When it comes to a surprise engagement, sometimes the smallest, most unusual behavior can be the biggest giveaway.
For one woman, it was her boyfriend's uncharacteristic franticness that led her to capture the exact moment she knew her life was about to change. The now bride-to-be, Natalie Abatemarco, 26, shared a video on TikTok of his behavior. She spoke to Newsweek about the moment she realized it was all happening, and what his proposal says about who he is as a person.
"My boyfriend practically running to the hotel because we were 30 minutes behind schedule to be nowhere while constantly checking his phone," she wrote in the video's caption. "Okay weirdo."
A Seven-Year Journey to Forever
Abatemarco explained that she and her now-fiancé, Brett, met as interns a block away from each other in New York City. What began as a summer fling turned into a seven-year relationship that saw them navigate the complexities of a long-distance relationship while living in different states and even countries.
"Although I don't think either of us were looking for a relationship, we couldn't pass up our chemistry," she said.
After years of living separately, they finally moved into an apartment together in New York.
"It taught us to enjoy our own separate lives and be our best selves independently...to come together and be even stronger and better for each other when we made the decision to live together," Abatemarco said. "There was never a doubt and loving each other was easy."
The Moment She Knew
While many people might be in the dark about a surprise proposal, Abatemarco had an inkling from the start.
"He is one of the most perceptive and organized people I know and never spares a detail. He would notice if I got a half an inch of a haircut," she said. "He is always really sure about himself, who he is and what he wants. The moment he started being weird about our plans, I knew something was up -- but I don't mind being prepared."
She added that her fiancé is a "horrible liar and a very good planner," so none of it was too shocking.
The Perfect Proposal
The proposal took place in Nantucket, a last-minute change from Brett's original plan due to weather.
"He suggested we get dressed up to go have drinks at the hotel," Abatemarco said. The tell-tale signs continued to add up.
"He also discouraged me from bringing a sweater or my camera or a purse, which was strange considering I always have my camera on me," she said. On the way to the hotel, the overly-talkative Uber driver made for a "brutal" ride.
"Brett was on his phone when he is usually the talkative one, and I was left to the small talk while internally freaking out. We laugh about it now," she said.
When he finally popped the question, Abatemarco was "speechless" when she saw the ring, which they had designed together.
A Double Celebration
The surprises didn't end there. Their families flew in for the weekend and went to great lengths to avoid being seen. Brett's father and brother went so far as to come out from behind the bushes.
The celebrations continued when Brett orchestrated a second surprise in NYC: a surprise party with 85 of their friends and family on their rooftop.
"I never felt more loved," Abatemarco said. "And it was all because of him."