When Rachel and Michael decided it was time to get married, they were not sure how to “officially” commemorate the decision. Neither set of parents had proposed with rings, so they felt comfortable continuing that tradition (though Michael has since given Rachel a beautiful heirloom ring from Michael’s cousin Jeanne that has been in the family for generations).

Around the time of their 10-year anniversary in March 2013, Rachel purchased this cake pan, which creates a heart in the center of every slice, and had told Michael she would bake with it to celebrate their engagement. When the time came a few months later, it was clear that baking together would be much more fun! They spent a few fun evenings selecting the recipes, buying the ingredients, baking, filling, frosting, and decorating. The result was beautiful and tasty. After going to a romantic local park to say a few words to each other, they came back home to celebrate privately with their cake.

A few weeks later, they recreated the cake, with a few minor tweaks, to serve to their parents, who were going to be together for Shabbat dinner at Rachel and Michael’s home in Chicago. They announced their intent to marry while serving the delicious cake.