An Elastin Engagement

Austin Yan
Aug 9, 2017 · 19 min read
August 5, 2017 at Allan Gardens, Toronto

e·las·tin | əˈlastən
noun (biochemistry)

  1. a protein forming the main constituent of elastic connective tissue, found especially in the dermis of the skin.
  2. Elaina + Austin

Below is the story of our engagement.

THE PLAN

The plan was to surprise Elaina with a ring at Allan Gardens (Toronto), after sending her on an Amazing Race type adventure through the city! At each stop, usually a place we had been to together, one of our close friends would be there with a clue for her next location.

Clue envelopes.

Finding a day was difficult. I wanted our engagement to be in Toronto, because: 1) it’s where our parents live, and I wanted them to be part of the proposal (I did entertain the idea of bringing them to Ottawa); and 2) the early stages of our relationship, including where I asked her out, were mostly in Toronto/Hamilton.

Saturday, August 5 became a good option when Elaina decided to take a week off from her work in Ottawa to spend with family in Toronto. The prior weekend, we would drive to Toronto together to attend her friend’s wedding. I would then drive back to Ottawa on Sunday, July 29 to get back to the lab, while Elaina would enjoy her break and find her way back to Ottawa the following weekend. In reality, I would spend the week in Ottawa, drive to Toronto on Friday, August 4, and surprise her on Saturday!

Once Elaina’s schedule was set, in early July, I started contacting friends to confirm their availability for August 5. I had a video chat with Elaina’s parents and sister, asking for their blessing to have Elaina’s hand in marriage and informing them of the plan. I informed my parents and family too, and my mom helped me to pick out a ring. I also showed Elaina a few of the rings to get an idea of what she liked (or didn’t like).

A chat with Lorenzo!

The deception would then start:

  • My friend Lorenzo promised to drive Elaina back to Ottawa on August 7 (so that she wouldn’t book bus/train tickets, and would reinforce the idea that I would stay in Ottawa). This plan was further supported as we had many conversations with several people about Lorenzo driving her back (Elaina had even picked out a movie to watch on her computer for the ride).
  • We went to Peoples Jewellers to look at rings after I had ordered one.
  • I planned activities on our shared Google Calendar to do in Ottawa on August 5.
  • I told Elaina that I needed the time away from her to start planning the proposal.
  • Elaina’s mom planned a “lunch with a family friend” to keep her schedule free!
  • At Elaina’s friend’s wedding on July 28th, we talked with a recently engaged couple. The guy was talking about the conversation he had with his fiancée’s parents — and I turned to Elaina and asked if her parents would expect the same from me.
  • While we were in Toronto on July 29th, Elaina and I discussed with our respective parents about how I wouldn’t be back in Toronto until the Labour Day weekend in September (and made plans for then).
  • I would later learn that Elaina’s mom interrogated her about when we were going to get engaged, just a few days before the proposal!

I actually did need to spend some time alone at home to finish preparing the clues for the proposal. Many things needed to be written/edited and printed, the ring arrived just in time, and I spent time preparing envelopes, boxes, and snacks that Elaina would open throughout her journey around the city.

On the evening of Friday, August 4, I drove back to Toronto with my housemate Terence. I told Elaina that I would be watching Spiderman that night to further dissuade her from thinking I could be travelling back to Toronto, and to explain why I would go hours without responding to her messages.

THE ITINERARY

To follow along in Google Maps, click here.

  1. Elaina would begin at her house. Her parents would sneak out just before they needed to leave for their “lunch with family friends.”
  2. Her first destination would be Richmond Hill Putting Edge. We went on a date there about a year ago and then had some dessert at the T&T supermarket next door.
  3. She would then head to Sichuan Ren (formerly So Great Thai), the restaurant where I introduced Elaina to my parents.
  4. Next, Elaina would go to Snakes and Lattes (across the street from the former Snakes and Lagers, where we had our first date).
  5. Elaina would then be told to park, and walk to Jule, the bubble tea café where I asked her out (though I couldn’t propose here due to recent controversy surrounding racist comments made by their owners).
  6. Her final clue would lead her to Allan Gardens, a picturesque spot that her mom had recommended us to visit, which was conveniently just a few minutes walking distance from Jule.
  7. We would then walk over to celebrate at Scaddabush, an Italian restaurant that Elaina really loves! (We have eaten there many, many times).
Maps!

Our friends Lorenzo, Terence, Jeremy, as well as my sister Janice were to be clue-givers; Elaina’s sister Amy would be her navigator. I referred to this secret project as Operation Noodle — an inside joke where I had told Elaina that I would give her a ring made out of noodles. I sent out an email detailing the plans to everyone involved, including our parents. My dad asked all the important questions:

We were ready.

THE DAY

I have slept better. I was mostly worried about the many things that could possibly go wrong: the overcast sky and possible rain, an overstressed girlfriend, or a clue placed in the wrong envelope. I was also worried that Elaina would have grown suspicious of me or had somehow found out about the proposal today. I was a bit relieved when her mom sent me this photo of my still-sleeping fiancée-to-be at 10:00 am:

Some people slept better than others the night before.

