When Eric Steidinger proposed to Cecelia Martinez this month, he made sure everything was a surprise, even the engagement ring. Risky business sometimes, but Steidinger didn’t exactly go in blind.
“I have had a couple friends get engaged this year and so I told Eric my favorite parts of their rings,” Martinez said. “He incorporated my thoughts and found the most beautiful ring I have ever seen.”
The ring was the Insignia 7001RD from Verragio, which he chose, Martinez explained, for its combination of modern detail and classic appeal.
“He knew I liked a solitaire and diamonds set in the band, but he loved the scrolling detail and diamonds underneath as well,” Martinez said. “He said he loves the ring because it looks timeless.”
The couple, who have been together for two years, met as students at Purdue University, but Martinez had no idea what was coming when they went to the college basketball game that they attended on December 4th.
“Eric is the absolute worst at keeping secrets,” Martinez said. “So I was completely shocked when he pulled this off.”
What Steidinger had pulled off was a quirky, thoughtful proposal that literally brought tears to her eyes, Martinez said. First the couple had a meal at IHOP, which Martinez didn’t realize until later, was the first place the pair had ever been out alone at.
But the International House of Pancakes wasn’t all Steidinger had planned.
“He had told me that morning that we were going on a winter surprise, which I thought was going to be ice-skating because I had mentioned that I wanted to go,” Martinez said.
But instead the couple drove to Indianapolis to view the holiday lights around the city, and right in the center at Monument Circle, Steidinger revealed that he had made reservations for a carriage ride.
Right before they got in though, Steidinger paused to supposedly pay the driver, but it wasn’t his wallet he got out of his pocket.
“He pulled out a ring box, got down on one knee, and proposed,” Martinez said. “I immediately started crying and said yes and everyone waiting in line cheered.”
It was, Martinez remembered, ‘romantic and perfect.’
The couple plans to get married next June in front of 225 of their friends and family, and the reception won’t be at IHOP, but there will be plenty to eat.
“Food is a huge part of our relationship so we are both really excited about the reception too,” Martinez said.
For the 21-year-old-bride-to-be, their story couldn’t have had a better beginning, and she’s eager to write the rest.
“Eric picked the most beautiful ring I have ever seen and I love showing it off,” Martinez said. “He is my best friend and the love of my life and I cannot wait to be his wife.”