99 Proposals

March 1, 2024

Skovparken, Billund, Denmark

Rabbit rabbit white rabbit. It’s the first of March and no rain in Billund today. We met up for a lunchtime stroll in the forest, and John found a ring buried by a tree.

Making new memories :)

Will you marry me again?

February 14, 2024

Refborg, Billund, Denmark

A Valentine’s day lunch at a local fine-dining restaurant. A proposal placed in some lovely ceramics. The local beer bubbled like champagne.

January 26, 2024

Experimentarium, Copenhagen

What’s a trip as a family with a curious 4-year-old without a visit to a science museum? There was a Lys (light) exhibit at Experimentarium in Copenhagen. John came upon a light wall and a lightbulb moment. Using the flashlight on his cell phone he wrote a proposal on the wall - a beautiful moment of brightness :)

January 25, 2024

Scandic Falkoner, Copenhagen

Upon checking in to the Scandic for a long weekend in Copenhagen, John tries to surprise me with a proposal dropped in the room. Thomas was too fast and grabbed the bottle of Cava (he called it a beer), chocolates, and ring box and came running to me. We set everything up again to see the full surprise, and T ate the chocolates in order, one a day each day we were in Copenhagen - Will - You - Marry - Me?

January 24, 2024

Billund, Denmark

On the eve of the 10 year anniversary of the 100 Proposals project, John surprises me with a proposal dropped at my hairdresser. We’re starting again. Goal is to reach 100 again. Looking forward to the next 99 again.

April 9, 2017

Cobble Hill Brooklyn

John made a lovely springtime dinner for our neighbors. What did we discover in the center of our platter or oysters?  That John had dropped a mustache ring and a little note. "I mustache you a question... Will you marry me?" The answer is yes, and the world is your oyster.

March 9, 2017

Home - Baltic St., Brooklyn, NY

John told me a knock knock joke.

Knock Knock

Who's there?

Will you remember me in 1 day?

Will you remember me in 1 week?

Will you remember me in 1 year?

Will you marrry me in one month and 5 days?

Yes!

March 7, 2017

The Object Lesson - NY Theatre Workshop, NYC

In this play/performance art piece, the audience is surrounded by boxes of stuff, a hoarders paradise. Viewers are welcome to roam and explore the clutter. What do I find in one box? Proposal no. 61.

February 25, 2017

Teknopolis - BAM, Brooklyn, NY

http://www.bam.org/kids/2017/teknopolis-2017

We visited an interactive technology showcase at BAM and tried out the new Google Tilt Brush, a VR 3D painting tool being demonstrated by the one and only CJ Reilly! John of course gets creative and draws proposal #60 in the air. 
 

February 16, 2017

Made in China - Wakka Wakka Productions, NYC

http://wakkawakka.org/site/works/made-in-china/

John and I went to see our friend Peter Russo in an amazing puppet performance on what happens when your stuff (Made in China) decides to revolt and expose how it's really made! We got to go backstage after and play with the puppets. What does Mo find in the puppet head? A box with her new ring - newly sized! 

February 12, 2017

Marissa Alperin Studio, Brooklyn, NY

www.marissaalperin.com

John and I decide to get married before the 99 are complete and pick up an engagement/wedding ring at a local jewelry designer, Marissa Alperin Studio.

Marissa was warm and welcoming and knew many mutual friends including Molly Talbot, Jonathan Farmer, and Joanna Stern.

John had a ring in mind that he saw on Marissa's online portfolio and she had it! The ring is a beauty. White gold made of 4 M's (John says the 4 M's stand for "Marrry Me Mo Mo"). The center stone is a sapphire (John's birthstone), and the stones surrounding it are diamonds. The weights and size are the perfect proportion for Mo's hand. The amount she quotes us for the ring turned out to be the exact amount of $ John had in his pocket. This match was meant to be.

December 24, 2016

Christmas Caroling in Washington Square Park, New York City

We love this annual event where neighbors gather for a great big Christamassy sing a long under the Washington Square Park Arch with a pop-up brass band. At the end of the never ending Twelve Days of Chirstmas, John gets down one one knee and sings, "Maureen, will you marry me?" "Yes, of course!"

