A (Bridal) Affair to Remember

When your girlfriend is a gemologist and the creative force behind the popular wedding blog, Bride and Bling, you know that you better bring your A game (or is it the 4 C's game?) when it comes time to propose. That's precisely why Jason turned to Ever After Proposals.

Jason and Allean met through mutual friends over three years ago, while she was living in New York and he was getting his degree from Florida International University.  Despite their distance, their chemistry was palpable and it was only a matter of time until they would be united.  Once Jason realized she was "the one," he left the sunshine state to be closer to the true sunshine in his life. 

Given Allean's interest in all-things-weddings, I knew the best time to catch her by surprise was when she was in her "happy place."  That's why we knew the Bridal Affair -- an expo for wedding vendors -- in Brooklyn would be both, the perfect excuse and the perfect venue to put the bling on this bride-to-be. When Allean arrived at the event with Jason, little did she know that she was in store for a lot more than just an open bar and business cards. 

Allean was "randomly" selected as the event's raffle winner, and in order to help claim her prize, she was escorted around the building to the outdoor gazebo. A musician playing Anthony Hamilton's "Best of Me" on the steel pannist welcomed Jason and Allean as they walked up to the "prize table." As Allean read the handwritten note from Jason, he got down on his knees and asked her if, "with this bling, will you be my bride?" (For those inquiring minds, the ring was GIA certified, of course!)  And just like that, another couple started their happily every after. 

Whether you're a hopeless romantic or just plain hopeless, contact Ever After Proposals to see how we can help give you creative, personalized marriage proposal ideas, bring them to life and make you shine as brightly as the ring on her hand. 

Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.  And remember to give me a ring before you give her the ring. 

Credits: 

Photographer - Bo Harris

Steel Pannist - Andre White

Venue - Dyker Beach Golf Course

Top 9 Marriage Proposal Songs

If the art of subtlety isn't your forte, and you want to drop some MAJOR hints to your boo about her impending change in marital status, then may we suggest this playlist for you next car ride. Or your next run together. Ya know, whatever floats your boat.

1) Sara Bareilles - I Choose You 

2) Jagged Edge - Let's Get Married ft. Reverend Run

3) Marry You - Bruno Mars

4) Next - Wifey

5) Mujhse Shaadi Karogi 

6) Colbie Caillat - I Do

7) Jason Derulo - Marry Me

8) Adam Sandler -  I Wanna Grow Old With You 

9)  Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna -  Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

The Sweet Taste of Romance

When Amar and I first began discussing ideas for his proposal three months ago, the conversation started off very differently from what you see in these photos. He wanted to surprise Priyanka during their trip to Hawaii, but being the "little Nancy Drew" (his words, not mine!) she is, he decided to propose in the very state that he fell in love with her: Florida.  During our chat, two things stood out to me instantly about their relationship: 1) they are friggin' adorable, and 2) I needed to incorporate this adorableness into the proposal somehow.

Amar had mentioned to me that Priyanka's dream vacation is to go to Napa Valley some day, but with Hawaii on the horizon, a trip to California -- although conveniently located -- may not be feasible at the moment. So I decided to bring a piece of Napa Valley to Florida by arranging a private wine tasting at the Endless Summer Vineyard and Winery.  

This wasn't just any wine tasting though, of course. This wine tasting came with not only a side of cheese, but a side of a guitarist, photographers, and a stunning diamond ring. Upon arrival, the couple was escorted to the vineyards for a private outdoors tasting.  We dropped a subtle hint to the unsuspecting "Nancy Drew" when the sommelier placed two glasses before them. One was engraved with "I love you," and the other -- given to Amar, was engraved with "I love you, more."  The idea for this came about when Amar told me that whenever they hang up the phone, one person says, "I love you," while the other always responds with "I love you, more."  (Case in point of their adorableness).


The wine tasting then kicked off with its usual round of whites and reds, while a guitarist played the couple's favorite songs nearby (coincidentally, of course!).  Although some of the wines may have been dry, things suddenly turned a whole lot sweeter with the final bottle of a 2006 Domaine Savoureaux Napa Merlot.  As the sommelier poured yet another glass, Priyanka channeled her inner Nancy Drew and started realizing what was happening.  The bottle was engraved with the question, "Priyanka, will you marry me?" (along with the date of the proposal).  This was also the guitarist's cue to begin playing their favorite song, "All of me" by John Legend.  And just like that, everything suddenly made sense... from the glasses to the songs to the wine itself.  And just like that, another couples started their happily ever after. 

Whether you're a hopeless romantic or just plain hopeless, contact Ever After Proposals to see how we can help give you creative, personalized marriage proposal ideas, bring them to life and make you shine as brightly as the ring on her hand. 

Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.  And remember to give me a ring before you give her the ring. 

