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

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. 

Love is Blind, But Are Proposals Too?

Sure, it's easy proposing in broad daylight as the sun is shining down on you, or in the warm glow of candles surrounding you.  Been there seen that, right?  So imagine proposing to your fiance-to-be in the pitch black.  After all, if love can be blind, why can't proposals be too?

Dialog In the Dark

You are led into darkness with a cane in hand and the voice of your blind guide.  It's the blind leading the blind, literally.  As you traverse through the  familiar smells and sounds of New York City -- from the supermarket to Central Park to Times Square to the Subway (and yes, it really does smell just as bad there as well) and finally to a diner -- you are at the mercy of your other senses.  Each touch becomes heightened, the scent of each aroma becomes stronger and the sound of each water drop becomes louder.

Add a shiny diamond ring (which you won't be able to see, obviously) into the mysterious mix, and her goosebumps won't know what hit her.

"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."

-- Helen Keller  

Dans Le Noir

If proposing at a restaurant is too cliched for your liking, I don't blame you.  But what happens when you take away the champagne flute (with the ring floating inside), and all the other restaurant staff and patrons ooh-ing and ahh-ing as they wait with bated breath?  Dans Le Noir offers an experience like no other, as you enter the restaurant in to pitch darkness.  You won't know your fork from spoon, let alone your whites from reds (until you taste it , of course).  Your senses are instantly awakened as your perception of each taste, smell and texture changes before your -- dare I say -- very own eyes.    

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.    

Golden Proposal Spots in San Francisco

If I could have a love affair with New York City, it would undoubtedly be with San Francisco.  I not only fell in love in San Francisco (with the city, that is), but I also literally fell in San Francisco -- in broad daylight, at a 7 way intersection, while wearing 4 inch heels and white pants.  And oh, did I mention, it was my birthday?  A vividly memorable one, apparently.  But I digress... 

There's just something about this city... whether it's the Golden Gate Bridge peaking over the thick fog, or the antique cable cars riding through the steep hills, or the quaint, picturesque town of Sausalito a hop, skip and a jump away from the city.  Oh, how I love thee... let me count the ways.  But since this isn't a tourism ad for California, I'll stop right there, and instead tell you why I truly love this city: it is wedding proposal central. You heard it here first.      

1) Take a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and ride into Sausalito.  Not only will you see the most spectacular views of the city from the bridge, but you will be treated to the neighboring serene town of Sausalito.  You can conveniently hide the ring in the pouch on the bike, and even have a photographer follow you closely behind as a fellow tourist.  Then depending on your budget, you can celebrate with family and friends either on a chartered yacht or at a restaurant on the water.  

2) Another option is renting a classic cable car and perhaps have a romantic candlelit dinner or a picnic in the car.  It's a great way to be "indoors" while still being outdoors -- a win-win in my book.  There may be some accessibility restrictions on where the car can travel, but it's a great way to not only tour the city, but make pit stops to places with the last stop at a jewelry shop, private restaurant, etc.

3) While the Japanese Tea Garden may not scream San Francisco, it offers the one of the most beautiful, tranquil attractions in the city.  Although the garden does not allow private events, you can try to call ahead to schedule a private tea ceremony.  Then have the expert staff "read" your fiance-to-be's tea leaves and hint towards love, commitment and all that warm and fuzzy stuff.      

While San Francisco may provide the ultimate backdrop for your wedding proposal, what will truly make it special is how you weave your own story into it.  Whether you're a hopeless romantic or just plain hopeless, contact Ever After Proposals to see how we can help create a personalized marriage proposal for you in San Francisco and beyond.  Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.  

Turkey... A Land of Endless Proposal Spots

Although I'm back from a glorious vacation in Turkey, I may have left my heart there.  I didn't go there with my significant other, but my hyperactive heart was on full alert (as always) and scoping out wedding proposal spots for Ever After Proposals.  I mean, just look at these photos -- can you blame me?  Mother nature and my sleek camera made it too easy for me to capture these beautiful locations spanning across the country.  From the heights of Cappadocia, to the depths of the Bosphorous, I searched high and low for the perfect proposal spot in Turkey for your magical day.  It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it :)

Whether you're a hopeless romantic or just plain hopeless, contact Ever After Proposals to see how we can help create a personalized marriage proposal for you in Turkey and beyond.  Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.    

Overlooking Pamukkale from one of  the travertine pools

The  amphitheater in Hierapolis

Breathtaking views of Pamukkale's travertines

Fortress, Rumelian Castle, on the Bosphorous

Fairy chimneys in Cappadocia

Sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia

Istanbul's landmark Bosphorous Bridge at night

The beautiful Blue Mosque in front of the Sultanhamet fountain