Timming is Everything

Kids, be mindful of your proposal date. Proposing right before mid-terms or in between huge events or projects at work can be hell for both of you. I had no idea how much time James and I were going to spend talking on the phone, going out with people, and writing emails after our engagement. Of course I loved it all... BUT it was a super hectic time for me at work and since he did it on a vacation I felt as though I had a million things to do when I got back to the office. I would suggest enlisting a friend if you are nervous or taking a peak at their google calendar, blackberry, or planner.

We Love Wine

James admits that if he had given more time to our proposal, he would have proposed using a customized bottle of wine. As you know, he proposed in upstate NY and while planning the weekendfound this great winery not too far from where we were staying. They can customize the labels on bottles of wine to say anything you might want. They can even include a picture of the two of you!! Readers beware: they have limited off-season hours and can take weeks to create that special something for your special someone.

Steph and James' Proposal Story

So, we are finally getting around to blogging about it. Being engaged is hard work! haha!

James planned a surprise adventure for the two of us after an extremely busy few weeks. After a three hour drive to Saratoga Springs, we went to a creperie for lunch, and then pulled up to the most gorgeous Bed and Breakfast, a 19th century carriage house. I kid you not, I cried when I saw it, the place was amazing! The room featured the original 19th century wood ceiling and the furniture was from the early 1800s.

From adventures in NYC to DC to museums, aquariums, parks, and beaches I expected nothing extraordinary from this particular weekend away. After settling in, James asked me if I was enjoying our current adventure to which I said I was... I was still teary-eyed from the beauty of the area. Then James said, "Stephanie will you spend the rest of your life going on adventures with me?" and I said yes! ! After slipping a gorgeous ring on my finger we enjoyed a bottle of champagne in front of the fireplace. After I stopped crying we went to dinner where James had made reservations at an amazing restaurant. To make the evening even more special, we were lone diners in a sea of gorgeous candle light. We ended the evening at an Irish pub with a live Irish band and some good beer.

Talk about an adventure we will always remember!

A perfect proposal for us! We have talked on this blog about having a proposal that suits the couple, and for us this worked. B&Bs, adventures, and Irish pubs are very significant parts of our relationship.

For those of you who are curious about our wedding, we will be blogging about the process on another blog and will have the URL soon. It looks like it will be August or September 2011.

At the Airport (not the airplane)

I travel frequently, but rarely with my significant other. He does however pick me up at the gate fairly often. I am usually emotional after a long flight and time away from the comforts of him and our hound, Vanessa.

Cost: about $2 and the cost of the ring.

Time needed: 10 minutes? (trip to CVS and writing "Will you marry me?" on the poster.

I imagine you are planning on picking up your significant other from the airport anyway so bring the poster and make sure to get to the gate a little early. You need to get there before they do. When they see the sign get down on one knee if you chose. If they are not expecting you to pick them up, the surprise factor mixed with the proposal will be an awesome story and totally memorable.

FYI: Getting the Most of Your Money

Public Service Announcement for Those Proposing While on Vacation

I just found out that if you call the hotel you are staying at and let them know that you plan to propose they might put you in a nicer room for no additional charge or may leave champagne or other treats in your room.

Pretty Sweet!