ALS Challenge turns into warming proposal

I’m sure you’ve seen the Ice Bucket Challenge videos going around social media. From celebrities to your next door neighbors, it seems everyone is taking part in this charity event.

Justin Davidson, 28, got down on one knee behind his longtime girlfriend Shelby Muha, 31, as she was waiting for him to drench her in freezing water. Just as she turns around, getting ready to tell Justin to do-this-thing, she breaks into giggles– realizing that he’s proposing!

If you notice, Shelby does briefly drop the ring. Obviously she was more than shocked!

Justin’s reaction is so precious. Even from the video we can tell that he’s a shy man.

In an interview with MailOnline, Shelby said she had no clue the proposal was coming – and never would’ve expected for Justin to propose to her on camera.

‘Justin is a really quiet guy, and he’s not into big, showy things at all,’ Shelby said. ‘He’s not a limelight lover, and so even being on video freaks him out.’

Six challenges and two buckets of water later, the two are embracing as Shelby still asks, “Are you serious?” How precious!

 

The Ice Bucket Challenge, which has gone viral in the past few weeks, is an effort to raise money for ALS, also known as Leu Gehrig Disease. When people are given the challenge, they have 24 hours to dump freezing water over their heads – and must record it. If they do complete the mission, they give $10 to charity; if they don’t, they give $100. For more information and videos of this challenge, visit ALSA.org

3 Reasons to Propose over Labor Day Weekend

School is starting, the weather is sort of cooling down, and the summer is coming to an end. So why is Labor Day Weekend the perfect time to propose? Here are three reasons!

 

1. Good Weather. While good weather isn’t guaranteed, you have a long weekend to enjoy the outdoors. Go on a hike, plan some “couples pictures” that turn into a proposal session, or plan a family/friends picnic. Get outside and enjoy each other’s company while you have the three days– taking a short break from work and returning on Tuesday to let them know you had the best Monday ever!

2. Family & Friends. Everyone gets a three-day weekend when it comes to Labor Day (for the most part, of course there are always exceptions). While it’s wonderful to have a private proposal moment, if you come from a group of friends who is super close to your relationship, or close-knit families, it’s a great time to include them! Do you have a family tradition for the three-day weekend? Add your proposal on to that agenda!

3. Long Weekend. This is the perfect time to take a mini-vacation to enjoy the end of summer, beginning of fall, and all that jazz! Go somewhere relaxing that’s within driving distance for the three-days. When the time is right, pop the question! How perfect to get away and come back with an engagement announcement.

Emily

Do’s and Don’ts of Proposing

Everyone wants guidelines. It’s hard not to when you’re taking a huge step in your relationship. Here are a few things that are important to keep in mind before getting engaged.

Do…Talk to her parents/parental-figures

This way seem old-fashioned, but my husband always says his biggest regret is not doing the typical asking-for-permission bit, and my dad’s feelings were hurt that he didn’t get to go through that with him. While this may open the possibility of the parents saying no, I didn’t say to actually ask for permission. I think it’s important to inform her parents that you intend to propose, and see what their reactions are. Odds are if they aren’t happy, you can win them over.

Don’t… Propose for the wrong reasons

Maybe there’s an unexpected bun in the oven or maybe there’s pressure because everyone around you is getting engaged– but don’t let that be what influences your decision. You don’t want to get engaged or married for the wrong reasons. It is a HUGE commitment.

Do… Talk about it first

I don’t mean be like, “Hey, babe, I’m going to propose!” I mean don’t propose if you guys haven’t talked marriage/ serious-commitment. You don’t want to make that plunge and find out in the moment that she’s not ready just yet. Talk about your life goals, what you want as individuals and as a couple, and slip the “marriage bit” into the conversation and see how it goes! You don’t want to be kneeling on one knee after an awesome flash mob, only for her to be embarrassed and ask you if she can talk to you privately.