December 22, 2016

Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

This proposal was left on a Christmas gift in the bedroom. I found it when getting ready to spray on some perfume. John knows how to leave sweet surprises in unexpected places. How could anyone not say yes to him?

December 21, 2016

Alamo Draft House, DoBro Brooklyn, NY

This is one of our favorite places in New York right now. A beautiful movie theatre with great films, food, ambiance, and a healthy walk from our home. We love the House of Wax bar and stopped in for a cocktail before seeing a movie. John asked to talk to "Robert" who I assumed was an old friend from school. No, it was a ruse to have the waitress deliver a ring box and a couple of congratulatory drinks. Love the way John Dixon's brain works!

December 6, 2016

Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

After a very long day and arriving home super late, I am greeted with a romantic note and ring on a cup of sleepytime tea. Talk about sweet dreams. Of course I'll marry that guy!

October 29, 2016

Juju's Bar Mitzvah, Greenpoint Loft, Brooklyn, NY

After playing a came of toss, Maureen win's a flashy ring and John seizes the opportunity to pose on one knee and propose. Only the photographer witnessed this and we hope that one day our beloved friends the Hartman-Sigalls' will find the moment somewhere in Juju's Bar Mitzvah album.

October 10, 2016

I95 rest stop on the way home from Portland, Maine

Nothing like a long weekend with pals in amazingly hip east cost Portlandia, home of good food, fun history, and Sasquatch. Fueling up on both java and gas, John surprises once again with a hot cup o'love. Yes!

August 5, 2016

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark

I knew John would fall in love with Tivoli Gardens, a Victorian era amusement park in the middle of Copenhagen. After spending the afternoon wandering the park in joy and amazement and witnessing a double rainbow we settled on eating in the most touristy spot we could find. The perfect end to the perfect day, dining on the deck of a pirate ship. John surprised me with a proposal below deck. The answer is yes.

July 25, 2016

Reykjavik, Iceland

Our last day in Iceland after a beautiful seven days traveling around Iceland's ring road and while cleaning up at the Reykjavik campground, John hands me a ring designed with rings, thanking me for driving and asking me to spend my life with him.

March 26, 2016

Mazunte, Mexico

We love meeting friends in far away places and sharing, "How much can you love." John shared the love over a delicious dinner at Le Cuisine in Mazunte, raising a proposal and a congratulatory toast of Mezcal.

February 15, 2016

A Valentine's Day dinner at Gramercy Tavern made most romantic with a surprise proposal on a coaster holding the most perfect Manhattan. The generous kitchen at the Gramercy sent us a Congratulations Opera Cake. Thank you.

January 16, 2016

The 2016 Zlatne Uste Goden Festival, The Grand Prospect Hall, Brooklyn NY

As we watched the chandeliers shake from the whirligigs of gypsy dancing, John passes me a drink with a question. The answer is YES! Now let's dance again!

October 19, 2015

Little Apple, Woodstock, NY 

What a surprise when I come out of the bathroom at Little Apple where we were picking up provisions for the ride home, a proposal on the chalkboard and a quick and sweet, "Yes I will."

October 4, 2015

Cobble Hill Brooklyn

Found in the cup holder of my new car (thanks to the generosity of my late mom). Thank you John for always thinking and sharing your love. Yes I will.

August 1, 2015

Nazca, Peru

We took a tiny plane to see the Nazca lines from the skies. John was in front, me in back. He signaled to me too look at his camera's screen and instead of the Nazca lines, John shows a picture of a proposal he wrote in his own Nazca line style. One true romantic at all altitudes.

July 26, 2015

Machu Picchu, Peru

John popped the question on the summit of WaynaPiccu when we decided to take a rest and enjoy the view of Machu Picchu below us. The ring was handmade from a Peruvian plant :)

July 20, 2015

Yarapa River – a tributary to the Amazon River near Iquitos, Peru

When the first fish you catch is a piraña, it's only customary to get a marriage proposal along with it! Thank you John for keeping me on my toes even when fishing for deadly prey.

