Love is in the Air -- NYC Marriage Proposal

When Cory and Nicole decided to take a trip to the Big Apple from Louisiana, they had decided one thing for sure: go big or go home. What Nicole didn't know, however, was just how "big" this trip was truly going to become. 

Cory reached out to Ever After Proposals two months prior to their expected arrival to New York City to begin planning the perfect proposal. He wanted to ensure the proposal captured the essence of NYC and its world famous skyline. Cory and I brainstormed a variety of ideas that incorporated New York landmarks and events -- from rooftop proposals to broadway plays -- but none of them caught Cory's attention until I mentioned a private chartered helicopter tour over NYC. Given Cory's background in aviation (he's a certified pilot), it was the perfect idea but there was just one minor problem: Nicole wasn't a fan of flying.

Luckily, Cory was able to convince her so we set the plan in motion:  the couple arrived at the helipad at their scheduled time of departure. As soon as they were airborn, the Ever After Proposals team prepared the runway for landing by spelling out "Nicole Marry Me" which would be visible upon their descent. Just as the pilot was approaching the runway, he pointed the couple out NYC's newest and a very special landmark...

As soon as the couple exited the helicopter, Cory got down on bended knee and asked her the question that had been lingering in air. Then they popped the champagne and took a private limo to Tao Uptown to continue the celebration with their family and friends.  

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, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. And remember to give me a ring before you give her the ring. 

Credits:

• Christopher Kuras Photography
• Zip Aviations

5 Unexpected Marriage Proposals in Hawaii

When you think of Hawaii, you think of the obvious: turquoise blue water, pristine sandy beaches, breathtaking sunsets, luscious rainforests, and the list goes on. So naturally, when you think of proposing in Hawaii, you also think of the obvious: private dinner for two on the beach surrounded by tiki lights, in the midst of a waterfall, at sunrise on top of Haleakala Summit, or even during a luau performance. There's Google for those "been there done that" ideas, but if you're looking for something different and unexpected in Hawaii, then read on.   

1) World's Largest Maze at the Dole Plantation 

OK, perhaps I'm a little biased considering I personally got engaged in a corn maze, but I do adore the idea of finding your way to love after overcoming some 2.5 miles worth of obstacles. Perhaps the only thing sweeter than finding a pineapple garden at the center of this maze is seeing the fruits of your labor displayed beautifully in a diamond ring. 

2) Treehouse at Kilauea Volcano

Remember when you were a kid and your idea of a fortress was a treehouse? If you're looking to rekindle that primitive and innocent period of your life when you didn't need luxury rooms with a king size bed to feel like a king, then consider this treehouse near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Nestled deep inside the rainforest, this private oasis is fit more for those who want to feel like Jane and Tarzan than king and queen. 

3) Maunakea Observatory

Whether you are destined to be soul mates or not, your proposal can at least be written in the stars -- literally. Although the USA boasts some of the best planetariums in the world, none of them come close as this observatory in Hawaii. Thanks to the Maunakea summit's elevation, which rests above 40% of the Earth's atmosphere, and its location (20° north of the equator), nearly the entire sky is visible almost throughout the year. As you're gazing at the stars before you through the telescope, guide her eyes to a ring that shines just as brightly.

4) Bamboo Forest

Did you know that bamboo plants represent luck and play an important role in feng shui principles, which claim that it attracts auspicious chi energy? Since bamboo plants can survive in any kind of light, they symbolize strength, growth and resilience -- or if you ask me, the characteristics of a healthy long-term relationship. Why not surround yourself in a place bursting with this "positive energy" as you prepare to ask a question in hopes of a positive response.  

5) Lighthouses

I'm personally a huge fan of lighthouses -- not just for their mystique, charm and history, but because of what they represent: a tall beacon of light guiding you along the way. Isn't that something we seek in our partners (in addition to a killer smile and a dry sense of humor)? Luckily, Oahu's stunning shores are home to two charming lighthouses: Diamond Head Lighthouse and Makapu'u Lighthouse, both easily accessible by foot so you can easily get down on your knees. 

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, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. And remember to give me a ring before you give her the ring. 

Picked the Best Pumpkin in the Patch

Over the past three years, I've written and witnessed many stories that have ended in "happily ever after." But this one right here -- it's my absolute favorite because it's my MINE! Yep, the million dollar question of, "How in the world is your boyfriend going to propose to YOU?" has been answered. 

I'd obviously be lying if I said that I hadn't wondered how this moment would eventually play out, but to be honest, I never envisioned a "perfect" proposal because I didn't know myself what that would look like... until now.   

Some couples meet, fall madly in love instantly and never look back. We weren't one of those couples. (I know, I find it hard to believe as well that Avik didn't fall madly in love with me instantly). The road to this day had been a long and a curvy one. We even hit the brakes and veered off course. At times, we felt like we were taking two steps forward, one step back. But in the end, all roads led us back to each other. The corn maze, where Avik proposed today, was in essence, meant to be a symbol of our relationship.

I arrived at VonThun Farms early in the morning to meet my friend to do a photo shoot for her twins. I wanted to test out my new lenses, and she wanted photos for the twins' first birthday. It was a win-win. Or at least, so I thought. She was nowhere to be found, and I was left walking around the maze with my Canon DSLR in hand thinking, "I don't have time for these games. It's Sunday morning -- I should be in bed wondering what I'll have for brunch instead." Little did I know, through each twist and turn, I was getting a step closer to Avik.

As I approached the end of the maze, it was lined with petals and there he was on bended knee, waiting to tell me that although it took us some time to get here, we ultimately found our way back to each other, and from this day forward, we'd never walk alone.

What came next is obvious but worth noting, because it's pretty special...​

The ring, while undoubtedly stunning, actually gets its sparkle from the chock-full o' meaning packed inside this precious stone. The inside of the platinum band is engraved with phrases and birthstones that are a nod to both, my past and future with Avik. When the jeweler takes hours to get to know your girlfriend in order to design a ring that captures her journey, you know you're in good hands. Zameer Kassam is a storyteller first, a jeweler second, wherein his transcribed words translate into a piece that tells a story for years to come. 

So there you have it: my proposal - part corny, part amazing .  

I'll be the first to admit that it's no easy feat proposing to a proposal planner, but Avik took a page out of Ever After Proposals' book and focused on what matters the most: the proposal was sweet, surprising and above all, simple yet meaningful.  

A HUGE shout out to my besties Shaefali, Shreya and Roma for helping Avik make this day all the more special. You four just might give me competition some day ;-)

Credits:  

• Christopher Kuras Photography
• Zameer Kassam Fine Jewelry