Have you heard of the legend of 1,000 paper cranes? It’s a Japanese myth that states anyone who is devoted enough to fold 1,000 origami cranes will have their one wish come true. Take a wild guess at what Zack did for the proposal.
Following our first trip together in July 2018, Zack decided he would ask Shirphie to marry him. He knew he wanted to fold 1,000 paper cranes and propose at the High Line (a special place for us) but he didn’t have a lot of time to make it happen. He bought the ring and started folding the paper cranes anywhere he could – at work, the library, on the subway, and even in our apartment when Shirphie was out or sleeping. With the help from a few of his friends to figure out logistics and photo/video, he was able to plan the whole thing in secret in a month.
Every year on the anniversary of our first date (August 23rd), we recreate it: dinner at the same Italian restaurant in Chelsea followed by a stroll on the High Line. On our first date back in 2013, there was a magical spot on the High Line where Zack had given Shirphie a single red origami rose he had folded (he’s talented at papercrafts like that). Fast forward 5 years later and Zack proposed at that same exact spot.
That evening, our date started as usual and Shirphie did not suspect a thing. She was convinced that Zack didn’t have anything prepared because it would be too predictable. Her friends, however, had a feeling that he would have something planned and they were right. Throughout dinner, Zack was secretly in contact with his friends and updating them on our timeline and when we would be near that particular spot on the High Line. While we were at dinner, his friends got to work setting up the cranes and video. Passersby stopped to inquire about what was happening and some even stayed to help place cranes all around after they heard about the beautiful plan.
After dinner, we went to the High Line as we normally do. Before we got to that magical spot, Zack stopped Shirphie and gave her a lovely necklace as an anniversary gift. However, little did she know that it was a decoy! When we reached the area, Shirphie still didn’t think it had anything to do with her. She actually thought it was some cool art installation. However, when she spotted one of Zack’s friends watching – she knew in her heart what was about to happen and could hardly believe it.
999 paper cranes in an array of vibrant colors and patterns gorgeously decorated the bench and floor. The 1,000th one – a purple one (Shirphie’s favorite color) was inside a container. Zack asked Shirphie to pick this special one up. When she turned back around, he was down on one knee. Shirphie was already familiar with the Japanese legend even as Zack explained it. Zack said his one wish was for him and Shirphie to live happily together for the rest of our lives. Then he asked her to marry him. I think we all know this next part. Of course, she said, “YES!” ♥
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