W
TO A
B&B PROPOSAL
Say “Yes”
ith Valentine’s Day approaching, are you having thoughts of proposing to your true love? Are you thinking of a big and
dramatic proposal like a flashing billboard or highway sign asking, “Will You Marry Me?” Or maybe you want to do something sweet and simple such as getting down on bended knee during a quiet evening stroll to pop the question? Whether your style is creative, adventurous, romantic, or all of the above, the proposal matters. Lucky for you, B&Bs have become popular locations that offer the right ambience and comfort for a perfectly unforgettable marriage proposal.
Location is everything when it comes to proposing. You and your sweetheart will remember every intimate detail for years to come. A grand parlor, a picturesque and lush garden, or a port-cochere balcony, are all ideal locations for that special moment. Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast in New Orleans, LA, has been home to many wonderful engagements. On one occasion, “the future groom arranged for us to set up a special scene on our common balcony nestled in the trees near the front of the house on St Charles Ave,” remembers Bonnie Rabe, innkeeper. “We set up a white tablecloth on which there were a dozen of long-stemmed red roses, a chilled bottle of champagne with specially monogrammed glasses, strawberries, and a balloon bouquet. When she opened the door to go out, she immediately walked out into the table set up for them. We could hear her gleeful squeal all the way downstairs at the moment he proposed! This couple returned back to the B&B to elope about three months later with two family members as witnesses to have their ceremony on the same balcony where he proposed.” Choose this Garden District B&B, with its lovingly restored period furnishings, decadent chandeliers, and warm hospitality, as the place to start the next chapter in life with the one you love.
Let your future dreams set sail when you propose to your life partner on Making Waves Boatel in Toronto, ON. This floating hotel features three comfortable guestrooms with double beds and seaworthy views. Choose one of three lovely decks to enjoy a delicious breakfast of Italian baked eggs, blueberry pumpkin pancakes and fresh fruit, as you relax and enjoy stunning views of Toronto and the harbor. For dessert, take the plunge like a former guest and write your proposal in a cake. “Nick had no idea how to propose so we got a carrot cake, Natasha loves carrot cake, with “Will you marry me?” on the top and he proposed over dessert,” remembers Diane Greene, innkeeper. A ring, roses, and spectacular views of downtown Toronto all add up to a unique and memorable love boat adventure. Open June 1 through September 30th, anxious grooms and brides-to-be, have plenty of time to figure out how they’re going to make that once-in-a-lifetime moment extra special on Making Waves Boatel.
Stately mansions, fragrant gardens, scenic beaches, oh yes! Mississippi is home to many picture-perfect places to propose. Why not let the experienced staff at Devereaux Shields House, in Natchez, MS, help you plan your special moment? Ron and Eleanor Fry, the proprietors of this lovely B&B, offer suggestions for a classic proposal at St. Mary’s Basilica, a magnificent 1842 church. Picturesque engagements as you take in the beautiful Mississippi River at the 200-ft high bluff at City Gazebo. Or what about an intimate proposal after a lovely dinner in the privacy of your elegant room with a private spa like bath and cozy fireplace at this lovely B&B (named one of the best places to get engaged in the South). Begin your night with a horse-drawn carriage ride through historic Natchez before you return to your room where champagne, chocolates, and flowers await. A delicious full Southern Style three-course breakfast in the morning will be the dream ending to your blissfully romantic engagement story.
It’s all in the details. From the big moment details like celebratory champagne and photos, to the smallest like a particular floral arrangement or meal, all are important details that you will remember about your engagement. B&Bs know about all of the little things that make a guests’ stay extra special. That’s why enlisting the help of The Holladay House in Orange, VA, for your magic moment is sure to be the right move! Innkeeper Sharon Elswick and her staff helped a couple enjoy a romantic weekend in 2008. Four years later, they stepped up again to help the soon-to-be groom recreate the weekend they spent at the B&B down to the finest detail (including the breakfasts they remembered having, including their favorite part of the meal, the caramelized local peaches with creme fraiche and house-grown mint). "He said their stay here in 2008, was the first important getaway experience that cemented their relationship. I helped him recreate all the details, but most importantly, I was able to help him add something new," Sharon recalls. There was a surprise proposal at the conclusion of their weekend stay that included a pre-produced video, family flown in from out of town secretly, and a professional photographer to capture the moment he popped the question. "We figured out all of the logistics of the morning, including adding extra staff to take care of the rest of the guests, so we could focus on making sure this was pulled off perfectly," says Sharon.
In front of a calm waterfall. Snuggled by one of the warm fireplaces. Tucked away in your beautiful room. However you choose to ask that important question, The Inn at Westwynd Farm, in Hershey, PA, provides many romantic settings that will elicit the answer you want to hear! "We have had it done with rose petals spelling out "Will you marry me?" on the bed, a giant cookie popping the question, and also an embroidered beach towel," say innkeepers Carolyn and Frank Troxell. "One charming young man serenaded his bride to be with a special song he wrote just for her." Celebrate your love in your room with views of the south pasture and pond, private balconies, Jacuzzi tubs, and luxurious robes. After your fairy tale night, enjoy a delicious breakfast of gingerbread muffins with cinnamon butter, and ham and egg gratin served on English muffins. Attentive hosts, the ideal romantic setting, the perfect piece of jewelry and the answer “YES!” equal an unforgettable proposal.
Enjoy the great outdoors with the great love of your life in Hot Springs, AR. Explore the natural beauty of Arkansas at a world-class 210 acre botanical garden. Adventure-seekers can hike the Hot Springs National Park trails, or Lake Catherine State Park Falls Trails, which leads to a waterfall. Go mountain biking, zip lining, or crystal mining in the Ouachita Mountains. After unearthing some beautiful crystals, return to Lookout Point Lakeside Inn, and present your sweetheart with some engagement bling as you pop the question. Make your night even more special with the luxury inn romantic package of chilled wine, chocolates, and a spa basket. Get cozy in your luxurious room with a King or Queen bed, whirlpool tub, fireplace, and private balcony overlooking the lake. Wake up to the heavenly smell of freshly brewed Lookout Point custom blend coffee before you savor a delicious breakfast of Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, as you relive your proposal and plan your future nuptials!
Pssst! The staff at Woolverton Inn in Stockton, NJ, can keep your engagement plans a secret. You have found your soul mate and you have the ring. Now what? “We have ten acres of property and there is a nice walking path around the perimeter,” says Mary Passalacqua, owner and Innkeeper. “Take a casual stroll, and choose just the right moment, perhaps by one of our towering trees, or at the stone-paved fountain to pop the question.” These beautiful and secluded locations are just what you need to surprise your beloved. The surprises will continue with a champagne toast and a bouquet of red roses in your romantic room with a wood-burning fireplace and a comfy featherbed. You will be glad that your special engagement was put in the safe and capable hands of the Woolverton Inn staff.
by Mary White