Springdale native Elizabeth Miller and Ezekiel Ridout of Searcy — both current New York City residents — are engaged for a June 1 wedding at the Springdale First United Methodist Church, the Fayetteville Town Center and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. The bride sent us these shots by the couple and the maitre d’ (see below), as well as Zeke’s surprise proposal story:
In September 2007 on the way to celebrate the beginning of our senior year my roommate and I stopped briefly now husband’s house. Little did I know, I was about to meet, a hard-headed, confident, witty and compassionate roommate whom I would ultimately fall in love with and would promise to marry five years later.
Fast forward to June 28, 2012, a typical warm day in Manhattan. Like any other day I got off the 6 train and proceeded to call my family during my walk to our apartment. At the time I found it slightly odd that not one person in my five-member family answered, but I didn’t dwell on it.
Upon entering my apartment I was greeted by white lilies, a burning candle and a handwritten note that simply said “Be downstairs at 7:15 sharp.” I was overwhelmed by so many emotions that I just began shaking. At 7:15 a beautiful black Mercedes pulled up with a note that said “Ms. Miller.”
After we pulled away I realized I had no idea where we were going, and the driver assured me all was taken care of. Once we arrived to my destination the driver advised me to go to the penthouse. My nerves had only increased so I was still shaking. Once the elevator doors opened I was greeted by the maitre d’ who simply asked “Ms. Miller?”
He escorted me to Zeke and our amazing rooftop table that sat in the shadow of the Empire State Building. Zeke decided to make me suffer for about 45 minutes asking me silly questions about my day and proceeding as if this was still just a typical Thursday evening. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity right at sunset Zeke said “So we’ve been together for five years…” He got down on one knee and finished with “Will you turn five years into a lifetime?” The rest is history as they say!
