The Sweetest Engagement Story: Starbucks Preposal

As most of you know, I have a deep love for coffee and Starbucks. As I was zipping through some of my favorite industry blogs, I came to a post on Green Wedding Shoes that I just had to post. I have to say that in the past 3.5 years of wedding planning, there have not been two guys who have proposed the same way. Each engagement reflects the personality of the couple. For this romantic guy, he truly takes the cake on originality.

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Blog Post: Green Wedding ShoesDate: June 23rd

A Starbucks Proposal Story
Thursday, June, 23, 2011

Photo Credit: Mikaela

I love a good proposal story, who doesn’t?! Today, I’m sharing two super creative proposals. The first is the proposal of Mikaela and Shane. Their first date was at a Starbucks, so Shane decided to build a Starbucks in the woods – seriously! Wait until you see it! Shane told Mikaela (who is a photographer) that they were going on a photo field trip to this great place he discovered, well he led her to a clearing in the woods and had Mikaela close her eyes. The moment she opened her eyes, she saw this…

From Mikaela, “The moment I was allowed to open my eyes is a moment that will be burned into my memory forever. It was the most peculiar feeling to see something so unexpected, so creatively carried out, something that took weeks and hours to plan, for me. For this moment. For us. Surreal.

Starbucks in the woods. Our Starbucks, our first date in those two comfy chairs, with our same two drinks – a passion tea lemonade and a green tea lemonade, and that fruit bar Shane had as well. A homemade candle in a Starbucks sample cup flickered, the prettiest bouquet of pink peonies, and music playing in the background. We sat, me in stunned silence and broken sentences. Knowing what would most likely come next, but not daring to think it, at the same time. Derrick ran by in the corner of my eye, leaving behind a video camera, while I caught someone taking photos in the bushes! Another video camera on a table! Crap, why didn’t I wear my contacts tonight, why the glasses? And off they came :) Then Shane pulled out a ring box and said those words and it happened.

‘Ever since our first date I knew you were the one… I fall more and more in love with you each day… Mikaela Ruth, will you marry me?’

He says there was a pause before I said yes! Of course! And then I dropped to the ground to be close to him and to hug him and he slipped the ring on to my finger.”

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If you are in the midst of working on the "Big" proposal for your soon-to-be fiance, having an hour consultation with a wedding planner to advise you on how to bring the concepts and thoughts together would reduce the stress. If you need assistance in executing the plan, this would be a simple task for any professional planner. For me, this is one of the absolute most thrilling opportunities. I'm such a romantic at heart!!!

Happy Planning,

Samantha Darr

Engagement Proposals: The How To on the Will You?

Alright guys, it's go time. You've met "The ONE" and now you're ready to pop the question. You've probably been racking your brain on deciding just how to surprise and the moment perfect. That's why I'm here to guide you along the way and give you a few pointers so you can come out looking like the savviest, most romantic man of her dreams.

There are a few things that are definite musts:

{Make It a Surprise} With more and more women coming along with their significant other to go ring shopping, the element of surprise might be non-existent. BUT, you can still make it happen guys! You know she's seen the ring and will be waiting on the edge of her seat. Whatever you do, don't buy the ring with her present. This is a financial transaction and truly a gift for her. When deciding just how to surprise her, there is an endless list of ways. For example, call her boss to arrange for her to have a day off. Book plane tickets to a romantic local. Ask a girlfriend to pack her overnight bag of essentials and send a limo to pick her up. All this is truly something she's not expecting. You could be waiting for her at the airport when the limo drops her off. This would make any girl absolutely gooshing with happiness.

{Stay Away From Cliches}There are a few ways to propose that are so cliche, it makes every woman cringe. Like putting the ring in a glass of champagne, having the waiter bring the ring out with the desert, proposing on Valentine's Day, etc. I know it's tempting, but resist the temptation.

{Ask Her Dad AND Mom for Their Blessing}It may sound a little traditional, but asking her Dad for his blessing will not only make your future fiance beaming with pride, but will make her Father feel like you truly respect him. To get even more brownie points with everyone, you should include her Mother as well. What better way to start your new life with their family?

{Cater to Her Personality} If your girlfriend is more on the private and quiet side, you definitely don't wanna propose with a lot of people around, like on a big screen at a baseball game (I'll talk about that in a minute guys)

{Listen to Her Hints} Women have a way of letting you know what she wants. Let's face it, we drop hints. Listen to them, this is your cheat sheet to making the proposal PERFECT. If she makes comments on a friend's proposal like "I can't believe he did it a beach, how beautiful and romantic." She obviously likes something like that but do not copy it. Her proposal should NOT be exactly the same as her friend. Get creative and think of a way to ask her that fits your personality and incorporates some experiences that you have shared together as a couple.

{Get Down on One Knee} I know this may sounds like common sense, but you'll be so engulfed in the moment that you'll probably keep standing while asking her to marry you. We've been thinking of that special moment since we were little girls so don't forget to get down on that knee!

{No Sporting Events} Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but women do not want to be proposed to at a baseball game, a football game, or any other kind of sporting event. Women like romance and pretty things and sporting events just don't have either.

{Hire An Expert} Yes, it's truly possible. If you're still feeling overwhelmed and a touch clueless, call an event planner to make all the details and plans for the evening. They can guide you in selecting just what will make your future fiance beam.