“I was playing a concert at a science fiction convention. My boyfriend, Joe Giacoio, was there with me and while I was in the green room (where the acts warm up and get ready), he saw the list of songs I had planned for the show. He said casually, “What, no ‘Toasted Chicken Sandwich?’” I almost always play that song and I know he despises it, so I gleefully answered, “Oh! thanks for reminding me!” and I put it on the song list.

Later, he came up to me in the hall and said “Someone just called and asked if you could save “Toasted Chicken Sandwich” for near the end of the concert, because they’re running late and may not get here for the first half.” I thought “Wow, I didn’t think that was my best song, but OK.” Then he adds, “Some guy is running around here in a penguin suit.” Again, not out of the realm of possibility, as science fiction fans like to engage in fantasy, and to dress up in costumes.

On I went with my concert, and sure enough, somewhere near the end some guy in a penguin costume and a mask walks in and sits down in the second row. I think nothing of it, of course.

Soon after, I start singing “Toasted Chicken Sandwich,” a song about dating someone just for the food. My favorite thing about performing the song is that I make the audience sing along, and then near the end  I split it up, have just the women sing, then just the men. And the part I give the men to sing is “Marry me!” And then (usually), I laugh and say “Haha! Works every time!” because I’ve just duped a whole room of men into proposing. But this time the joke was on me, because when I got to the “Marry me” part, the guy in the penguin suit- my boyfriend- jumped up, took off the mask, whipped out a ring and sang “marry me!”

Needless to say the show was pretty much over at that point. You know what they say- never work with kids or animals. The story has many happy endings- first of all I said “yes” on the spot. Second of all, we spent the next day at Seaworld (with some actual penguins). Third, we have been happily married for 2 1/2 years.”

Thanks Carla for such a cute story and thanks to you both for keeping us thoroughly entertained! For more on Carla’s music go to her website: Carla Ulbrich and for Joe’s equally clever and amusing music, check his website out at JoeGMusic.

I am certain that I could write 10 articles a day on romantic marriage proposals and it couldn’t possibly do justice to the genius of those “popping the big question.”  There are so many creative ways people have asked their beloved to marry them. And let’s face it, most of us wanted our proposal to be as big as the commitment we were about to say yes to!

So how many other people out there fantasized about being proposed to in Paris? I mean,  it is  the City of Love…

With the help of  Caroline Berthe of Parisian Proposals, one local couple lived out our fantasy just last week. Here’s their story:

Brad is a US Marine who on his way back to the US (from Iraq), asked his girlfriend, Rebecca, to meet him in Paris. Their reunion was better than any romantic movie script.

On a perfect Paris afternoon, a beautiful bordeaux colored horse-drawn carriage picked up Brad and Rebecca in front of their hotel. A one-hour carriage ride underneath a cozy blanket included an up-close view of the Eiffel Tower and a romantic trip down the Champs-Elysées. The carriage stopped just a stone’s throw from the Louvre at a renowned Parisian Tea Salon. Brad spoiled Rebecca with the best hot chocolate in town to warm them up after their carriage ride.

They left the salon for a romantic walk in the Tuileries Garden before stopping at the Place de la Concorde where they cut the line (thanks to Sharon’s privileged contacts!) and climbed aboard the big wheel. Once at the top of the wheel and with a dazzling view of the illuminated Champs-Elysees and sparkling Eiffel Tower, Brad proposed to the girl of his dreams. And Rebecca said “Oui!”.

Upon their return to earth, two edible chocolate flutes filled with champagne and a bouquet of red roses were waiting for them to seal this very special moment. A romantic dinner for two next to an open fire at an authentic Parisian restaurant provided the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.  Brad’s genius, was hiring the right people to plan this flawless proposal. Bravo Brad!

So if anyone out there is plotting a grand engagement overture, and Paris sounds perfect to you, call Caroline and she’ll come up with countless ideas for you to consider. And… if you want to get married in Paris, she’ll handle that too! Go to Parisian Proposals or Chateau and Villa Weddings for more European engagement and wedding ideas.

Do you have a Romantic Engagement Proposal to share? Email me at info@BridesKnowBest.com.

This is Heidi Campbell. Read her fun and creative blog at Unabashed Bliss

I am so glad that the very first engagement story we are featuring on BridesKnowBest is from Heidi Campbell of the wonderful blog, Unabashed Bliss. Heidi’s blog has great ideas and such fun eye candy! I hope Jonnathan’s amazing proposal and Heidi’s recollections will inspire others to submit their stories for our marriage proposal contest, which we will officially announce on Valentines Day. We invite you to get your entry in early (like Heidi did!). Email us your 500 words or less story and at least 2 pictures (jpegs) to info@BridesKnowBest.com.

Thanks Heidi for the following story. And Jonnathan… all I can say is… WOW… you romantic devil you!

and here’s their story in Heidi’s own words…

“Jonnathan’s “Plan A” proposal involved my riding behind him on a majestic white stead out to the ocean side bluffs of Ireland with the waves crashing below and wind whipping around us. Coming upon a piano in the vast openness with the ocean as the backdrop he would play a song titled “Every Day I Love You” by Ronan Keeting, “..if I asked would you say yes? Together we’re the very best. And I know that I am truly blessed every day I love you” at which point he would get on bended knee and ask me to be his wife. “Plan A” obviously, while incredible, was a bit out of the budget. So, “Plan B” came into action; still featuring waves, wind, an ocean backdrop, special music, and while not the bluffs of Ireland – still the very best moment of my life!

Good job Jonnathan!

It was explained to me as a drive to a “new park for the dogs”. I fell asleep just minutes into the drive to awake over an hour later realizing we were close to our favorite beach spot. Jonnathan sneakily agreed to pass on the “new dog park” in such a nonchalant way I still was clueless of his plans. We drove the car out onto the beach and laughed watching our dogs run in the water and dive into the sand dunes. The tide came in fast and we tried to move the car…but…only got so far. Somehow Jonnathan directed from behind the wheel and I pushed. Soon he got us stuck again… I laughed seeing how a van of guys had to help him get the car unstuck as I started the bonfire. Time passed, and out of the dark came Jonnathan with cooler, blanket, pillows, camera and tripod all in tote. Queue stomach butterflies! He placed the headphones over my ears telling me to listen with my eyes shut. Music played from our first date, kiss, road trip and special memories ending with the song I’m going to walk down the isle to. I cried and laughed reflecting on our relationship and how much I loved this man. He removed the headphones, kneeling before me, surrounded by glimmering candles with stars above related the days events to our relationship. How we both, as dreamers, always want the picture perfect life, but like today with the wind, the clouds, getting stuck in the sand… instead of becoming upset or disappointed in life’s circumstances, we laugh.

Heidi and Jonnathan. We wish you a marriage filled with all the joy and romance of your proposal!

We laugh together as a team taking on life’s adventures loving and leaning on one another. He spoke of loving me and finding peace in his heart and asked if I would be his wife and mother of his children. Sobbing I kissed his face all over and realized I hadn’t said yes. Yes! Of course! We cuddled by the fire under the stars, sipping on wine, enjoying the warmth of the fire. As I think back, a strange, faint sound of Irish music floated in the wind around us…”

The girl can write can’t she??? Thanks Heidi! Can’t wait to hear from the rest of you! Keep those stories coming…