Give These Creative Men A Hand!
1) The Office Raid- After weeks of tormenting Lisa with a supposed
"ring box" placed above their mantel, Brain marched into Lisa's office
with a dozen roses, a bottle of wine, a personal card, and an entourage
of their closest professional and personal friends, and delivered the
gifts to Lisa. Of course the last line of the card was "Will You Marry
Me?", and a very pleasantly overwhelmed Lisa responded "Yes!"
Why it works: It's surprising but more importantly, its thoughtful.
It's well planned but not overdone. The wine and roses are simply
symbolic representations of love and affection and the card assured
Brian said exactly what he wanted to say. Many men are afraid they
will stumble all over themselves in the midst of their crucial moment.
A card that has all the carefully premeditated thoughts written down
takes away the pressure of the perfect delivery. All she has to do
is say yes after she's done processing the beautiful compliments you've
given her.
Lisa and Brian Evans / Married: Sept 8, 2001
2) The Karaoke Proposal- Expecting her boyfriend to sing a song,
when the DJ called a nervous Anthony onstage to perform he anxiously
bent down on one knee and professed his love for Paula in front of
all of their friends. The touching spectacle concluded with his popping
the question and a bar full of supportive fans applauding Paula's
affirmative response.
Why it works: Karaoke bars are a great way to get all of your close
friends to go out for an evening of fun and of course, surprises.
Moreover, the silly antics of the night's preceding events helps take
the pressure off of the pivotal moment. When that time finally arrives
for you to propose, post a few rounds of completely botched songs
you have nothing else to lose. The whole act is endearing and sentimental,
and all of your friends will get to witness the event. Did we forget
to mention you generally have the support of the entire audience in
the bar? With that many wingmen helping out your cause, chances are
Lady Luck is on your side.
Paula and Anthony Birkholz / Married: February 02, 2002
3) Save the Best for Last - Adam selected several packages of fireworks
and wrapped them up individually. On the night of the 4th of July
he asked Angela to open each one individually. With the first several
gifts equally small in size and shape as the last, he watched as Angela's
eyes slowly lowered with each passing gift that was not a ring. Just
when she'd given up hope Adam switched the last box and when Angela
turned to take it from his hand she saw him on his knee holding the
beautiful ring box in his hand.
Why it works: It's a private moment for the couple where undivided
attention is given to the myriad of gifts. Additionally, her expectancy
of a ring with each passing box adds humor to the situation. When
she finally opens the box with the ring she will be so overwhelmed
and surprised she will have to say yes. This method is highly effective
when planned on a special occasion such as a birthday or holiday when
presents are commonplace. If you decide to try this on an occasion
other than a gift-giving one, be sure to find a way to keep its obviousness
concealed. Lastly, this idea leaves the option for creativity entirely
open. You can pick and choose different ways to present the gifts,
the type of gifts, and of course, how you will disguise the ring box.
Angela and Adam / Married: March 02, 2002
4) I Love XXX - Ken knew his future fiance loved teddy bears. After
buying a series of small bears, he purchased two larger bears in the
colors of pink and blue. He then tied the ring to the paw of the pink
bear and aligned the teddy bears in a row under a log in the Perennial
Gardens where the two would later have their date. Ken put the final
touch to the male bear's paw, an "I Love You Tiffany" sign. Later
that day as Tiffany took her time to enjoy the sights she nearly fainted
as she stumbled upon the endearing display. As she turned back to
look at Ken he was already on his knees asking her to marry him. It
was only after she stammered yes that she noticed their friend Michael
recording the whole thing in the background!
Why it works: It's a public display of affection that took time and
thought. Also, it incorporated Tiffany's favorite thing; teddy bears.
The proposal was entirely sentimental and thoughtful. In addition,
Ken was creative in putting the display in an ideal spot that would
highlight the bears when they later stumbled upon it together on their
date. This means Ken also took additional precautions to find someone
to watch the ring, and he even prepared to film the whole thing. Moreover,
Ken wasn't afraid of making a public declaration of his love. While
his proposal was definitely grand, you, too, could concoct something
with an equally powerful impact so long as your woman isn't squeamish
towards public displays of affection. Just try to keep in mind some
of her favorite things and focus your proposal around how much you
care about her interests.
Ken and Tiffany / Married: April 14, 2001
5) Under the Stars- While attending their annual car show in Pismo
Beach, Jeremaiah asked Kerri to join him for a walk along the beach
to end the day's events. After gazing at the stars and enjoying each
other's company the two sat in the sand where Jeremaiah proceeded
to write "Will You Marry Me" on Kerri's back. When a befuddled Kerri
couldn't quite guess what he was spelling out Jeremaiah resorted to
writing it out in the sand. But the dark night prevented Kerri from
understanding once again. As she leaned over trying to decipher the
sandy message Jeremaiah got down on his knee and proposed right then
and there.
Why it works: It's sincere. His nervousness and adoration are evident
from the way he tries to ask her in a very concealed yet tender way.
He touches her back and shows his tender playful side but is cautious
enough not to ask directly. Then he resorts to the traditional romantic
message in the sand. Jeremiah's message is nothing short of endearing
and completely effective despite its simplicity. It's the realistic
romanticism that makes this type of proposal an attractive selection.
Keri and Jeremiah / Married: March 31, 2001
6) Traffic Jam- While Jeni and Sean were vacationing in New Jersey
over Christmas break, they decided to sight see in New York. After
spending an entire day in New York doing the touristy thing, the two
headed to Times Square with Jeni's mother. Suddenly Sean asked Jeni's
mother to take a picture of the couple, in the middle of a small
median on the street. After Jeni hopped off the ledge Sean had propped
her on for the photo, she began to look in her bag. When she looked
up Sean was on his knee with all of Time Square honking their approval
at his romantic gesture.
Why it Works. Similar to the Karaoke proposal, Sean rallied the support
of the public. He's making a statement loud and clear that he loves
this woman and intends to spend his life with her. Sean's proposal
is simple and sweet and incorporates Jeni's mother, also very important.
If a mother and daughter are very close its always a good idea to
try to ensure the mother is present when you finally pop the question.
Her approval will only help persuade the night to go as you wish.
Jeni and Sean Married: August 25, 2001
