So I Took the Plunge

I know some will tell me my freedom is over or I made the wrong decision or blah blah blah. While others might say congrats or best decision, etc.

Anywho, I proposed to my gf on 3.22 while we were in Florida for my cousins wedding (proposed the day after his wedding so not to steal their thunder). There was a thread in Sound Off about finances that ended up talking about engagement rings.

I didnt do the typical ring in dessert/champagne, roses in hotel or anything like that. I did it in front of my family and painted a Lilo and Stitch. There is a cut out of the ring covered with a box from a jewelry box (I had to estimate the cutout as I didnt get to see the ring until I got to Florida). Inside the cover is a light sensor recorder. When cover is opened, the recorder would play my pre-recorded message. The message is me saying "I love you. Will you marry me?" in Cantonese.

(grainy because of PhotoShop animation)

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/a...1&d=1238767552

The ring was purchased from BlueNile. Princess cut, 1-carat, G, VVS2. So thanks to those who pointed me to BlueNile. You saved me a boat load of money. I also got $100 off and saved $76 by doing bank wire.

http://reviews.dcemu.co.uk/test/ring.jpg

Video is public for a limited time - http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu...deoid=55072672

Congrats Bandit!

Sweet bro, congrats!
Great deal on the blue nile purchase, glad it helped out.


You will soon be versed on the 3 rings of marriage, that us long timers already know about:

The Engagement Ring
The Wedding Ring
The Suffering
:lol:

Life as you know it is over.

Prepare to only have sex on vacation.

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Originally Posted by Thief Silver

Congrats Bandit!

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Thanks

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Originally Posted by D_N_G

Sweet bro, congrats!
Great deal on the blue nile purchase, glad it helped out.


You will soon be versed on the 3 rings of marriage, that us long timers already know about:

The Engagement Ring
The Wedding Ring
The Suffering
:lol:

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Thanks for all your help. Without your help and others, I would of been raped in the ass paying Kay's, Zales, etc. for an overpriced ring. Appraisal price of the ring according to BN is $8,900. I got the ring for slightly under $5,000.

I know appraisal's isnt a true value as it can vary on appraiser's judgement but is it worth it? Any idea on how I can go about getting insurance? Is it needed?

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Originally Posted by Razor Ramon

Life as you know it is over.

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Typical response but thanks

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Originally Posted by Doc Holliday

Prepare to only have sex on vacation.

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Everyday is a vacation...haha

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Originally Posted by Doc Holliday

Prepare to only have sex on vacation.

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I must be the exception.

FWIW I had a ridiculous amount of retarded sex after I proposed

Congratulations bandit. Very nice stone/ring.

Thanks Steve. Time to save up for wedding. I gotta find out who pays for what with all these Chinese traditions.

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Originally Posted by bandit

You saved me a boat load of money.

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You switched to Geico?

Congrats my asian brethren.

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Originally Posted by bandit

Thanks Steve. Time to save up for wedding. I gotta find out who pays for what with all these Chinese traditions.

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Traditional Chinese is the groom's family pays for everything..... I was lucky I got my FIL to pay for everything up front and used the gift money to pay him back (we came out about $1000 ahead).

Asians and their fucking math.

Congrats!

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Originally Posted by Advocate

Asians and their fucking math.

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Good@Math = better life.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

Traditional Chinese is the groom's family pays for everything..... I was lucky I got my FIL to pay for everything up front and used the gift money to pay him back (we came out about $1000 ahead).

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WTF? So what does the bride's side pay for?

When I was in FL for my cousins wedding, his wife is Jewish and her mom paid for it all.

I don't think the Bride's family pays for anything, at least those super traditional ones.

Not sure how traditional your gf's family is, I figure you 2 will try to pay for everything yourself. Chinese banquets are alot more affordable than even the shittiest "American" receptions.

Pay for your own fucking wedding, baller.

Ah, see you've become too American. Western brides families pay for everything and the bride does nothing. Eastern brides families pay for nothing and the bride does everything and stays two steps behind!

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

I don't think the Bride's family pays for anything, at least those super traditional ones.

Not sure how traditional your gf's family is, I figure you 2 will try to pay for everything yourself. Chinese banquets are alot more affordable than even the shittiest "American" receptions.

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Lucky them. They are traditional but not super traditional that its followed by the T. But yes, we will try and pay for everything ourself considering we dont have a place of our own yet. So our money saved will go towards that and than a house.

Definitely Chinese banquet. I rather pay per table than per plate. We dont plan on going over board with stuff. Keep it nice but simple and cheap at the same time.

Congratulations! Post lots of pics!

