Video Game Inspired Proposals

When two self-proclaimed geeks fall in love, it’s a very special moment. Having a mutual interest and passion is important for any couple, so why not incorporate it into your proposal?

There are a couple video game inspired proposals and rings circulating in cyberspace right now. Here are the top of the top today.

1) Pokemon

For many of you, your inner child is super excited right now. However, proposing with an actual “pokeball” is no longer “cool.” One guy gets creative by using the opening text from Professor Oak and putting it on his ring box. It says “It’s dangerous to go alone,” but instead of having her choose a pokemon, he offers himself. Super cute for a Pokemon fan!

2) Legends of Zelda
This is one of my PERSONAL favorites. A lot of the designs and art in this game can be great inspiration for the engagement ring. After all, the Triforce is a symbol of unity and power (and everyone wants to be a power couple these days). These styles for him and her from Custom Made are pretty fantastic. After seeing these, even my husband is wondering when he can trade in his wedding band for something like this.

Want a more subtle way to incorporate your love of the Legends of Zelda? Check out this one from the The Classy Geek Etsy shop. Instead of the Triforce symbol, it’s Zora’s Saphire from The Ocarina of Time version of the game.

3) Super Mario Brothers

Now this is crazy dedication. The guy decorates the entire living room to look like the Super Mario Brother’s world. The best part? She has to hit the box with her head to reveal her “prize.” Any guesses on what it is?

4) Portal

In the game Portal, which can be played on the Xbox, PC, or PS3, there is something called a “companion cube” which you carry with you during a level to help you through some puzzles. It’s meant to be carried with you forever and always. So, as a symbol of always holding your love with you as you solve the puzzles of life, why not give her a companion cube engagement ring, like this one from Custom Made.

5) Mine Craft

This guy took the time to create a whole area in the video game dedicated to proposing to his girlfriend. She had to ride a roller coaster to see the messages. The best part? The end explosion timed perfectly with the sunrise. Check it out below.

Nikki

 

How to Simply Propose in December

Happy first day of December! With the last month of the year beginning in full force, it’s hard not to get caught up in the romance of it all. According to the USA Today,  39 percent of proposals occur between November and February. Nineteen percent of those happen in December.

Are you planning to join the December proposal club? Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

1) Plan a fun day with “winter sports”
Different facilities have different seasonal opening times, but chances are at this point– they are all open. So grab your sweetheart and head for the hills (or mountains if you choose skiing). Ice skating, sledding, and more is available now, so why not take advantage? Outdoor ice skating rinks are extra romantic, especially if there’s a huge bon fire nearby (love those!).

2) Plan a romantic day in on a cold day
Snuggling under blanket with some hot cocoa? Baking cookies together just for the heck of it? Low key can make beautiful memories, so plan a surprise, romantic day where she doesn’t even have to get out of her favorite fuzzy pajama pants. She’ll never see it coming but completely love it.

 3) Taking a walk or carriage ride to see Christmas lights
Sure, it may seem simple, but who is going to say no to a romantic walk around downtown or a particularly decked out neighborhood? Plus, with the cold weather, you can complete do an old school move and offer her your jacket. If you really want to amp up the game, then coordinate some carolers to sing for her and surprise her with a song about her.

4) Propose under the mistletoe
Kissing under the mistletoe is romantic, sure– but popping the question is even better. Put some strategically placed  mistletoe someplace special and as she leans in for the kiss, stop her with a beautiful speech about how much she means to you and drop on one knee.

How would you propose in December?

Nikki 

Photo Credit: Catholic Match

Guy Recreates Relationship Timeline With Sidewalk Chalk

Who said guys aren’t sentimental? Trevor never deleted a single text message from his girlfriend since they day they met. That’s nearly three years worth of text messages!  He printed off the messages and used them to create a timeline of their relationship which he wrote with sidewalk chalk all around the city.

His friend followed him around as he made the timeline, taking photos which he then turned into a stop animation film. When the timeline was done, Trevor parked himself on a bench and waited. His girlfriend was left with a message telling her to “get cute and wait for further instructions.” The photographer friend was able to capture pictures of Trevor’s bride-to-be following the path. At the end, he proposed where he had written the date in chalk. Afterward, they wrote the word, “YES!”

Kudos for such a fantastic propose. Check out the whole thing below!

Nikki

Photo Credit: SidewalkChalk.org

Mistletoe is great! Jumbotrons…not so much

Getting a kiss under the mistletoe this Christmas season is very romantic. No one will argue that. But jumbotrons are still a risky and slightly unromantic way to go.

Combine the two and… well… it’s still terrible.

Check out this poor guy at the UCLA game. The “Mistletoe Cam” is focusing on different couples to encourage them to plant that holiday inspired kiss onto their lovers. At first, the girl seems excited to kiss her boyfriend on the camera. But when it turns into something more than just a peck, she freaks out and flees the scene.

Stick to real mistletoe this season, guys. It’s more romantic that way.

Nikki

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Engagement 101’s Holiday Gifts Guide

Get the best for your loved ones! The Engagement 101 team came up with great holiday gift ideas!

• Engagement 101 TV: Holiday Jewelry Gift Ideas by Michael O’Connor
  00
• Holiday Gifts Ideas According to Your Girl’s Style
  00
• Parisian Style Gift Ideas for Her, Him and the Parents
  00
• 4 Fine Jewelry Gifts for Her
  00
• Budget-Friendly Holiday Gifts for Her, Him and the Parents

December Issue is Here!