July 16, 2015

La Rosa Nautica Restaurante, Lima, Peru

A surprise Peruvian Huayruro good luck seed ring accompanied by a delicious Pisco Sour with amazing views of surfers riding the Pacific ways in one of Lima's most famous spots. 

April 11, 2015

Take Root (restaurant) Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

This gem of a proposal came in a surprise box at the end of a beautiful birthday meal, one I'll never forget. We had cow pee puree for the first time, and it's made out of peas not pee ;)

April 5, 2015

Easter Sunday dinner @ Reilly family home, Larchmont, NY

April 3, 2015

Baltic Street, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

March 27, 2015

Blue School - Blue Mail Spirits 1st Grade Post Office, New York City

March 14, 2015

Petite Crevette, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

March 8, 2015

March 5, 2015

193 Baltic Street, Brooklyn

February 16, 2015

Joe's Stone Crab, Miami Beach, Florida

February 10, 2015

The Makery Speakeasy, Tribeca, NYC

January 17, 2015

NYC FIRST Robotics LEGO League Robotics Manhattan Qualifying Tournament at The Great Shepard Hall, City College, NYC

December 24, 2014

Paper towel holder, 193 Baltic Street, Brooklyn

November 25, 2014

Sardi's Restaurant, NYC

Description here

November 15, 2014

Poughkeepsie Mini Maker Faire, Poughkeepsie Day School, Poughkeepsie, New York

JD wooed Mo with an love poem inspired by the word, "Moth." The question came as a tweet. 

October 27, 2014

@home, Brooklyn, NY

Mo came home from a conference in San Francisco to an unexpected surprise on the coffee table. This was no word game. These were true words, spelled out with a homemade LEGO blended aviator ring.

September 21, 2014

Maker Faire, Flushing Meadow Park, Queens, New York

JD and Mo volunteered for LEGO MINDSTORMS at the NYC Maker Faire. Over the two-day event, visitors added their artwork to a LEGO graffiti wall. John surprises Mo with a romantic LEGO message and a sphero ring!

September 6, 2014

At the wedding of Greta & Russ, Roberta's Pizza, Brooklyn NY

A surprise question at a wedding photo booth!

August 28, 2014

At home in Brooklyn, NY

John and Jen had a joint Virgo birthday party. In one of the many frivolities of the night, our friend Becca invited guests to leave wishes on a timeline. Wishes for the past, present, or future. Unplanned, Becca read only two. The first wish read, from the present (one that came true), "John Dixon loves Maureen Reilly." The second, one for the future is the picture you see here... Oh universe! You wondrous weaver of fate! 

August 25, 2014

At home in Brooklyn, New York

Arriving home after Mo's first day of summer teacher meetings, JD leaves a surprise on the kitchen counter. A gift and a wish of time. 

August 10, 2014

Beresford Penthouse Apartment, NYC

Visiting friends staying in a Penthouse Apartment at the famed Beresford building overlooking Central Park, a series of messages are left on the wrap around balcony!

August 5, 2014

Silver Sands Motel, Greenport, New York 

#21 takes us to the North Fork of Long Island and to the private beach of the Silver Sands Motel. JD sends Mo on a walk to find the famed "Silver Crab of the Silver Sands" only to discover a hidden message scribed in the sand.

July 25, 2014

Text from Niagara Falls, NY

While on a road trip with his childhood best friend, JD sends a text from the Honeymoon Capital of the World #justwishin

July 5, 2014

4th of July Wagon Parade, Ocean Beach Fire Island, NY 

While innocently watching the 4th of July Wagon Parade on Ocean Beach... John slipped a cardboard banner into the hands of a child (our friend's friend's daughter's hands). 

June 29, 2014

Woodstock General Supply, Woodstock, NY 

Just another random day of browsing in Woodstock. JD called me over, "Look! It's paper made of stone!" His heart isn't. Turn the page to reveal a sweet surprise...

June 24, 2014

Madison Square Park, New York, NY 

While on a field trip with our Summer Adventure Club for kids, the Jr. Explorers Club, we happened upon a promotion for a cable TV show (#tyrant). Random people were invited to sit at a table for two to upgrade their lunch with a violin serenade. John and I jumped in (without an invite) and he asked... Two girls working the promotion were shocked and delighted and took our picture anyway,

May 30, 2014

@ Screening of Finding Joe at The Society for Ethical Culture 

Note found in popcorn during movie with this famous Joseph Campbell quote.

