Plan

Very loose draft. Last updated Oct 18, 2026.

Goal: surprise her.

Timing and location

• January or March. February is too busy with Sarah's birthday and Valentine's Day, and I missed my fall window in 2026. We're booking the venue for fall 2027, so the fall garden idea is out.
• Location: Ignite Studios. The proposal may be outside on Ignite's roof, which has a good skyline view, but everything else will be inside, depending on snow and temperature.

Who needs to be there

• Sam (little boy she takes care of)
  • Someone to help with him (mom or nurse?)
• Sprocket
• Her family
• My family
• Her roommates, if available
• MJ and Julie
• Who's present for the actual ask is still open, but probably everyone.
• Assign a photo and video person (paid?)

Friday

1. Get Sarah working from home. Her boss will probably help make this happen, I just need to figure out how to reach them.
2. Sprocket walk on our usual loop.
3. Get her into Ignite somehow, maybe with a wool fest sign or something similar.
4. Propose.
   • Possible glass blowing demonstration after the proposal?
5. Lunch after. The original idea was pizza at Ignite, but maybe we eat somewhere else.
6. Her boss gives her the rest of the day off.
7. Build in a quiet hour for just the two of us.
8. Low-key dinner that night at my parents' house in the burbs with my family, Sarah's family, and anyone else who would like to come.

Venue

• Ask Ignite about a glass blowing demo after the proposal.

Saturday

• Unstructured. Chill most of the day, time with her family in town, etc.
• Drinks at Koval, then turtle races at Big Joe's, as early as they'll let us (for SGH), ideally around 7:30 to 10:30.

Open question

• How do we get her to dress up and get her hair and nails done for it without spoiling the surprise? Roommates help?