Pre-Planned Engagement?

A few years ago a friend of mine told me that her, and her boyfriend, would be getting engaged that Christmas.

I thought this was a bit odd, as according to the movies the guy brings the unsuspecting girl for dinner/moon lit stroll etc, gets down on one knee, and pops the question.

However, now that I think about it, it made sense.

They knew they were committed to each other, they were already 'kinda' engaged.
They had discussed the whole thing, they just needed to save for the ring.

She still wanted him to pop the question, Hollywood Style, (ring in pocket/champagne glass/cupcake) and he knew she was going to say yes.

I guess the element of surprise was removed from the proposal, but it was very romantic ,all the same.

So anyhow, just wondering, was your proposal a surprise? Or had you already discussed marriage/kids etc long before the proposal?

Would you prefer a surprise? or would you like to know it was on the cards? and when it was going to happen?