When Brian and Emily first met on a cruise to the Caribbean, he bought a small stuffed turtle and hid it in her carry-on bag. For eight years, the turtle sat by Emily's bed in her childhood room at her parents' house.
For her 23rd birthday, Brian took Emily to a private dinner at Newport Harbor Yacht Club in Bratenahl, Ohio, overlooking Lake Erie. Before dessert, he took out her birthday present. Inside a box inside another box inside yet another box was the small, stuffed turtle from the Enchantment of the Seas. On the turtle's tiny arm was an engagement ring.
On Saturday night, they celebrated with Emily's family at McCormick & Schmick's in Beachwood. The restaurant printed customized menus congratulating the couple on their engagement. On Sunday, they went out with Brian's family to Trattoria on the Hill in Little Italy where Brian's nephew, Josh, and Emily had a contest to see who could stick their tongue out the farthest. Josh won.