Mercury Power

"My Best Friend" set the stage for a surprise proposal at Ciao Bello

Doug Freedman and Esther Steinfeld at Mardi Gras in Galveston.
Photo by Adam Nyholt
He surprised her with a proposal in the private party room at Ciao Bello.
Photo by Adam Nyholt

Native Houstonians Esther Steinfeld and Doug Freedman had been dating for about four years last summer when they saw that the Houston Symphony would beperforming the music of Queen. Esther is a huge Freddie Mercury fan and "My Best Friend" is "their" song.

The night before the concert, Doug told Esther that he was going to propose during "My Best Friend." Ha, ha. But then she thought that he just might be looney enough to do it, even though they had not been talking much about getting married. The concert came, the orchestra played their song and Doug said not a word.

The following night, they were set to join Doug's parents in celebrating their anniversary at Ciao Bello. They were the first to arrive at the private room that was "overflowing with gorgeous flowers from Plants 'n Petals and candles."

Esther was astonished at all the fluff and the table that was set for 20 — all for his parents anniversary? But they weren't there for an anniversary party, Doug explained. Esther went briefly into shock.

She tells it best in her e-mail, "Doug asked me to sit at the table as he dimmed the lights. He proceeded to play a video for me on a big screen TV that he'd been working on for weeks. It included clips from When Harry Met Sally in which couples who have been married for 50 years talk about how they met and fell in love, pictures of us and personal, romantic messages. At the end of the video, 'My Best Friend' began to play.

"Doug said, 'See, I told you I'd propose during 'My Best Friend.'" She said yes and the celebrating began.

Doug told her she had 20 minutes before the rest of the guests arrived, giving her time to call and text her many friends. Her best friend in New York for some reason could not be reached, neither could the friend's parents, making the evening less than perfect. The dinner celebration began with both his and her family and midway through that friend and her parents arrived to join the celebration. Doug had told her of his plans and asked her to join the party.

After the small dinner, the partying continued as the Freedmans hosted an impromptu engagement bash for more than 100 guests at their home. Dessert Gallery sweets and champagne were part of that celebration.

"It was a more magical night than I could have dreamed of. It was the perfect way to begin our engagement," she e-mailed.

Esther, public relations manager for Blinds.com, and Doug, a broker with United Equities, are set to wed in September.

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Two-Stepping Bash

Country tunes and Houston's charitable hearts rock for Dec my Room

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jacob Mansfield, Grace Ward, and Kendyl Mansfield.

A bustling crowd kicked open the doors of the House of Blues for the Eighth Annual "Kick Up Your Boots for Kids" bash, all in support of Dec My Room. The night was set ablaze by the toe-tapping tunes of country stars Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen, transforming the venue on October 24 into a jitterbug jamboree and creating an atmosphere brimming with joy.

Event chairs Laurel Bashaw and Dodi Willingham and founders Kendall Plank and Susan Plank were thrilled about how the extra funds will turbocharge their mission. Since 2007, Dec My Room has adorned nearly 18,000 hospital rooms across 178 institutions, delivering personalized coziness like a warm blanket to pediatric and young adult patients.

Emcee and auctioneer David Ackel kept the energy high as generous Houstonians vied for coveted treasures. Standouts included rare Pappy Van Winkle bourbon bottles and a glimmering necklace from Lugano. A wine and whiskey dinner hosted by Federal Grill’s Matt Brice saw bids skyrocket, leaving winners over the moon. The grand finale was a private management hunt at Sycamore Springs Ranch in Kerrville, Texas.

With over 250 attendees two-stepping and $350,000 raised, the event proved to be a night where generosity danced hand in hand with a rockin’ good time. In the crowd were Laurie and Tracy Krohn, Stacey and Al Lindseth, Mike Plank, Rachel and Tom Regan, Ericka Bagwell, Aimee and Wynne Snoots, Carley and Mike Stasney, Grace and Steven Ward, Monica and Jed Skeet, Marie and Joseph Flanigan, Jessica and Ryan Getz, Denise and Brett Mears, Kiki Wilson, Peggie and Kyle Pentecost.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jacob Mansfield, Grace Ward, and Kendyl Mansfield.

dec my room fundraisers