If I were in England, and this were 1824, such an announcement as this would be printed in the newspapers, or given at a ball. My own father would take care of it, or the head of my family -- or, in many cases, the bridegroom. In any case, I am overjoyed to tell you all, our friends and neighbors, that this evening Cullen asked me to give him my hand in marriage. I, naturally, said yes, because I love him.
Perhaps to some, the notion of marriage isn't as important as it is elsewhere, but I believe that it is. Pledging to love and honor another, to share your life with them formally, and to celebrate that love with one's friends and family is even more necessary here. We haven't yet set a date, but that will be coming soon.