Photo Credit: Juan Turcios Photographer

Photo Credit: Juan Turcios Photographer

Photo Credit: Juan Turcios Photographer

Juan: “The proposal began with a limousine arriving at her door step with a note from her soon to be groom. From there she was driven to one of her favorite restaurants “PF Changs” to pick up a little snack for the ride, just one of the many intimate details designed to showcase his love and knowledge of his soon to be bride. From there she was driven to the Long Beach Aquarium where she was greeted by a guest services representative that escorted her to a private room where he was waiting. When she opened the doors to the room she was met with an abundance of natural light beaming upon an aisle of photographs that created a pathway of their relationship, recalling the moments and memories that led them to this moment in time. At the end of this aisle was the love of her life holding the treasure box. Inside the treasure box was a hand painted map of the Aquarium that lead her to the location where two childhood dreams would come true….the opportunity to swim inside the Aquarium of the Pacific’s amazing tank and accepting a marriage proposal from the man of her dreams.”

Photo Credit: Juan Turcios Photographer

Photo Credit: Juan Turcios Photographer

“Once suited and in the tank, the couple was able to swim freely as they took in the variety of sea life throughout each sections of the habitat. As she entered the engagement section, she was greeted by the words ‘will you marry’ in the sand. As she turned around to look at him, he had pulled two letters out of his pockets to spell ‘me’ so that even though he could not speak the words, it still came directly from him. Buried in the sand, she choose the letter ‘Y’ to signify her YES. Which she proudly displayed to her family and an audience of helpless romantics watching from the other side of the glass as it all unfolded before their eyes. The best part the underwater scuba kiss!”

Photo Credit: Juan Turcios Photographer

Photo Credit: Juan Turcios Photographer

Photo Credit: Juan Turcios Photographer

Photo Credit: Juan Turcios Photographer

Congratulations Lori & Jordan!!

Photo Credit: Juan Turcios Photographer

Photo Credit: Juan Turcios Photographer

Erin: “We are Daniel & Erin who form the two person team that is Lovisa Han Photography. Our small team focuses on people. We love getting to know people through their stories and backgrounds and we always feel so privileged to take part in one of their most precious days. As a result, we strive to create a style that is natural, adaptive, and free; a photo-journalistic style that best captures the essence of who you are in ways that can’t be expressed in words. We want to show the world who you are in the most genuine way.”

Here are their photos from Paul’s sneaky proposal to Jane …

Photo Credit: Lovisa Han Photography

Photo Credit: Lovisa Han Photography

As an early Christmas present, Paul scheduled a couple’s session with Lovisa Han Photography for him and Jane.  After posing in pictures for a  little while, Paul got down on one  knee and popped the question to his unsuspecting love!

Photo Credit: Lovisa Han Photography

Photo Credit: Lovisa Han Photography

Erin and Daniel continued to snap pictures while the couple celebrated …

Photo Credit: Lovisa Han Photography

Photo Credit: Lovisa Han Photography

Photo Credit: Lovisa Han Photography

Congratulations Paul and Jane!

Photo Credit: Lovisa Han Photography

Tessa: “I believe pictures are some of the most important material treasures we have on earth. The moment the shutter clicks, that instant in time is preserved. With a single click of the shutter – years later you’ll experience not only that single memory but all the emotions, feelings and other memories linked to that one little moment. How amazing is that?!

My goal is to not only create beautiful images and capture moments but for my images to tell a story. Sometimes the most cherished memories aren’t the big events- but the little moments that happen in between.”

Today’s photos are from Sarah and Josh’s proposal.  Josh is one of the many sneaky men who planned to surprise his honey with a photographed proposal! … I just love these!

Photo Credit: Light Love Laughter Photography

Tessa: “They are good friends of mine and so I was to call Sarah and ask if she’d want to get together and let me “practice” some new lighting techniques. The plan was a grand success. They met me- she was clueless of what was to come as we casually strolled around the Winshape center taking pictures and having lots of fun.”