May 26, 2014

Bucky's Camp - Woodstock, NY 

A sweet surprise with my morning cup of joe. Proposal scratch art on a piece of scrap paper, dusted in cinnamon. A silver ring of antlers or a deer (dear)'s heart embraced the cup.

May 8, 2014

O D Y S S E Y play @ Blue School 

"Magical you are" dot.to.dot treat hidden in Mast Brothers Dark Chocolate with Almonds bar. All Mast Brothers chocolate is wrapped in gold. Nautical theme was intended to match Odysseus' journey.

May 3, 2014

@ home - rent check

We re-name the month of May, "Will." To promise that we "will" do things. Fits right in with the phrase, "Will (You Marry Me?)."

April 17, 2014

poem @ flower district, NYC

On my birthday I took an early morning tour of the Flower District with the Brooklyn Brainery Adventure Club. John gave Soma (our guide) a secret poem with an explorers's compass ring (which, klutz that I am, I immediately dropped and broke). The poem relates to the flowers and JD's intentions.

April 2, 2014

Raisin in the Sun @ Barrymore Theatre, NYC

On a "mystery field trip" date to see Denzel Washington in Raisin in the Sun on Broadway, I noticed a while slip inside my Playbill. My heart sunk. I thought, "Is this going to say that the Denzel Washington will NOT be in the show tonight?!" To my surprise it was proposal #11. The ladies around us, curious why they didn't get a slip peeped their eyes on mine. "You got style!" they said to John as I gently whispered, "maybe" in his ear.

March 24, 2014

postcard from Raleigh, NC

John went to visit his sister Helen in Raleigh. He sent me this postcard and a question.

March 23, 2014

@ home

John left a note a "you're so money" note when he left to visit his mom. $50, a ruby red jeweled heart ring, and the words: 

Have fun with this,

and while you're

at it, think if you

would, you know,

consider marrying me...

March 20, 2014

@ Pawel Althamer's Draftsmen's Congress, New Museum, NYC

While visiting and contributing to Pawel Althamer's Draftsmen's Congress, @ the New Museum, John invited me to see his latest work of art.

March 13, 2014

@ Char #4, Brooklyn, NY

Inside a Fat Tuesday "King Cake." This was the first public proposal, with the staff of Char #4 congratulating us with a glass of champagne. (I whispered "maybe" softly so as not to disappoint our audience.) The robot ring made it very hard to say maybe. #justsayin

February 22, 2014

@ home - postcard from Chicago

JD went to the windy city and sent the question flying through the post.

February 14, 2014

smuggled in my luggage @ costa rica

JD slipped a love note in my luggage when I went to visit family in Costa Rica on Valentine's Day.

February 13, 2014

@ Walter Foods, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

We spend the day in Williamsburg on a Valentine's mystery field trip date. We visited the sketchbook project, barcode, mast brothers chocolate, and water foods. JD gave out little trinkets along the way as hints during the field trip. This was the last token presented with the question.

February 1, 2014

@ cousin Ann Marie Foley's house

Cousin Ann Marie hosted a birthday dinner for my mom Claire. It was also Chinese New Year, and JD brought horse fortunes for everyone. I got a paper napkin fortune teller with the fortune, "Will you marry me?" John and I played together and I said, "Maybe." My family didn't know how to react. Was this real? Was this a joke? This was our first experience with how awkward this can be to an "audience." The fortune teller was lost!

January 29, 2014

in lunch box, opened @ Blue School

Found in my lunch, this pleasant jeweled surprise.

Guard well your spare moments.

They are like uncut diamonds. Discard

them and their value will never

be known. Improve them and they 

will become the brightest gems in

a useful life. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

January 25, 2014

@ Long Island Bar, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

JD's first proposal. Dropped off at our table by the waitress at the Long Island bar with two old fashions to celebrate the end of our second FIRST LEGO League emceeing event in Queens. When I opened the note we both laughed and I knew to say, "maybe."