my gf's dad is a big guy - works in a federal prison and is a powerlifter. kinda nervous but i met with him after work one day and asked him if i could marry his daughter. he was relieved because my gf was 2 months pregnant with our son at the time. it was the first time since i met him that we actually talked about real stuff.
bought the ring through a hook-up with a jewelry wholesaler. sold a bunch of shoes and paid cash. nice little 1.5 carat. gf loves her ring.
i was nervous and awkward proposing. so uncharacteristic of me. we had a great dinner date that night.
almost 2 years later and we still haven't gotten married
once my son was born and started daycare, we are too broke to afford a decent shindig. basically wearing down our family to accept the idea of something really small.