There’s nothing cooler than this site– except our print magazine You’re in for a real treat with our new issue and it’s sure to be flying off the newsstand.  Just check out the awesome vintage-retro cover! That’s just skimming the surface on the fabulous tips and fashion you’ll see in this issue. There are also great features this month like 50 original proposal ideas for those looking to get their creative juices going and fabulous engagement ring trends for same sex couples. And if you’re in a long distance engagement, you’ll want to catch the article about couples who made it work. The fashion is exquisite this issue with 2013 wedding dresses lining our pages, plus a feature on French boudoir lingerie and jewelry for photo shoots for those looking to give their grooms-to-be an extra special gift. So make sure you don’t miss this month’s incredible issue. You can pick it up on newsstands or order it online here.  Nikki

Christmas Proposing Season Starts NOW!

Christmas time is not only magical for children, but the proposal popping that goes on during the month of December is so numerous, you could hardly count it. Even though it’s not quite December, it’s time for you to consider the possibilities available to you for proposing this holiday season.

Sure, your turkey may be hardly cold as Thanksgiving weekend comes to a close, but I know you’ll definitely appreciate this adorable proposal. Watch as this guy hooks up the Christmas lights on the roof of his house to do the asking for him. If that’s not magical, I don’t know what is. So put down the leftover turkey sandwich and watch this amazing video below. Skip ahead to minute 1:10 to see where the action really starts.

Nikki

Photo Credit: OlsonWedding.com

Engagement 101 Tv Season Finale: Holiday Jewelry Gifts

With the holiday season starting in full force, it’s time to begin planning your gifts for your loved ones (especially for the ladies!). Episode 6 of Engagement101 TV is just the thing you need to help you navigate the waters of jewelry gift buying.

In this episode, hosted by Michael O’Connor, you will find eco-friendly options such Heather Moore’s. She uses recycled metals and even features green gold. They can also document people’s own stories in the jewelry pieces themselves, including featuring imprints of someone’s handwriting.

Or if you want something a bit more on the classic side, check out Julie for Just Jules. She specializes in very couture lockets that any lady would love (especially if you finish it off with a very special photograph she can cherish forever). There is lots of more in the episode including options for men.

Gifts featured in the episode start at $300 and are sure to make anyone very happy this holiday season. For more suggestions and great jewelry, view the entire episode below.

Nikki

A Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Proposal

Who DOESN’T Love the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? It’s one of the best parts of Thanksgiving!

So, why not propose during it? Whether you’re watching from home or actually there in person, it would be a magical time with all the beautiful sights, great music, and the energy of the crowd.

But what if your lady is IN the parade?

Check out this guy and how he incorporated this amazing parade and his girlfriend’s involvement with it into his own proposal. His girlfriend was apparently a roller skating clown in the parade. He flags her down, gives her a hug and POPS THE QUESTION. I bet that makes the rest of the parade a lot more fun for her, eh?

Speed ahead to the one minute mark to see the big moment!

Nikki

Photo Credit: NYCTourist

Why A Thanksgiving Proposal is Fantastic

When it comes to proposing, other holidays often take the spotlight. You of course have Christmas. What could be better than mistletoe and Christmas lights? And New Years is a great symbol of starting fresh together. Don’t get me started on Valentine’s Day. We all know that one speaks for itself.

But Thanksgiving is one of the most perfect holidays to plan a proposal. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked. Need a little convincing? We have plenty of reasons Turkey Day could be the perfect gateway to your new life together.

1. It’s a day about giving thanks so the speech writes itself

Think about it. Most guys focus on expressing how much they love their girlfriend when they propose. But how many actually stop to say why they’re thankful for their lady? On a day where giving thanks is the main event, you’ll surprise her with how thoughtful you are if you can work in why you’re thankful she’s in your life. Check out this guy’s speech as everyone goes around talking about what they’re thankful for. He mentions how he hopes they can do Thanksgiving every year and then gets down on one knee. How romantic! (Speed a head to the minute mark)

2. The family is already there to celebrate

Many guys like to propose with the family nearby, either for a quick congratulations or even an epic engagement party. Thanksgiving is already a day for family so there’s less coordinating for you. If her family is super important to her, having a proposal where her family can witness the occasion or be there to congratulate right after could be her dream come true. And let’s be honest, no other holiday screams “FAMILY” like Thanksgiving does.

3. Better yet– you can have the family involved

Check out what this guy did below. Basically the girl’s mother starts giving a random speech before dinner and then another cousin gets up to give a speech, but doesn’t really have one and fumbles around a bit. Then the cousin points to the groom-to-be and says that he should say a speech. It’s the perfect set up to get the family feeling like they’re involved but also making it possible for the boyfriend to propose.

4. It distracts the conversation from politics

If your family is anything like mine, there will be some kind of heated discussion about politics or religion or something that’s just downright uncomfortable. However, no uncles can get in a word war about sensitive issues when everyone is fawning over your future plans (and that beautiful ring of yours!). Trust me, you’re doing your family a favor by providing the topic of conversation.

Would you propose on Thanksgiving?

Nikki

Photo Credit: ThinkandSave.com