Thanks. Wedding wont be until 2010. Her mom's side of the family in Cali doesnt know that we're engaged. Her parents and my parents have to meet and discuss first (yes, they met already and hung out). Something about tradition after engagement.

Congrats bandit (cute proposal!)

Yeah, Steph's fam is footing the bill on the wedding, I'm paying for the honeymoon. Wsup Americans.

I got a dowry. HipHip English.
lost it in the divorce. D;

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Originally Posted by Nomi

Congrats bandit (cute proposal!)

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Thanks. Something unique and different. Fiancee actually tried to rip the box instead of un-tying the ribbon

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Originally Posted by Chux

Yeah, Steph's fam is footing the bill on the wedding, I'm paying for the honeymoon. Wsup Americans.

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I'm getting back almost $4,000 in tax refund so that will definitely come in handy. Hopefully the red envelopes/wishing well will come in handy as well.

Depending on where we go for our honeymoon (cruise, Hawaii, etc.) we'll probably setup a registry for people to pay for our excursions/events (I heard there is such a thing available). My fiancee already works for a company that sells houseware stuff like Mikasa, Farberware, CuisinArt, etc. so we get huge discounts on that already.

Congrats!!! :)

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Originally Posted by bandit

I didnt do the typical ring in dessert/champagne, roses in hotel or anything like that. I did it in front of my family and painted a Lilo and Stitch. There is a cut out of the ring covered with a box from a jewelry box (I had to estimate the cutout as I didnt get to see the ring until I got to Florida). Inside the cover is a light sensor recorder. When cover is opened, the recorder would play my pre-recorded message. The message is me saying "I love you. Will you marry me?" in Cantonese.

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That's pretty rad. I didn't do the "typical ring in dessert/champagne" either but I think your proposal is way more organized than mine was. We were at a hotel at the beach standing out front smoking. I didn't know I was going to propose to her until about 10 seconds before I did. With no set-up I did the kneel down thing. She was all flabbergasted/happy/confused. While we were trying to have a moment some random chowda' head came walking down the sidewalk and tried to tell us all about how he just saw John Cena in a bar.

Anyway, because my proposal plan was all of 10 seconds old, I had to get the ring and ask her father for her hand few days later when we got home.

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Originally Posted by Cheebs

That's pretty rad. I didn't do the "typical ring in dessert/champagne" either but I think your proposal is way more organized than mine was. We were at a hotel at the beach standing out front smoking. I didn't know I was going to propose to her until about 10 seconds before I did. With no set-up I did the kneel down thing. She was all flabbergasted/happy/confused. While we were trying to have a moment some random chowda' head came walking down the sidewalk and tried to tell us all about how he just saw John Cena in a bar.

Anyway, because my proposal plan was all of 10 seconds old, I had to get the ring and ask her father for her hand few days later when we got home.

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Damn, yours was just random. HAHA. Too bad that a-hole ruined the moment. I didnt let her parents know. It was a shock to them as well. She called them up to tell them the good news and they wanted to know why I didnt tell them. I wanted to surprise them as well. I didnt ask for permission as they were already asking us when we were getting married and all that stuff.

I was getting a headache just trying to figure out how to do it. I thought about doing it at the house (which I did) but also thought about doing it at a restaurant or taking her to the beach. But I had a box and carrying that around would of been weird and suspicious. I had to find the perfect time when everyone would be there at the same time. Luckily, everyone was able to go to the house before we went out to eat brunch. So it was a perfect setup. It was better than doing it at a restaurant in a public area. I think it was my sister who said that we should pretend that I got a package mailed to my aunts house. My aunt pretended that she forgot to give it to me. I should of put a fake shipping label on the box it was hidden in but I just put my name and my fiancee's

When I was painting the lilo and stitch, I was just going to give that to her for vday but thought it would be a perfect engagement surprise. Since she saw me have my paint set and brushes out and was wondering why it was out, I had to paint a decoy. So I painted this and gave it to her for vday to throw her off. If I didnt give anything painted, something would of been fishy.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/a...1&d=1238778278

Added two more clearer pics of the engagement project to the first post for those who care.

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Originally Posted by Cheebs

Anyway, because my proposal plan was all of 10 seconds old, I had to get the ring and ask her father for her hand few days later when we got home.

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I bought the ring and went to the park where we fed the ducks the morning before a road trip.

I acted like I was kneeling down to pick up the bread, pulled out the ring and then waited for her to look down.

I also asked her mother for her hand a few days prior (her dad's dead). Her mom was nervous as hell and thought I was coming over to say I was dieing of lupus or something.

Good luck!