At around 10:40 AM, our friends Lorenzo and Terence arrived at my house. I handed them their clues (Lorenzo’s being in a box I had kept in the fridge). Along with my sister, the four of us then travelled with my family car and Elaina’s car, dropping off the latter in Elaina’s driveway. I left the keys in a box (with noodles) on their porch, informing her sister Amy that everything was ready.

I then proceeded to drop off Lorenzo, Janice, and Terence at their locations, before meeting Jeremy at Jule to hand him his clue. I then walked over to Allan Gardens, meeting with my parents and grandma, as well as Elaina’s parents. We scouted out the best spot to ask the question, and spent the next while taking pictures, sharing stories, and waiting for Elaina to arrive.

Parents and grandma arriving at Allan Gardens
Moms (and grandmothers) telling stories of their kids.
Moms having fun!
And now we wait.

CLUE #1: ELAINA (Elaina’s car)

From Elaina’s point of view, she was looking forward to having lunch with her family friends, and had dressed nicely for the occasion. Her parents left the house earlier than they were supposed to (11:00 instead of 11:30 AM) — I hadn’t dropped off the car yet! I asked Amy to stall, but she didn’t have to… Elaina just naturally started playing the Sims 4:

Elaina stalling on her own.

At around 11:30 AM, Amy told Elaina to go outside as mom and dad were waiting in the car (Amy had suggested that their parents had went out to get some coffee at Tim Hortons before lunch). Elaina went to the porch, where Amy pointed out a box with her name on it — the Amazing Race had begun!

Amy’s videos show a shocked Elaina unsure of what is happening. Elaina would later say that she was confused as to why her car was here, even wondering if the car had been with her all week long.

Amy: What does it say?
Elaina: … … …

The first clue read:

Good morning Elaina! Your adventure begins!
A game to be played, not for losses or wins,
but for a lifetime of love, of fun and of wonder,
a journey that started, ‘to know this girl better.’

Your first destination, a place we have visited,
eight minutes from home, where your skills were exhibited!
To lead the way there, a most helpful clue:
A picture enclosed, of me and of you.

Elaina opening up her first clue!

And she’s off to Putting Edge! Where our friend Lorenzo would be waiting…


CLUE #2: WILL

During the drive over, the idea that the proposal is happening begins to sink in:

Amy: You look odd…
Elaina: I don’t know what to feel!
Amy: Can you not believe this is happening?
Elaina: It’s kinda weird. It’s.. it’s much sooner than I thought. And I thought… I swore he was in LAB cause he said he went to watch Spiderman, and he always wanted to watch Spiderman…

She pulls into Putting Edge, remembering that the instructions ask her not to park unless she is explicitly asked to park… and that’s when she sees Lorenzo:

Is that… HOLY CRAP… WHY IS HE HERE???

Lorenzo casually joins the car and gives Elaina her next clue, informing her that he had blacked out the previous night, waking up at Putting Edge with this box. They read the second clue:

Congrats, you have made it, to site number one,
you’ve earned a few drinks, but there’s more to be done!

The next spot’s the place where you first met my parents,
we ate at “So Great Thai”, but I’m a little embarrassed:
they’ve closed now, that sucks — have we dated that long?
Don’t fret — a new store has now come along!

The next clue’s awaiting, down at “Sichuan Ren”
So get on your way, and keep your eyes open,
On their sign you will see, a cute animal scene,
Listen to this, and you’ll know what I mean.

“It’s a USB… Okay, I don’t have a computer guys”

In addition to the clue and the USB drive, the box had a photo and several small bottles of 養樂多 (Yakult), a Japanese yogurt based drink that Elaina and I had enjoyed on our mini-golfing date.

mmmmm

The USB, when plugged into the car, would play a song from the Japanese children’s movie Panda Go Panda! which Elaina and I had listened to before. And apparently they listened to the song nearly the entire way until their next destination — Lorenzo was not pleased. The clue provided a hint that Sichuan Ren would have a panda logo in front of their store.

CLUE #3: YOU

At the next spot, the adventurers found both the panda restaurant and my sister Janice! Navigating around Yonge Street was not easy and you can tell that tensions were rising o.O.

Elaina: There’s another USB!
Amy: Oh my goodness, please don’t be the same song!

The USB would be a sound clip of our friend Kai, who was out of town for the weekend. I asked him to surprise the group with some snacks that were stowed away in the car — in case they got hungry (which they did).

Elaina loves Cheetos.

The clue:

Now think back a few years, to our very first date
it would start with a board game — is today’s fun just fate?
We tried a few beers, and played some Guess Who,
it’s time to go back there and find your next clue!

Too bad it closed too, but they opened a new space,
Just across from its old spot, a College St. place,
In case you’re still doubtful of where you should go,
Think “vipers and mochas”, and “cobras and joe.”