Don’t… Ever PRETEND you are proposing as a prank

THIS IS NOT A DRILL. While you may want to practice your speech, or your dance, or whatever it is you have planned, you DO NOT under any circumstances want to pretend you’re proposing to her and then pull the plug at the end of your speech. ONLY propose to her FOR REAL. DO YOU READ ME?

As always: GOOD LUCK!

Emily

Singin’ in the Rain Proposal Ideas

Rainy days happen. It’s just a fact. If you intended to propose outside on a certain day and you’re greeted by the rain– don’t fret! You can still make it happen. Also, planning for a rainy-day proposal is just as romantic, in my opinion.

1. Under the Umbrella. Plan a romantic walk in the rain with specific umbrellas. Have the ring dangling from a well-secured ribbon or string on the inside of her umbrella, or use a fabric marker to write “Will you marry me?” on the inside. Being in the rain for a proposal offers a wonderful story, and checking “kiss in the rain” off your romantic bucket list.

2. Dream Date. Plan a rainy day where you go all your favorite places. Visit museums, see a show, go to your favorite spot for lunch– do all the things that you love to do together, enjoying the company. At the end of the day, when the time is right, propose! Whether you do this inside or out, it’s the perfect way to end a perfect day.

3. Pajama Party. If you wake up to a rainy Saturday– seize the day. Don’t put pressure on each other to get things done, instead insist that she relax with her some tea and a pile of books, movies, and/or board games. Relax a part and then come together when the time is right and pull out the engagement ring. If you have a fire going, that’s a plus– just saying.

Emily

Photo Credit: VisualizeUs

Matt and TJ’s Surprise Proposal

TJ was planning a surprise party for Matt, or so he thought. When they arrive to the party, they’re lead to sit down for a video prepared for Matt’s birthday. The first seven minutes go through *language induced* made-up, comedic bits from Matt’s friends. Come 7:00, Matt comes on screen and starts bashing the video. When he finally reveals that it isn’t about his birthday, the look on TJ’s face is priceless.

This couple met through Facebook, and with a twist of fate were finally able to go on a date after Matt finished working on a cruise ship. It was TJ who convinced Matt they needed to go out, and Matt said he wouldn’t pay unless TJ was entertaining; Matt paid for the first date.

Matt says that TJ is unable to keep surprises, while Matt is perfect at giving TJ a genuine surprise. So, when it comes to the end, he tells TJ to turn around (10:48). All their friends/family are standing there holding letters that spell out, “TJ Will You Marry Me?”

TJ’s reaction is so genuine, it may have brought some tears to my eyes.

 

Woman gave her love two daughters and a kidney, and finally got a ring on her finger.

Jade and Ben had been together since they were young, and had two daughters together as ‘proof’ of their commitment. But Ben never seemed to take that next step of asking her to marry him.

Years into their relationship (after having their girls), Ben found out he needed a kidney transplant. His parents and brother were ruled out as matches, but it turned out that Jade was the perfect fit. They both underwent the surgery, with family standing by to help them and watch their daughters, to bring Ben back to health.

Ben must’ve woken up from that surgery with more than just a new kidney, because when the couple and their daughters appeared on Good Morning Britain to share their story, he had already worked with the network to line up his proposal into the program. Their story is so sweet, but if you want to skip to the beginning of his proposal it’s around 2:10.

I absolutely love Jade’s reaction when the host tells her Ben has something to ask her. She then tells them she’s waited eleven years for him to ask, and figured it would never happen. Just goes to show you, ladies, that men can take a long time to ask– and all you have to do is give them a kidney.

Emily

Coca-Cola Proposal

You’ve all seen the new Coca-Cola bottles with the names on them, haven’t you? Well, a man named Donnie decided to take it one step farther and ask Coke to help him propose to his girlfriend, Eloise. Coca-Cola happily obliged.