Photo Credit: Light Love Laughter Photography

Photo Credit: Light Love Laughter Photography

Photo Credit: Light Love Laughter Photography

Tessa: We eventually worked up to the place Josh had scoped out and decided to propose at. Sarah still had no idea!  Once I had the camera set for video and I was ready, I gave him the green light and he proceeded with asking her to be his wife! Sarah really had no idea until he went down on one knee and couldn’t have been more amazed or shocked”

Photo Credit: Light Love Laughter Photography

I just LOVE the picture below. Giddy, surprised and still in shock … adorable!

Photo Credit: Light Love Laughter Photography

Sarah was even more surprised when she saw her whole family strolling up to the park to congratulate them!

Photo Credit: Light Love Laughter Photography

Well done, Josh … Well done!  Thanks for sharing Tessa!

Photo Credit: Photography by Verdi

Mindy: “Ryan, the ‘Don Juan’ type of guy that he is, arranged for one of his friends, Carlos, who just happens to play guitar, to act like a pan handler on the bridge, dressed in a hoodie complete with open guitar case full of coins.

The bridge was all lit up as if to do it’s part, as well, in the romance dept.  Tourists, cyclists, and families were walking across oblivious to the little scheme Ryan had concocted that was just about to unfold.  Rich, camera in hand, spotted the two of them walking towards him silhouetted in the light of the bridge and for a second, hoped that Danielle wouldn’t recognize him lurking in the shadows from the wedding, but he had nothing to fear.  Ryan strolled hand in hand with Danielle, nervously heading in the direction of Carlos, who was sitting and playing their song, a tune called “Falling in Love in a Coffee Shop”.  Danielle, Rich said, tried to pull Ryan along and pondering all at the same time why Carlos was playing their song!  At that minute, Ryan, swept up in emotion, got down on one knee before Danielle and popped open a little tiny red box containing the most gorgeous ring I think anyone has laid eyes on and asked her to marry him.”

Photo Credit: Photography by Verdi

Mindy: “Danielle’s eyes swelled up as tears began to flow down her cheeks. The guitarist kept on playing as crowds of people cheered and clapped. Oblivious to anyone but Ryan, who by now was holding her face in his hands, all the while Rich went on snapping away!

She couldn’t believe her eyes and just kept covering her mouth in sheer amazement at her left hand! It was such a sight to behold, so cute and innocent, the way one dreams a proposal should go. After what must still be a blur to her, Ryan’s family came out of the shadows to hug and congratulate them.”

Photo Credit: Photography by Verdi

Photo Credit: Photography by Verdi

Congratulations Danielle and Ryan!

Photo Credit: Photography by Verdi

Photo Credit: Melissa Disston Photography

How long have you been in business?
About 2 years. I started Simply U Events and Proposals in November 2008.

What inspired you to start your business?
I dreamed of being a wedding coordinator since high school so starting an event planning company was a goal of mine for years. When I graduated CU Boulder in 2008, I decided to go for it and started Simply U Events, LLC. After hearing some marriage proposal stories and doing some research on marriage proposal resources I realized that men could really benefit from a helpful, female proposal planner; however if I was going to plan their proposal it needed to be completely customized to their relationship. I opposed the idea of just giving my clients a general idea because no couple is alike and what makes proposal stories amazing is thoughtfulness. I was hearing too many stories of guys proposing in uncreative and unromantic ways. According to a survey, 80% of women were disappointment in how they were proposed to. So I started helping gentlemen, head over heels for their girlfriends, create and plan personalized proposals. So not only less stress on guys, but their girlfriends get the “wow” proposal story they dreamed about.

Tell us why you think your business is successful.
There are few companies that have tapped into the proposal industry. That can have it’s advantages but it can also be a challenge as many guys don’t realize a resource like Simply U Proposals is available.

I truly believe what makes our proposal business successful is that we are a team of experienced, female event planners who can relate to other females and each proposal is 100 percent customized to our client and his girlfriend. Guys understand they don’t relate to women like women relate to women, especially when it comes to romance. We are now considered “The Yes Girls” and have assisted over 100 gentlemen with their proposals and so far we’ve only heard, “She Said Yes!”

