Here is Chris’ love story, which beat out all other entries in our 2011 “Perfect Proposal” contest to win a $10,000 diamond ring and the opportunity to propose to his girlfriend on Stage at Balboa Park December Nights.

“I have found the most incredible woman I have ever known and my one wish is to spend the rest of my life trying to show her how beautiful and amazing I think she is. I want her life to be happier than all the fairy tales we read as children. I have wanted to ask Kelsey to marry me since the first week we were together, but I need to give her the proposal of her dreams. She deserves so much more than I could ever offer, but I will offer her all my love along with everything I have and ever will have. During our relationship she has shown more selflessness and given me more strength and encouragement than I ever thought possible to give. She has supported my dreams and aspirations even when it meant to putting her own on hold. I am pursuing a career in architecture and have worked for free as an intern while bartending at night. Kelsey has also been interning, while holding two other part-time jobs. We don’t get much time together, but kissing her and telling her I love her is what I look forward to everyday. She has given up opportunities that would make her life so much easier in order to help me and be with me while I struggle to try and make something of myself. I have a picture of an engagement ring taped to my laptop so every day I remind myself of my goal. She is my dream come true! I want so much to give her something that no one else can offer, more than just myself. I want to give her a night that she could never even dream of. Then on that night, I want to ask her to marry me,” writes Chris in his contest-winning entry.

At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, we know the good stuff when we see it…the words that set the tone for a lifetime together. Life can be challenging at times, but the impact of a proposal moment can be so uplifting that we want to bring that profound love to the spotlight where others can live in the moment too.

Unmarried San Diego residents over the age of 18 are eligible to enter the Perfect Proposal contest from now until Friday, November 23, 2012. The entry with the most compelling and romantic love story will be contacted prior to the announcement. He will propose to his bride-to-be on stage in front of thousands of December Nights visitors with an 18k white gold Hearts On Fire® Beloved Diamond engagement ring, set with 1.20 carats of The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamonds® and valued at over $10,000.

Hearts On Fire Beloved Diamond Engagement Ring 18k white gold, set with 1.20 total carats of the most perfectly cut diamonds in the world.

Nine runners up will be selected from the entries and will receive special recognition and a coupon for 20% off an engagement ring at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers (restrictions apply; see Official Rules).

On the night of December 7th, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., the winner of the 2012 “Perfect Proposal” contest, sponsored by Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, will be announced to the public. The winner will surprise his fiancée with a diamond engagement ring and propose to her during the Opening Ceremony of December Nights. Contest entries will be accepted from now until November 23rd, 2012.

If you have a romantic love story and are ready to propose, enter online at www.leohamel.com/DecemberNights or mail, email, or drop off your story at any Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers location in San Diego.

So tell us, what’s your love story?