Gratz! I'm still a little confused on the setup...you painted a picture in front of everyone that had a cutout for a ring? So the cover was affixed to the painting? In any case, good job on a cute and unique proposal -- and good work on those paintings, they practically look like movie cels!

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Originally Posted by Doc Holliday

I bought the ring and went to the park where we fed the ducks the morning before a road trip.

I acted like I was kneeling down to pick up the bread, pulled out the ring and then waited for her to look down.

I also asked her mother for her hand a few days prior (her dad's dead). Her mom was nervous as hell and thought I was coming over to say I was dieing of lupus or something.

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I actually thought about proposing in front of Penn Station where I first met my fiancee. But again, carrying the box around would be suspicious and trying to get the ring to NY without paying stupid BlueNile's tax.

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Originally Posted by FuryFox

Gratz! I'm still a little confused on the setup...you painted a picture in front of everyone that had a cutout for a ring? So the cover was affixed to the painting? In any case, good job on a cute and unique proposal -- and good work on those paintings, they practically look like movie cels!

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Sorry. I painted the picture at home and had to make a blind cutout of the ring (printed a mockup of ring and size it almost to lifesize so I can use it as if it was the ring). I proposed in front of everyone at my aunts house in Florida. The ring was delivered to Florida (I live in NY). Reason it was delivered to FL was because if it was sent to NY, I would of been charged $500-600 in tax alone.

Yes, the cover is affixed to the painting so that it opens like a book. Animated gif you see is the process of me putting it together. Inside the cover is a light sensor recorder that I pre-recorded my proposal message. Kind of like those Hallmark cards that you open and plays music/message. But instead of being activated by opening, its activated by light.

Thanks for the compliment.

Those curious as to why all the Stitch and Lilo, she considers me her Stitch as I can do voice impersonation of the character and that was the first thing I bought for her when we met.

I'll make the video public for a day or two for those interested on how it went down

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu...deoid=55072672

Congrats Bandit!:tu:

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Originally Posted by Advocate

Asians and their fucking math.

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I need to get me one of these Asians you speak of

Cool vid. Have fun!

very cool and congrats :tu:

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Originally Posted by Doc Holliday

I bought the ring and went to the park where we fed the ducks the morning before a road trip.

I acted like I was kneeling down to pick up the bread, pulled out the ring and then waited for her to look down.

I also asked her mother for her hand a few days prior (her dad's dead). Her mom was nervous as hell and thought I was coming over to say I was dieing of lupus or something.

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I knew I was going to do it in front of the castle, it was just a matter of when, and getting the ring into the luggage that she packed etc. It was funny how her mom was talking about "Maybe the next trip will be a honeymoon", while she was driving us to BWI. I couldn't let anybody know on her side because they all talk, and I wanted it to stay a surprise. She did most of the work herself though, it was a nice clear sky, we just woke up so we weren't grimy and she wanted a pic in front of the castle. Kneel down, get pics bam.

Good Job TNL on not falling into the ring in the champagne/dessert trap!

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it was just a matter of win, a

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Indeed it was.

I had so many ideas besides the painting.

http://i20.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/85/75/ca17_1.JPG
I thought about putting the ring inside this Stitch 3D puzzle head. I ordered from Toys N Joys but they fucked up. I ordered this end of January hoping it would arrive by vday. It took them 1 week to process, 1 week to send me email saying its being shipped only to find out, it was back ordered and my credit card charged. Waited 1 more week only to get an excuse saying it was damaged upon arrival and they have to order a new one. I kept getting run around saying manager will call me. I got fed up, filed a complaint with PayPal and filed with Better Business Bureau. Within a couple of days, I got an email stating refund was being processed.

I was going to use this as a vday gift with a origami rose that I made and put it in there. but that never happened...hence the Stitch painting.

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Originally Posted by Chux

I knew I was going to do it in front of the castle, it was just a matter of win, and getting the ring into the luggage that she packed etc. It was funny how her mom was talking about "Maybe the next trip will be a honeymoon", while she was driving us to BWI. I couldn't let anybody know on her side because they all talk, and I wanted it to stay a surprise. She did most of the work herself though, it was a nice clear sky, we just woke up so we weren't grimy and she wanted a pic in front of the castle. Kneel down, get pics bam.

Good Job TNL on not falling into the ring in the champagne/dessert trap!

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You hear about this guy dropping the ring through the cracks of the Brooklyn Bridge walkway down onto the road?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30011573/

I hear stories of people swallowing the ring too.

Would be interested to hear how others proposed to their significant other.

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Originally Posted by Thief Silver

Indeed it was.

