After eight years of dating, Shane Yeo, 27, proposed to Jenna Tobillo, 26, in a romantic setting in Dallas on their anniversary, December 29th. The celebration continued with an engagement party at Blackfriar Pub, where amidst the joyous congratulations and gifts, one present stood out, bringing Jenna to tears. It wasn’t just any gift; it was a heartfelt gesture from her older sister, Jessica Tobillo, 29, that turned an already special occasion into a cherished memory.
A Sister’s Intuition and a “Recipe For Marriage”
Jessica’s gift, wrapped in a delicate shade of pink, held a surprise that resonated deeply with Jenna. Inside was a hand-stitched “Recipe For Marriage” frame, the very same one Jenna had admired weeks earlier while Christmas shopping with Jessica at the North Dallas Antique Mall.
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At the time, Jenna, not yet engaged, had dismissed the idea of buying it. “I didn’t buy the frame at the time because I thought ‘I am not married or engaged so there is no point in me buying this,'” Jenna recounted to PEOPLE. Adding a touch of playful superstition, Jessica had jokingly cautioned against purchasing it, suggesting it might “jinx” the possibility of an engagement. Little did Jenna know that her sister had secretly taken note of her fondness for the unique frame.
From Antique Mall Find to Engagement Treasure
The moment Jessica learned of Shane’s proposal plans, she raced back to the antique store, hoping the frame would still be available. More than a month later, it was! This seemingly small act spoke volumes about Jessica’s love and support for her sister, transforming a simple decorative piece into a symbol of their bond and Jenna’s exciting new chapter. “It meant the world to me that my sister remembered the frame and went back to get it for me!” Jenna shared. The surprise elevated the engagement celebration, creating a touching moment that showcased the power of familial connection.
The “Recipe For Marriage”: A Timeless Sentiment
The “Recipe For Marriage” frame itself offers a charming and timeless message. Its embroidered ingredients list includes essential elements for a successful union: love, patience, companionship, humor, trust, and tenderness. The directions, equally heartwarming, instruct couples to “blend together, add joy [and] sprinkle with kisses.” This whimsical yet profound recipe perfectly encapsulates the core values of a lasting and fulfilling marriage.
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A Proposal to Remember and a Future to Embrace
Shane’s proposal was a picture-perfect moment. He got down on one knee on a bridge in Highland Park, presenting Jenna with a sparkling oval diamond on a gold band. Following the intimate proposal, the couple enjoyed a private dinner before joining their family and friends at the engagement party. Jenna’s emotional TikTok video further highlighted the significance of the gift, expressing her gratitude for her sister’s thoughtfulness and the enduring sentiment behind the frame, a treasure she will “cherish forever.”
From High School Sweethearts to Future Spouses
Jenna and Shane’s love story began in high school in Illinois. They navigated a long-distance relationship during college, with Jenna in Chicago and Shane in North Carolina. After graduation, they made Dallas their home, adopting two dogs along the way. Their journey, marked by unwavering commitment and shared experiences, now leads them toward a future filled with love and happiness.
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Jenna’s pre-engagement festivities included a playful “manifestation” dance with friends, each wearing their own engagement rings while chanting for Jenna’s impending proposal. Shane, present during the lighthearted ritual, couldn’t help but smile and join in the dance, unknowingly foreshadowing the joyous occasion just around the corner. Their story, a testament to enduring love and the importance of cherishing special moments, serves as an inspiration to all who believe in the magic of lasting relationships.
