She was the sort of woman that made everyone’s day better. Happiness and light followed her into every room. She was so much fun!

I knew I was going to plan something special for our engagement. As the plans took shape, I was feeling mighty proud of myself. I had the girl, the ring, and a fine weekend in store for us. 

A weekend of surprises

Ivana knew that we were going to Toronto for the weekend. I told her I had planned something special for us, and for her. She knew I had a hotel room, and tickets to the Raptor game on Friday. She knew we were going to the theatre. I had to let her know what to pack. I kept many details to myself. 

In the days leading up to the Toronto weekend, I kept reminding Ivana that I had surprises. We both enjoyed the teasing. It drove her crazy, which was, of course, the idea. Ivana tried to get more information out of me, she even asked during sex. Haha, good try, honey.

We had booked the Friday off work, and spent the day getting ready. I had arranged for an early check-in. Being an important weekend in our lives, I had sprung for a luxury room, her first surprise, in the Skydome (at the time) Hotel. I can’t remember if it was a Marriott yet. The Bluejays were not in town, so I could afford it, as prices spiked when the Jays played. 

I can’t remember where we ate. I do remember getting to the arena early enough to watch the pre-game warm-up. Neither of us were huge basketball fans, but we loved going to games. The atmosphere was great, loud and raucous. 

Birthday surprise at the Raptors’ game

Vince Carter had made Raptor games a must-see event. 

During the break between the first and second quarters, the Raptors show special announcements on the video screen. For a one hundred dollar donation to the team’s charitable foundation, you could personalize a happy birthday message.

Her second surprise of the weekend was when Ivana saw her birthday on the screen. Then a few members of the Raptors dance pack came up to our seats. Ivana was given a bag full of cool swag, and the dance pack led our section in a fun rendition of ‘Happy Birthday.’

Ivana was not one for such attention, and was embarrassed but laughing the entire time. She later claimed to have guessed that surprise.

After the game, (I have no idea who they played but I’m pretty sure the Raptors won) we walked up to King Street for drinks. The evening was chilly, but the patios had just opened throughout Toronto’s Entertainment District. People were coming out of their winter hibernation, and the mood was festive and fun. Eventually, we wandered back to our hotel.

Saturday began with room service breakfast and a swim in the pool. The day began grey and gloomy, but the sun came out in the afternoon. I remember we decided not to go out until dinner, just swam some more and enjoyed the hot tub and sauna.

Surprise under the pillow

After some quality time together in our hotel room, I reached under the pillow for the most important surprise of the weekend. There were so many details I had thought of, but had not decided on a way to present Ivana with her engagement ring. I figured I’d have the ring brought out on top of her dessert at dinner. I wasn’t sold on the idea, I wanted it to be a private moment between us.

As soon as I pulled out the little velvet box, Ivana had a silly grin that I will never forget. She sat up on the bed and her eyes grew wide and began to shine like a million stars. I sat in front of her, and opened the box so she could see the ring.

“Ivana, will you marry me?”

“Yesss!” and she threw her arms around me and gave me a huge kiss before I could slip the ring on her finger. When we came up for air, I took her hand and put on the ring. I had secretly taken one of her other rings to the jewelers, so I knew it would fit perfectly.

More kisses and quality time, with Ivana driving.

Our dinner reservation was early, so we had plenty of time to get to the theatre. Ivana looked stunning in her favorite black outfit. A sleeveless top that showed her curves, and black pants that flowed kind of like a dress. On her wrists, a black and gold watch I’d bought her before and a gold bracelet from her mom. I wore…something nice, I assume. 

 The details on the restaurant I had managed to keep from Ivana. I think she guessed the play, but I would not confirm it. Once we were finally dressed and ready, we walked out into the lobby. Ivana was all huge smiles, and showed off her ring to the ladies at the front desk. 

I remember having a difficult time getting her out of there. Ivana had to be persuaded to hurry by me lying about a long ride to the restaurant.

