Bride & Groom:	Wedding Date:
Jeff Fette & Maggie Christian	November 27. 2004
Engagement Story:
Maggie and I met in October, 2000 and we have dated ever since. As our relationship grew, I told Maggie that I would build her a bedroom set out of cherry. This set would include a queen size pencil post bed, 2 matching night tables, a full length mirror, a lingerie dresser, men's highboy dresser, a lady's dresser, and a blanket chest. She knew of these 8 pieces but the ninth piece would be a surprise. The ninth piece would be a floor standing jewelry armoire with Queen Ann's legs. As I was diligently crafting this jewelry armoire, we were also planning our annual vacation, this time to San Francisco and Napa Valley. We were planning the trip to leave on August 2 and we would be in California for Maggie's birthday which is August 7. I wanted to celebrate her birthday before we left as I would be unable to bring her gifts on the plane. So we decided to do just that on Friday evening, August 1, 2003. When Maggie was not home, I moved the jewelry armoire into her living room and put a sheet over it so she could not tell what it was. What made this armoire very special was that it was all hand made but even more important was it had 9 little drawers in it and each drawer had a poem and a corresponding gift. When Maggie got home, we opened a bottle of wine and she was allowed to remove the sheet. Needless to say, she was intrigued by the armoire and most anxious to see what was in all the little drawers. I told Maggie that she could open each drawer, starting at the top. As she opened the first drawer, she took out the poem and it read: I worked long and hard to build for you A gift from my heart for my love so true I enlisted my hands to create this chest My woodworking skills all put to the test It has lots of drawers for you to fill Some with a gift to give you a thrill So if you are ready to see what's for you You can move on to drawer number two. So Maggie moved on to drawer number two. In it was a poem that read: The gift in drawer two is tiny, I admit But with the box, it just would not fit The thought of you so scantily clad Makes my head spin and my heart so glad I promised I would build a lingerie cabinet I love the sexy stuff I know you'll have in it So here's one more item to add to your stuff One lingerie chest just won't be enough! So when you open your gift and you are happy as can be You can then move on to drawer number three. So Maggie opened up the gift, which was lingerie, and moved on to drawer number three which had the following poem: After a weekend of golf and lots of sun Your smiling face and lots of fun There maybe some times I really think That the weather may just truly stink So for those times to keep you dry Some golfing garb for my honey-pie If you are ready for a little bit more, You can now move on to drawer number four. So Maggie opened the gift which was a wind breaker for the golf course and moved on to drawer number four which had the following poem: I had to think about what would be best To soak up the water upon your breast And keep you warm after a soothing shower As you prepare for our dinner hour So I selected this gift knowing full well That underneath you'd be naked as hell! Now if this gift makes you feel alive, You can now go on to drawer number five! So Maggie opened the gift and it was a terry cloth shower wrap and moved on to drawer number five which had the following poem: When the sun is high and the temperature hot You would cook like a steak, I'm thinking NOT I don't want my honey to roast like some meat So I got you this hat to help beat the heat It's specially designed to block out the sun Don't want my love to be well done! So enjoy your hat as you lounge by the pool My hope is that it will keep you cool What else might there be in this chest of tricks You will see if you open drawer six! So Maggie opened her gift which was a hat for golfing and moved on to drawer number six which had the following poem: So it's drawer number six and you are almost done With this load of birthday gifts for my #1 This one is designed to make you smell sweet From the top of your head down to your feet I know it's a favorite, it is for me too But it is unique when worn just by you So if your heart is now almost in heaven You can move on to drawer number seven So Maggie opened her gift which was perfume and moved on to drawer number seven which had the following poem: Drawer number seven is a very special one A little bit of sparkle for my honey bun I could not give you this jewelry chest And expect for you to do the rest Their beauty shines and is very clear But they are most beautiful when they are on your ear So this little gift will give you a start The first of many from my heart Dinner is waiting and it is getting late So hurry on up and open drawer eight! So Maggie opened her gift and it was a pair of diamond princess cut earrings and moved on to drawer number eight which had the following poem: As you know I am building you a bed A warm, cozy place to rest your head With a post at each corner and made of cherry wood And built with love as no one else could A place for morning coffee for just you and me Or whatever else comes to mind, yahoo-whoopee! And for nights I'm not there, my name will be near To remind you I love you and lessen your fear With only one drawer to go, you are doing just fine You can finally move on to drawer number nine. So Maggie opened the gift and it was pillow cases with Jeff's and her name stitched on them. I interjected and told Maggie that I would read the poem in drawer number nine. So I opened up the drawer and took out the poem which read: I hope this birthday is second to none One more drawer and you will be done It's drawer number nine and it's time to see What this drawer holds for you from me The gift in this drawer is my love for you A love from my heart that will always be true Our love is the most special thing to me And you have opened my eyes to really see To see what's important and counts in a mate And being in your life can only be fate You have shown me truly what's important in life I'd be honored and proud if you would be my wife. After saying that, I got down on my knee and was greatly relieved to hear Maggie say, "Yes!!! To round out the evening, we headed to our favorite restaurant, Harlequin Café, for a very romantic dinner. The next day we boarded a plane to San Francisco where we spent the next week on our "engagementmoon." And to really give Maggie a send off on her birthday, we went on a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley and enjoyed a week of great weather, fun and each other.
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