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What the fuck thief, stalking somebody on the boards aiahgsdfjdsh

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Originally Posted by bandit

You hear about this guy dropping the ring through the cracks of the Brooklyn Bridge walkway down onto the road?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30011573/

I hear stories of people swallowing the ring too.

Would be interested to hear how others proposed to their significant other.

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Yeah, holy crap @ that.

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Originally Posted by Chux

I knew I was going to do it in front of the castle, it was just a matter of win, and getting the ring into the luggage that she packed etc. It was funny how her mom was talking about "Maybe the next trip will be a honeymoon", while she was driving us to BWI. I couldn't let anybody know on her side because they all talk, and I wanted it to stay a surprise. She did most of the work herself though, it was a nice clear sky, we just woke up so we weren't grimy and she wanted a pic in front of the castle. Kneel down, get pics bam.

Good Job TNL on not falling into the ring in the champagne/dessert trap!

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she must be some girl

edit: god damn it thief

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Originally Posted by bandit

You hear about this guy dropping the ring through the cracks of the Brooklyn Bridge walkway down onto the road?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30011573/

I hear stories of people swallowing the ring too.

Would be interested to hear how others proposed to their significant other.

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I saw the video too..... I was just thinking, maybe the groom is super cheap and got a cubic zirconia ring and just pretend to drop it in the river so now he can say he can't afford another ring. Cynical I am!

Awww congrats! I like the idea of the 3D puzzle, they make Hello Kitty ones....

You could always get a 3d frog puzzle and propose to Finch. Even without a relationship that may just be enough.

BAAAWWWWW that was entirely too goddamn cute. Congratulations! :noob:

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

I saw the video too..... I was just thinking, maybe the groom is super cheap and got a cubic zirconia ring and just pretend to drop it in the river so now he can say he can't afford another ring. Cynical I am!

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He blamed it on the company that made the box. When he opened it, the ring fell out. If it was cubic, I dont think he would scale down, risk getting hit by a car. According to the video, diamonds were unscathed while setting was damaged and had to be replaced.

When I received mine from BlueNile, I opened up my ring box and the ring fell out of its slot. Luckily, I wasnt on a bridge and in a bedroom. Had I done the same thing he did, mine would of probably fell out as well.

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Originally Posted by Rhydant

BAAAWWWWW that was entirely too goddamn cute. Congratulations! :noob:

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Thanks. I'm actually surprised people like my idea.

"I hate this shit!"
http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/a...1&d=1238828675

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Originally Posted by Razor Ramon

Life as you know it is over.

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Nah, married life isn't game over. Kids are game over :lol:

Congrats bandit, I watched the video, that was really sweet. Also very nice idea, I highly approve :tu:

Congrats! Got married last year, life is still the same so far

wtf...a blue nile ad

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Originally Posted by Pineapple

Congrats bandit, I watched the video, that was really sweet. Also very nice idea, I highly approve :tu:

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Thank you!

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Originally Posted by Hot Like Wasabi

Congrats! Got married last year, life is still the same so far

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Thanks and congrats to you as well. I think life for me would be the same

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Originally Posted by Klonoa

wtf...a blue nile ad

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No ad. Just saying thanks to those who referred and recommended them. Had people not mention them, I would of been raped in the ass and been paying overpriced for a lesser quality ring.

Gratz dude. Cool idea, and best of all...she said yes.

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Originally Posted by bandit

Thank you!

Thanks and congrats to you as well. I think life for me would be the same

No ad. Just saying thanks to those who referred and recommended them. Had people not mention them, I would of been raped in the ass and been paying overpriced for a lesser quality ring.

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no, bro. there was literally a blue nile ad that showed up on the very first post of the 2nd page when I wasn't signed on. lol. I just thought it was wierd since you mentioned a blue nile engagement ring and then all of a sudden an ad pops up.

i definitely wouldn't criticize you for it, its your thread :tu:

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Originally Posted by Razor Ramon

Life as you know it is over.

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IBTN

Dumb fuck.

Yoshi it's been how many years?

Man up and get a fucking divorce.

It's not my wife that's the problem. It is the institution.

Although, if you want kids, it's definitely the right way to go. We don't need more bastards running around.

Marriage frightens me.

As it should.

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Originally Posted by Klonoa

no, bro. there was literally a blue nile ad that showed up on the very first post of the 2nd page when I wasn't signed on. lol. I just thought it was wierd since you mentioned a blue nile engagement ring and then all of a sudden an ad pops up.

i definitely wouldn't criticize you for it, its your thread :tu:

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OH. HAHA. Coincidence I guess.