We know, we know…you didn’t come here to learn about the Complete Weddings + Events owners. You came here to learn about our services and get a little inspiration when planning your wedding. However, there’s one key moment that happens BEFORE the wedding, and that’s the proposal. After chatting with some of our peers, we thought it might be fun to share our proposal story with you all. At the very least, you can always send this info to your significant other if you’re hoping he/she pops the question soon.
Jordan’s Proposal Story
The Game Plan
Okay, so Libbi and I both work in the wedding industry, and pulling this off undercover was NOT going to be easy. After all, she has heard hundreds of proposal stories and knows all of the tricks. My plan started a few weeks out from “the date” and we would soon be traveling for a family trip to Disney World followed by some MUCH needed relaxation time in Miami for a few days.
My plan was to set up a fake dinner outing with a friend of ours who lives in Miami. This would provide my excuse to get Libbi all dressed up and looking great for the special moment (A must-have apparently for her).
After lots of research on “the coolest spots to propose in Miami, FL,” I stumbled across a place called ‘The Palms’ and was immediately drawn to the look. They also had a very turn-key proposal package that included a private outdoor space, romantic décor, a five-course meal, and a short walk to the beautiful Miami beach. The only thing I needed to bring was a photographer and of course…. Libbi.
I reached out to a local Complete Weddings + Events photographer through a connection of mine in South Beach and the wheels were in motion for the proposal day!
Proposal Day
After some exhausting but fun family time at Disney, we arrived in Miami on Wednesday and the next day would be proposal day. On Thursday morning I managed to fake a couple text messages with my “friend” whom we were supposed to be having dinner with to further sell that nothing was up. We spent the day wandering around Miami and enjoyed some pretty relaxing pool time before getting all cleaned up for the big night. I didn’t think I would be nearly as nervous as I was. Libbi and I had talked about a future for quite a while and we both knew this day would come but the nerves were still there. I frantically paced in and out of our hotel room trying to stay busy while Libbi went through her usual getting ready routine. I nervously toyed with the ring box in my suit jacket lapel and counted the minutes until it was time to drive to the location. When it was time to leave, I texted the Photographer (who I saved in my phone under my friend’s name #promove) that we were on our way and would arrive JUST in time for sundown. Now if you know anything about South Beach, the traffic is insane, so this added to my nerves as we were losing daylight FAST.
We pulled up to the beautiful Palms hotel just in time and I went to the hostess table and said the key words (actually if I recall I just gave her my name) We were then escorted by our waitress through a crowd of people, past a rope gate to a beautiful walkway lined with lanterns and candles. At this point, I think I blacked out a bit and began starting my proposal speech as we walked down the path to the front of the gazebo. I told Libbi how much she meant to me and that I couldn’t wait to start our lives together, got down on one knee (left knee on the ground, ring in the right) and asked the most fun, beautiful and amazing woman I have ever met to spend the rest of her days with me. She said YES and the rest is history. We escaped to the beach for some engagement photos and settled down for a fantastic meal as we reminisced on our relationship and how I managed to pull this off somehow without her knowing. It was the perfect evening.
Looking Back
Planning a proposal is a lot of work. There aren’t a lot of dudes blogging pro-tips to learn from and it is a bit overwhelming. However, much like your wedding day, I had to come to terms with the fact that not everything would be perfect…and that’s okay. If I was talking to a good friend, I would tell them to definitely hire a photographer, make sure their partner has an excuse to look their best, and try and be in the moment.
Proposing was a split-second memory that begins a new chapter in your relationship and one that you won’t soon forget. Enjoy this exciting time and don’t overthink it.
(Oh and maybe get a photographer that is awesome enough to record a video as well, we have watched that thing like 50 times!)
Complete Weddings + Events Central Illinois
If you’re planning a wedding or proposal, you’ve come to the right place. At Complete Weddings + Events, our team of photographers, videographers, DJs, photo booth rentals, and event consultants specialize in wedding services to make your day a success and make sure you’re just worried about enjoying it. Contact us today to learn more about our packages best for your special day!