360 degree dinner

Once outside, I led her around the dome and down the steps, thankful that the sun had come out and the sky was clear of clouds. The area was relatively busy. I suppose it’s a common thing, a newly engaged woman showing off her ring to anyone walking by.

When Ivana saw the CN Tower, her eyes lit up once more. “Is that where we are going?” I nodded that yes, it was. “I love your surprises!”

Since we were eating in the restaurant, our tickets up the Tower were covered. The elevator rose fast, and both of our ears popped as we watched out of the elevator’s glass wall. 

We were one of the first tables seated for the evening. I gave my name to the hostess, who, of course, was shown Ivana’s ring. The dining room featured thick white tablecloths, crystal centerpieces with candles, and heavy silverware. 

The view is the reason to dine here. Stunning. The clear sky allowed us to see right across Lake Ontario to Rochester, New York. To the east, west, and north, we could see the expanse of the Greater Toronto area, the sprawling metropolis reaching as far as the eye could see. The CN Tower restaurant completes a revolution every 60 minutes or so. An engineering marvel when it was completed in 1975.

Ivana showed off her ring to our server, a tall woman in a crisp white blouse and black pants with a long apron. She looked at me, smiled, and said “I guess I won’t be putting the ring on her dessert then?” I had spoken to the Maitre d’ the week before. 

“No,” Ivana answered. “The dirty boy gave me the ring in bed. How romantic!” And she howled with laughter while I smiled and selected a bottle of red wine.

Ivana and I both ordered the prime rib. We shared an appetizer, but I can’t remember what it was. Knowing us, I would guess seafood. Dinner was very good, our Yorkshire pudding was huge, and the mashed potatoes were light and fluffy.

It was a good thing I didn’t need dessert as a ring holder, we did not have time for it. We were enjoying dinner and I lost track of time. I remember noticing that we were facing Rochester again, and thinking that I should check my watch. I asked for the bill in a hurry, pleading that we were going to be late for the theatre.

My own ‘Dancing Queen’

Fortunately, the theatre was on King Street, only a few blocks north of the CN Tower. The Royal Alexandre Theatre has been a hallmark of Toronto’s entertainment scene since the early 1900s. It was resplendent in velvet and gold refinery, but we didn’t get to explore at all. 

The final call was happening as I checked our coats.

We had no more than two minutes to spare, but hey, we got there. We could have had time to visit the bar if Ivana didn’t have to show off her ring to everybody we passed. I should note that it was not a grand engagement ring, it’s not like she was showing off a massive rock. But it was hers, and I loved how excited she was to have it on her finger.

 Ivana told me many times that she was glad I spent more money on a weekend full of amazing surprises than on a bigger diamond. I already knew that was the case, it’s the sort of thing that made me want to marry her in the first place.

“Experiences over things” was part of our guiding principle. It still is.

“Mama Mia” was a smash hit musical. Ivana had asked to go see it. I had taken her to see ‘The Lion King’ the summer before. Personally, I had little interest in seeing Mama Mia, but the reviews were excellent. I had also heard it was humorous enough that a guy could handle it without needing several trips to the bar.

We found our seats and settled in to watch the show. I found it humorous how they borrowed the plot from the bible. Unknown father, with three men bearing gifts. The musical was funny, and I enjoyed it more than I anticipated. Ivana loved it, and sang along to several numbers, joining many in the crowd.

When the show was over, Ivana resumed showing off her ring and telling people about our weekend of surprises. I didn’t say much, Ivana was doing my bragging for me. I can’t lie, I stood a little taller listening to the accolades I was receiving. There was a simple response for me. “She’s worth it.” I meant it. 

After we left the theatre, we went for drinks at a few of the many establishments in the area. Dancing and having a blast. Eventually, we made our way back to the hotel. 

A fabulous weekend with my incredible woman. I’ll never forget. I wish I had photos from that weekend. We had a little photo album, but it was destroyed in a fire. That story is next. 

I miss Ivana every day. 

Copyright 2024, Michael Williams. All rights reserved.