“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.