What makes your business unique?
Every proposal starts with our clients filling out a relationship questionnaire in order to get to know them and get a sense of what his future fiancee loves. We don’t just contract his proposal vendors and plan the details (which is important), we give him a female’s perspective so his idea is unique to his gal. When it comes to planning weddings, we have the same philosophy which is customizing a wedding to the couple.

Is there a particular niche you target?
For the proposal business, men getting ready to pop the question. Specifically ones looking for a creative, original and romantic proposal idea and/or in need of help contracting quality vendors and executing that idea due to lack of resources or time.

What is your company’s philosophy when working with wedding couples?
Our company name “Simply U” says it best. Our hope is that every proposal or wedding is simply you; meaning when couples look back on their special day everything from the planning process to the proposal to the wedding captivated their personality.

How do you help couples customize their weddings?
Whether we’re planning a proposal or a wedding, we start by getting to know the couples personality, likes and dislikes so we can work with their style and budget. It’s about building a healthy relationship so each of our clients planning process and event is enjoyable and catered to them. You can read client’s customized proposal stories on our blog Love, The Yes Girls

At what point in the planning process do you typically work with couples?
We offer different proposal packages (and wedding packages), but our most popular starts from the conception of the idea to coordinating the day of the proposal.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your business?
Getting the opportunity to assist guys with their marriage proposals is truly a blessing. We meet extremely amazing couples and listen to these gentlemen explain how much they love their girlfriends … it’s amazing to be apart of such a joyful occasion. I love this job!

Here are some images from a recent proposal the girls helped plan …

Photo Credit: Alexandra Sommerfeldt

Click here to read the whole Yes Girls blog post about the proposal.

David from D. Park Photography is one photographer that offers this service!  Below are some of his photos from an adorable beach proposal shoot …

Photo Credit: D. Park Photography

Now, you might be asking yourself – How the heck am I supposed to get my love on location, dressed in an adorable outfit and sitting in front of a camera without any idea that something’s up?? Come on!  There are lots of ways to go about it!  You could mention – “You always say we don’t have enough pictures of us together” … “We need photos taken for an upcoming Holiday card “… Use any excuse you can think of!  OK, those might be a little boring.  I’m sure you can come up with some creative ideas to trick your honey into a photo sesh!  Pop on that thinking cap! And if you can’t? … Well, that’s why photographers like D. Park Photography offer the services to help you plan the whole thing – down to the smallest of details!

Photo Credit: D. Park Photography

Photo Credit: D. Park Photography

Photo Credit: D. Park Photography

Vendors:
Photography: D. Park Photography
Event Design: Floral Sense LLC
Location: Corona Del Mar State Beach
Hair: Dolphin Hair Design

There are so many things to worry about when planning a wedding, but DMPJ believes that photography shouldn’t be one of them.  From the first phone call to the moment you receive your album, DMPJ pledges to handle the memories of your day with the utmost care.

Glen Cooper, award-winning head photographer, is the creative vision behind DMPJ’s wedding photography. Asha Ramakrishna, his wife of ten years, takes care of the logistics, ensuring that every photographic need is fulfilled, and every expectation exceeded. Together, Asha and Glen have built a team that comprises one of Boston’s leading full-service wedding photography studios.

Photo Credit: DMPJ by Glen Cooper

And now the details of this well-planned surprise proposal from Asha of DMPJ …

Asha: “Every detail about Rob’s proposal to Tanya was intentional, down to the design of the table cloth. The ladies from Simply U Events loved assisting Rob with creating his perfect proposal, especially because he is completely head over heels for his lady!  Tanya and Rob arrived at Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts for a day of berry picking at the farm’s fruitful orchards. This is where they spent their first date, so it was the optimal place for Rob to pop the question. While enjoying their time blueberry picking they came across a sign that said ‘Tanya and Rob This Way.’ Tanya surprised, followed. The sign led them down a country dirt road to find a romantic picnic area amongst the orchards. He had the table set with her favorite dish, a bouquet of her favorite Stargazer lilies (from Blossoms), and even homemade blueberry donuts from the farm.