When Eloise wasn’t present, Donnie lined up the six bottles on one shelf of the fridge, with a glass and roses placed beneath it. The bottles literally spelled out Donnie’s adorable words, “Beautiful Eloise, will you marry me?”

Eloise went to the fridge, prompted by Donnie to ‘put the milk away’, and found instead the waiting proposal. Naturally, the girl said yes.

Where was the ring? Well, the newly affianced posted the picture to Coca-Cola’s Facebook page, thanking the company for their help, with this in his caption: “The “ice” was in the glass. Thanks Coca-Cola for all the help… she said yes!”

Would you say yes to a proposal from the fridge?

Emily

Photo Credit: Facebook

 

Snapple Cap Proposal Idea

Do you like Snapple? When I was in high school I was one of those annoying kids who brought or bought a Snapple whenever I could and would always read the “Real Fact” on the cap aloud to whoever would listen to me. I still love them, even though apparently a lot of them actually aren’t “Real Facts”. See Snapple Cap #0– if you’re lucky.

But if you have a sweetie who loves these real facts, why not find a way to place your proposal in the cap instead– or a clue to your proposal? Here are two ideas!

1. Snapple Cap “Fact”.  Plan a picnic or lunch and have her favorite Snapple waiting. Hopefully she won’t notice that it’s already been opened– or you can “ashamedly” say you took a sip already. When she pops that cap to read the fact, instead have a sweet message or the simple, “Will You Marry Me?” pasted to the inside instead. Be ready and waiting on one knee for when she looks up at you.

2. Scavenger Hunt. This would be the perfect beginner to a scavenger hunt. Have your first clue on the top of the Snapple cap and the rest is in your hands.

What do you think? Could your engagement be a “Real Fact” proposal?

Emily

Photo Credit: Jeff Loves Jessica

Proposing like Shakespeare

If you’re getting ready to propose, there’s no finer way to do it than with something written down. It’s a nerve racking experience, and you may recite over and over this fantastic speech– and then in the moment completely forget your words. There’s no shame in having something ready to hand your love to read, or read to her. Here are three ways to learn from the master.

1. Sonnet Love. Much like in 10 Things I Hate About You, there’s something wonderful about presenting the person you love with a sonnet. Even if it’s indirect, or it’s not perfect– she’s going to love it because it’s from you. Take some advice fromSonnet 116.

2. Romeo and Juliet. While there are plenty of romances amongst Shakespeare’s plays, this tragedy is what always comes to mind when people think romance. Dress the part and woo your lady below her window, using the exact words from the play or altered ones of your own. If she doesn’t have a window you can get access to, invite her down to her door and be there on one knee to do the same thing. What woman could say no to a man in tights?

3. Masquerade. There is almost always a party in Shakespeare’s plays that involve masks. Throw a masquerade of your own with your closest friends and family– and use that moment to get down on one knee. Whether everyone is in on the farce or only you know the reason for the party, it will make it that much more fun after the deed is done.

What’s your favorite love-story when it comes to Shakespeare?

Emily

Photo Credit: Buzzle.com

A Penguin Proposal

Mitch was preparing to propose to Casey, and the only thing he knew was that he wanted to involve penguins.

Yes. You read that right.

You see, their first Halloween together Casey told Mitch to go get them two costumes– and he came back with two full-body penguin suits. From then on, it sort of became their ‘thing’.

After a few tries, Mitch got in tough with the Pittsburg zoo and was able to figure out a way to make the proposal happen. He went so far as to send a fake letter to their house telling them they’d won a free behind-the-scenes look at the penguin exhibit. The camera crew also posed as others who had won a look at the exhibition. Sneaky, sneaky.

The penguin with the ring (Mickey) makes his grand entrance at 3:33. You have to watch Casey as she figures out that Mickey is sporting a diamond ring for her.

Personally, I love Mickey’s reaction when Mitch moves to get the ring (around 4:35). You can see the look on Mitch’s face that’s kind of like– this penguin isn’t going to do anything to me, right?

Emily