Credits: 

Photographer - Gaciel Santana

Guitarist - Vince Love

Venue - Endless Summer Vineyard and Winery

Indoor Proposal Spots in Hoboken

Last month, I gave you some unique outdoor proposal ideas in Hoboken.  While it’s easy to fall in love with any one of them -- thanks to Hoboken’s charm and the picturesque city skyline -- you might be surprised to find that some of Hoboken’s indoor spaces offer just as much variety and inspiration.    

• Paint Along Class - For a town this size, you might be surprised to learn that Hoboken actually offers three (yes, three!) different painting classes: ArteVino Studio, Painting With Sheri, and Paint the Town. Surprise your girlfriend with a date night to one of these BYOB (and I don’t mean “bring your own brush”) classes, and rather than follow the instructor (like a good student), spell out “Will you marry me?” It may not be a Picasso, but it will be a piece you’ll be proud to showcase in your home.
  
  
  
• Hoboken Art Gallery - While on the topic of art, did you know that Hoboken also has its very own art gallery, and also hosts monthly art exhibitions at Boa for emerging artists?  Both locations offer a unique opportunity for you to showcase your artwork front and center. Bring your girlfriend out under the pretense of checking out a famous artist’s exhibition, and surprise her with a photo/painting/sculpture that “says it all.”  
  
• Kolo Klub - nestled on the second floor of the Pilsner Haus Biergarten, this lounge space offers large open space with its loft layout, yet provides intimacy for any type of an event (dare I say, flash mob proposal?) you may want to host.     
  

• Restaurant - while I’m personally not a huge advocate of proposing in restaurants, some of Hoboken’s eateries truly offers some amazing romantic amazing with food to match.
• The W Hotel’s Lulu’s - trendy bar with a large outdoor terrace with amazing views of the city, and a cozy den with vintage pool table.
  
• The Library Room inside Amanda’s - the room features floor-to-ceiling French doors overlooking a garden terrace.
  
• The backyard at Bin 14 - the wine bar has a cozy little secluded backyard that’s both heated and shaded to provide the most comfortable atmosphere.
  

• In your own apartment - Ultimately, no restaurant or venue could compete with the comforts of your own home. You can just as easily recreate some of the aforementioned ideas in your home by either having a private chef prepare a meal in your kitchen, or hosting a paint night in your living room. Regardless of the room or the ruse you use to pop the question, you can rest assured that it will be a cherished moment for both of you.

So there you have it folks!  Just remember, give Ever After Proposals a ring before you give her the ring!

Outdoor Proposal Spots in Hoboken

I had fallen in love with Hoboken long before I officially moved here two years ago. It began as an affair with its nightlife, then slowly matured into an appreciation for its food scene, and finally grew into a full-blown-stage-five-clinger status once I began calling it home. So it may come as no surprise that when I combine my two loves -- marriage proposals and Hoboken -- it calls for a blog on… wait for it… marriage proposal spots in Hoboken!  

Needless to say, just about anywhere on the waterfront would be a picture-perfect spot, however, there are a few gems that stand out:

• Movies Under the Stars - while your girlfriend is busy packing blankets and popcorn, you’ll be busy packing a diamond ring to pop the question, with this idea.  While the movies screened at Pier A don’t show previews, there are always exceptions made in matters of the heart.  Create a video expressing your love for your beloved and have it play as a preview for an upcoming movie before the feature presentation.

• Shakespeare in the Park - Think you can profess your love better than Shakespeare’s hopelessly romantic characters?  Then this is your chance. Secure a small part in the play -- ideally in one that naturally lends itself to your character proposing.  During that pivotal moment, turn to your lady love sitting in the audience and reveal yourself right before you approach her on bended knee.      

• Pier 13 - sure, this pier’s energy and ambiance are no secret to locals, but have you ever considered how you can turn this popular spot into a romantic enclave?  While I’m generally an opponent of proposing with food, this idea is a bit different: take your girlfriend out to the pier either before or after the rush dies down to “grab a bite” at one of her favorite food trucks. As she’s browsing their menu board, she’ll slowly realize that each of the menu items has been replaced with references to your relationship.  For example, the “Jack Loves Jill Burrito” is made of rom-com movies, Taboo nights, and picnics in Maxwell park.  Cheesy, I know, but that’s just how I like it (and my food).
  

• Lackawanna Clock Tower - you’ve walked underneath it and gazed at it from afar hundreds of times, but did you ever think of climbing to the top of it?  While it’s an unconventional location to propose, it offers the privacy, views, and a (dare I say) timeless tale of “how he proposed.”  
  

• Gondola on the Hudson - If the Venetian in Las Vegas and the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park can emulate Venice’s famous gondola rides, then why can’t we?  While you’re no stranger to seeing kayaks and cruises on the Hudson, did you know that you can also float your sweety’s boat with a ride on a gondola?  The Hudson River may not offer the tranquility or authenticity you might find gliding through the canals of Venice, but as long as your love (and your ring) is real, a little knockoff can’t hurt.
  

Whether you're a hopeless romantic or just plain hopeless, contact Ever After Proposals to see how we can help give you creative, personalized marriage proposal ideas, bring them to life and make you shine as brightly as the ring on her hand. 

Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.  And remember to give me a ring before you give her the ring. 

A "Grandeur" Proposal at Grand Central Station

Now I don't claim to be a miracle worker but if a client insists I am one, then who am I to argue?  ;)

This recent proposal was unlike any I've done before, mainly because of the sheer celerity in which it happened. In a matter of just 16 hours, Johnny went from asking, "Avani, can you please help me?" to "Katie, will you marry me?"  Given the rapid turn of events, there is no better way to replay the day than as follows:

3:10AM - Johnny sent an email to Ever After Proposals with the subject line, Proposal help ****urgent last minute**** while he was en route from Singapore to New York (thank you airplane wifi!) to surprise his girlfriend, Katie. Unfortunately, his original plans fell through given the last minute changes to his flight and he was scrambling for help from a professional hopeless romantic.

8:24AM - I reassured Johnny not to worry, catch some zzz's because this was going to be a long day ahead. 

12:38PM - Once he finally landed, we spoke over the phone and discussed some of the ideas he had and how I could help improvise.  He was intent on having the proposal take place at Grand Central Station since it's where they would roam the corridors, whenever he came to visit NYC.

1:45PM - With the venue confirmed, I presented my proposal idea to Johnny. Given the weather's forecast for the day, we agreed to use umbrellas to spell out "Will you marry me?"

4:30PM - Johnny brushed his jet-lag aside and met me at Grand Central Station to go over the plan of action. I showed him exactly where Katie would enter from (thanks to her fellow co-conspirators -- aka her brother, sister and best friends), where he and the photographer would be positioned, and where the umbrellas would be held up.   

5:00PM - With only a couple of hours to spare, both Johnny and I got down to work.  Sincerely hoping that the superstition of opening an umbrella indoors is completely fabricated, we propped open 13 umbrellas and began spelling out W-I-L-L-U-M-A-R-R-Y-M-E?    

7:00PM - With a shiny Tiffany's ring in his pocket and umbrellas in his hands, we headed down to the scene of the proposal. Thanks to my charming disposition and Johnny's dashing good looks, we were able to quickly secure enough people to volunteer in holding up the umbrellas and take part in a hopelessly romantic marriage proposal. (Thank you New Yorkers and tourists!) 

7:30PM - We all waited with bated breath as Katie entered Grand Central Station. When she arrived and saw the question on the umbrellas, she -- like all other passers-by  -- naturally thought she was about to witness a proposal. Little did she know, the man holding the umbrella with a question mark was none other than the love of her life who had flown thousands of miles to utter five simple words.  

Whether you're a hopeless romantic or just plain hopeless, contact Ever After Proposals to see how we can help give you creative, personalized marriage proposal ideas, bring them to life and make you shine as brightly as the ring on her hand. 










Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.  And remember to give me a ring before you give her the ring. 

A (Romantic) Night at the Museum

I’ll be the first to admit that museums aren't for everyone.  It takes a certain kind of curiosity and understanding of the subject (be it art, dinosaurs, sculptures, etc.) to truly appreciate the various exhibitions on display.  But when it comes to matters of the heart, museums provide a backdrop like no other.  After all, where else does history and reverence collide the way they do inside these rich hollow spaces?  So, if you would rather have paintings and the stars do the asking for you, take a look at four adorable marriage proposal ideas at museums.  

Sounds Like Love

Book a tour at an arts museum where they allow you to display your own personal work of art and have it incorporated into the private tour. But this won't be just any ol' work of art that you created in a painting class. It will be a portrait of your own sound waves as they "appear" when you say the words, "Will you marry me [insert name]?" Let's just call this modern interpretive art. As the tour nears its final destination, approach your personal painting and have your partner read the portrait's accompanying caption as you wait with bated breath.

Written in the Stars

Whether you are destined to be soul mates or not, your proposal can at least be written in the stars -- literally.  Luckily, the US boasts some of the best planetariums in the world where you can profess your love.  As you're gazing at the stars above, surprise your partner with a question that shines as brightly as the ring you're about to put on her hand. 

Love on Exhibition    

In this age of Instagram, where everyone is a self-prescribed "photographer," post your girlfriend's photos where they can truly be oohed and aahed.  Museums of photography offer the perfect opportunity to present your personal photos on exhibition.  Surprise her with a tour of her own collection, and end it with a photo of you holding a ring.

  

She's a Gem 

Think your ring deserves to be in the spotlight?  Then look no further.  The Field Museum allows you to place your engagement ring inside a dedicated case within the gallery, along with a personal message, special lighting within the case, and a champagne toast.  And that's just for starters.  If the love of your life is a diamond in the rough, then give her a ring that sparkles like the gem she truly is.  

Whether you're a hopeless romantic or just plain hopeless, contact Ever After Proposals to see how we can help give you creative, personalized marriage proposal ideas, bring them to life and make you shine as brightly as the ring on her hand.  Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.