There was some debate in the car over whether our “first date” was where I asked her out (Jule) or our first activity afterwards (at Snakes and Lagers), but after some discussion and a consultation with Google Maps, they were on their way! Not without some doubt though:

Elaina: We went to a place with board games, but I forgot the name!
Lorenzo: Oh no.
Amy: SIGH.
Lorenzo (in the background): I guess we’re stranded here forever.

Now with four in the car!

CLUE #4: MARRY

The crew now headed downtown — taking longer than planned due to a missed exit on the 401. Eventually they found our friend Terence (a master of board games) standing outside Snakes and Lattes. He had her next clue:

Once again it is time, for a game of Guess Who,
Again you shall play, with the help of your crew,
Open the wrong letter, and I guess you will lose,
As I’ve planted a spy, who will blow up the fuse!

Here are a few hints, that will help you to choose,
Rule out the wrong answers — stay alert and don’t snooze!
Find the right envelope, and you will succeed,
Else the traitor will rip up the clue that you need!

This clue had a puzzle of its own! Inside the box were 12 envelopes, each with a different person with a name like Mary or Marie. Like the game Guess Who?, their task was to find the correct envelope by ruling out the wrong people, given a few clues from various board games I had at home. The trick was that if they opened the wrong envelope, Janice was instructed to rip up their clue (not to shreds, but just enough to make their lives difficult).

Lucky for them, Lorenzo luckily opened up the Marie Curie envelope! And it revealed their next clue! Can you figure out where they need to go?

Good thinking you heroes, the traitor’s defeated,
Off to your next stop, ‘belts on and be seated.

This time you will park, at the following address:
On 402 Church Street, no more and no less!

Just a few-minutes’ walk, from your parking space,
Upwards and onwards, you’ll find the next place,
Let these sentences guide you, a clue is within,
Elaina, we’ll meet soon — what a journey it’s been!

On their way to Jule!

CLUE #5: ME?

Elaina would now head to Jule, after being asked to park nearby. The plan was for her to think — as much as possible — that I would be here. After all, her car was full, she had parked, the clues had so far said (Elaina, Will You Marry), and Jule was the place I first asked her out. But I had our close friend from McMaster, Jeremy (a true master of trolling) to be her last cluebearer.

Arrival at Jule!

Jeremy would turn out to exceed expectations. Not only did he pretend not to know why Elaina and her posse were there (ignoring Elaina until she tapped him on the shoulder), he had a friend of his approach Elaina and give her the next clue. Check it out:

Elaina: Jer?…. Hello.
Jer: What are you doing here?
Elaina: … I’m looking for Austin.
Jer: Did he say he would meet you here?
Elaina: Yeah… Well no he didn’t say he would meet me here but he told me to come here.
Jer: [gives her a puzzled face]
Elaina: [looks at everyone] I don’t know what to do… :(

[She goes to the bathroom.]

No one other than Jer knew that his friend would have the clue. Jer would later say: “ I told my friend that Elaina obviously knew why I was there, but there would still be 1% of doubt, and so our job is to make that 1% as big as possible.

You can hear the collective sigh of relief when they realize their journey is back on track:

Alas…

Not yet at the end, the fun continues once more,
Your last stop, I promise! For the girl I fell for,
A prettier place, with less controversy,
With flowers and trees, it’s lovely, you’ll see!

A bucket list spot, your mother’s suggestion,
What a lovely location, to ask you a question,
There I’ve been waiting, for you to draw near,
At the Gardens of Allan, the time is now here.

Back on track!
The map from Jule to Allan Gardens!

THE QUESTION

The crew followed the map towards Allan Gardens:

The crew on their final leg of their journey.

At the conservatory, I had put post-it notes to lead them from the front door to the picturesque water mill — to where our parents and I were waiting.

Austin: You’ve had a long journey here *hugs*
Two and a half years ago, wearing this tie and this shirt, just a few minutes from here, I asked you for a chance to get to know you better. I’ve gotten to know you as a loving and beautiful person, inside and out. With the help of God, our family, and our friends, I just want to continue our journey together — with you as my wife. Elaina — will you marry me?
Elaina:
Yes!

The newly engaged couple!

And then some group shots!

Parents and a very happy grandma!
Our ever-important sisters.
Our crew.
Oh look, a ring!
Lots of photos!
Two families =)
Our paparazzi!

We started heading out, taking some time to take pictures outside!

Organizing for a photo…
Everyone (minus the dads).
On the way to lunch!

And on to Scaddabush! To celebrate!

Admiring photos of the day!
Chicken Parmesan | Pesto Pollo Fettuccine | Crusted Snapper
Enjoying the food at Scaddabush!

Elaina and I would like to thank our parents, sisters, grandma, and friends for all the work that went into this proposal, but more importantly for the amount of love, care, and prayers we’ve received from each of you through many stages of our lives.

Thank you all for being part of this special day and we look forward to celebrating many of our and your milestones in the years to come!

    Austin Yan

    Written by

    as the deer panteth

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