Editors note: Throughout the month, editor-at-large Shelby Hodge scopes out heartwarming, endearing or just plain funny engagement stories. This is the first one.

Allie Herzog and Eric Danziger have been dating for nine years. They are clearly an item. But until December, there was nothing concrete to indicate a lifetime commitment.

A business school student at the University of Texas, Eric has a summer job lined up in San Francisco and, in early December, he told Allie that the big boss in California wanted to meet her.

He gave her only five days notice and they were already planning a major vacation to China the following week. As the president and founder of integratePR, a social media and public relations firm with offices in Houston and Austin, she was not so inclined to make a trip to the West coast but Eric convinced her.

On their way to dinner that first night in San Francisco, Eric said he wanted to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge. So after drinks at the hotel bar, they hopped a taxi to the park where she was not thrilled to be walking around getting mud on her shoes and in a misty fog that was causing her hair to go limp.

In the middle of her complaining, Eric grabbed Allie by the waist and told her that the entire weekend plan was a ruse. He dropped to one knee and proposed, "pulling out an amazing ring, and, of course, I said yes!" she emailed.

He asked her to refrain from calling and texting friends and family, but to allow the two of them at least an hour of "couple time" before bringing in the world. So they headed back to the hotel where Allie was completely surprised to see both his and her parents. Ever thoughtful, Eric had arranged it all.

The following morning, a limo picked up the three couples and took them for a tour of Napa Valley wineries that ended with a sunset toast.

"It was truly a fantastic weekend that I will remember forever," she said.

If you have a unique engagement story, let us know at shelby@culturemap.com