“The Proposal” starring Sandra Bullock & Ryan Reynolds opened number 1 at the box office and we’re sure it’ll spark new thoughts and discussion about creative ways to propose.  I was contacted by the Houston Chronicle for my ideas and made it into their front cover “5 Ways to Pop the Question”

Here are the specifics:

Pull together a clandestine proposal using an incognito photographer and a bit of hush-hush planning.  You’re ready to propose so do it in a very memorable and personal way. Pick a special day like Valentine’s Day, her birthday, or your first date anniversary and plan a full day of activities that bring her back to some of the favorite places you’ve visited, foods you’ve eaten, experiences you’ve had together as a couple.   She’ll think you are so romantic and what she doesn’t realize is that you have hired a photographer to follow you and covertly document the day.

Have your photographer put together a beautiful photo album for you with a blank last page.  Wrap it and present it as a gift and as she is opening the box, get down on one knee as if you are getting close to help her open the gift.

As she turns the pages to the album entitled “The Prelude,” she’ll be stunned to see that they are pictures from her special day (“only last weekend, how can this be?”).  On the last page, there is a placeholder that says “Here I am on bended knee, asking will you marry me?”  Pull out the ring, pop the question and have the photographer ready to capture the moment. (You can keep it intimate or have friends and family hiding in another room ready to come out and share the experience afterward.)

Plan on a photography budget of $1,500 on up depending upon the complexity – LM