Photo Credit: DMPJ by Glen Cooper

At the picnic table, Rob pulled out a game of MadLibs. It’s an understatement to say Tanya’s addicted to MadLibs. Rob asked Tanya for nouns, adverbs, etc to complete the MadLib. As Rob read the MadLib back to Tanya, she realized it was actually a personalized MadLib featuring her and Rob’s love story! When she jumped up to say ‘yes’ DMPJ’s photographer, Josh, captured the entire proposal on camera while remaining incognito! Everything about their proposal was picture perfect!”

Photo Credit: DMPJ by Glen Cooper

DMPJ did a great job capturing this surprise proposal! Congratulations on your engagement Rob and Tanya!

Here is a little bit from the photographer herself …

Maranda: Photographing couples-in-love is my passion. I am an old-school Romantic at heart. I love putting a man and woman in a unique environment where they can totally be themselves, have fun, and maybe get a little mushy!  Nothing is more beautiful than 1) a couple laughing together, and 2) a couple in Love. Laughter & Romance are two of the most important things in a relationship. My goal is to capture both of these elements in their most genuine form in each of my sessions.  Every couple has a romantic side. Every couple laughs. Every couple has a story to tell.

Today Maranda is sharing Samantha and Rick’s totally adorable engagement photos with us!

Photo Credit: Evoke Images

Samantha and Rick have a super cute proposal story!  Here it is in the words of the bride-to-be …

Samantha: 4 years ago (the first xmas Rick and I spent together) Rick took me on a carriage ride for a Christmas present because he knows how much I love Christmas and looking at the lights. As we were riding around looking at the lights I made a comment about how awesome it would be if it started snowing. (Too bad it was 45 degrees out that night!!) So then Rick said in a sarcastic tone, “If it starts snowing I’ll marry you!” Well about 10 minutes later it started snowing while we were on the carriage! It was the most magical thing I have ever seen and felt more like a scene from a romantic comedy than real life! After that, Rick and I just stared at each other without saying a word. Just taking in the beauty of the snow and the Christmas lights, holding each other and enjoying our ‘young love’.

Jump ahead 4 years … November 30th we snuggled up for another carriage ride, and right before we went into the park Rick said something along the lines of this (I was so excited I think I forgot to listen, haha!), “4 years ago on this same carriage ride I told you if it snowed I would marry you… and I’m just keeping that promise. Will you marry me?” Of course I was bawling hysterically, but I finally managed to get out the word YES!!!

Photo Credit:

Photo Credit:

Photo Credit:

Maranda, thanks for sharing your beautiful photography and such a delightful proposal story!  … And congratulations Samantha and Rick!!

Disney’s Musical Marriage Proposal

This led us on the search for more marriage proposal videos. We scoured YouTube and put together a few of our favorites. They may be a little grainier and a little less organized, but that only adds to their charm.

This guy was definitely thinking out of the box:

It’s a bird…it’s a plane…it’s a proposal:

The trophy husband:

Which one is your favorite? How did your significant other propose? Answer in the comments below!

Photo Credit: DerickandEmily.com

While I can say that I’ve heard some pretty cute and elaborate proposal stories, I definitely have to give MAJOR credit to Derick of North Carolina for his creative and complex Light Writing Proposal. He went above and beyond to make sure he proposed to the love of his life, Emily, in a very special way.

Photo Credit: DerickandEmily.com

Photo Credit: DerickandEmily.com

After much planning, Derick finally got started and worked on his proposal for five long days. His complex plan included research, help from a group of friends, lots of take-out pizza, an extremely powerful spotlight, a view from a hotel room and approximately 800 individual 10 second exposure images. Eventually, his hard work paid off and Derick’s large-scale light writing proposal was ready. Below is the final video that Derick showed Emily. As the final image – Emily will you marry me?- appeared, Derick was on one knee with the ring.

Light Writing Proposal from Derick Childress on Vimeo.

Of course … she said YES!  Congratulations Derick and Emily on your engagement!  Your proposal was amazing – one that will definitely be remembered.  You definitely have a great story to tell every time someone asks “So … how did he propose!?”

For more of the story and some technical information on Derick’s Light Writing Proposal visit the couple’s website at DerickandEmily.com