We love getting our readers’ engagement stories and this one left us smiling all day. The wildly funny and talented songbird/comedienne, Carla Ulbrich, shares her story below. For amusement or inspiration, we hope you enjoy her story as much as we did!
“I was playing a concert at a science fiction convention. My boyfriend, Joe Giacoio, was there with me and while I was in the green room (where the acts warm up and get ready), he saw the list of songs I had planned for the show. He said casually, “What, no ‘Toasted Chicken Sandwich?’” I almost always play that song and I know he despises it, so I gleefully answered, “Oh! thanks for reminding me!” and I put it on the song list.
Later, he came up to me in the hall and said “Someone just called and asked if you could save “Toasted Chicken Sandwich” for near the end of the concert, because they’re running late and may not get here for the first half.” I thought “Wow, I didn’t think that was my best song, but OK.” Then he adds, “Some guy is running around here in a penguin suit.” Again, not out of the realm of possibility, as science fiction fans like to engage in fantasy, and to dress up in costumes.
On I went with my concert, and sure enough, somewhere near the end some guy in a penguin costume and a mask walks in and sits down in the second row. I think nothing of it, of course.
Soon after, I start singing “Toasted Chicken Sandwich,” a song about dating someone just for the food. My favorite thing about performing the song is that I make the audience sing along, and then near the end I split it up, have just the women sing, then just the men. And the part I give the men to sing is “Marry me!” And then (usually), I laugh and say “Haha! Works every time!” because I’ve just duped a whole room of men into proposing. But this time the joke was on me, because when I got to the “Marry me” part, the guy in the penguin suit- my boyfriend- jumped up, took off the mask, whipped out a ring and sang “marry me!”
Needless to say the show was pretty much over at that point. You know what they say- never work with kids or animals. The story has many happy endings- first of all I said “yes” on the spot. Second of all, we spent the next day at Seaworld (with some actual penguins). Third, we have been happily married for 2 1/2 years.”
Thanks Carla for such a cute story and thanks to you both for keeping us thoroughly entertained! For more on Carla’s music go to her website: Carla Ulbrich and for Joe’s equally clever and amusing music, check his website out at JoeGMusic.
Upon their return to earth, two edible chocolate flutes filled with champagne and a bouquet of red roses were waiting for them to seal this very special moment. A romantic dinner for two next to an open fire at an authentic Parisian restaurant provided the perfect ending to an unforgettable day. Brad’s genius, was hiring the right people to plan this flawless proposal. Bravo Brad!
