April 10, 2012

Let’s Make a Date: Engagement Edition!

Filed under: Uncategorized, engagement — Tags: , , , , , — Amanda @ 2:26 pm

As any engaged couple knows, wedding planning can be a continuous source of both excitement and frustration. Following up with a previous blog post, I must stress how important it is to enjoy this time in your life! So what’s the best way to do this? Ask your fiancée out on a date! It can be as simple as going to dinner, but take some time out of your schedules to enjoy each other’s company. Before you know it, you’ll be adding a wedding band to that ring finger! Here are a few unique ideas to get you started with a touch of wedding planning thrown in.

1. Find a special event: This can be wedding related, but it’s really up to you. If you want to stick with the wedding theme, one option is to look up bridal fairs in your area. While this may garner a few unwanted solicitations, there are typically a number of opportunities to enter contests to win anything from free tuxes to honeymoons.

2. Plan a day trip: Take a Saturday to explore a nearby city or town. Getting to know a new place is always fun and it may even be beneficial to your wedding planning process. You may also find a new favorite restaurant or store.

3. Throw a wedding video party: I must admit I was a bit skeptical of this one at first, but it actually can be quite useful. Invite newlywed couples over to watch highlights from their wedding videos. Get ideas as couples share stories from their days.

4. Do something neither of you have done before: This should be an activity you’ve never tried, but both think would be interesting. At this point in your life it’s all about firsts together so why not make the most of that?

Do you have any great date night ideas for engaged couples? Share them with us in the comments below!

February 16, 2012

Proposing the Right Way- Valentine’s Day Edition

Filed under: engagement — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Eric @ 11:59 am

We’ve said before here that there’s a right way and a wrong way to propose.  The pressure of Valentine’s Day and wanting to pop the question on such a special holiday may cause some guys out there to rush the whole thing without proper planning or preparation.  That’s never a good idea; take your time to do the right thing and propose in a thoughtful and well thought out way.  Here’s a great example of someone who used his skills, his talents, his professional status, and his creativity to propose to his girlfriend in a really incredible way.  Click the following link to see how Drake Martinet made his Valentine’s Day proposal special: http://mashable.com/2012/02/14/drake-stacy-infographic/.

Do you have any other examples of extra special, well thought out Valentine’s Day proposals?  Share them with us in the comments below!

February 7, 2012

One Super Proposal

Filed under: engagement — Tags: , , , , , , — Amanda @ 9:52 am

Super Bowl XLVI had something for everyone! Of course there were the commercials, which in typical fashion, left spectators roaring with laughter, shaking their heads in disapproval, and at times just downright confused. Then there was the star-studded, somewhat bizarre, Madonna half time show. Finally, there was the high-intensity rematch in which Eli Manning and the Giants prevailed over Tom Brady and the Patriots once again.

For me, it was a great Sunday. Of course, I enjoyed all of the moments formerly mentioned (PLUS an amazing amount of calorie-rich food), but I discovered one of my favorite moments just last night.

The New York Giants played hard to earn yet another diamond encrusted Championship ring, but for one of their own, that was not the only ring exchanged on Sunday. As the team took to the field for the post-game celebration, rookie linebacker, Greg Jones, had yet another reason to be nervous. He was about to propose to his girlfriend, Mandy.

Jones, who had a member of the practice squad hold the ring during the game, was anxiously awaiting Mandy’s arrival on the field. When they finally found each other amidst all of the chaos, he hugged her briefly, and then he stepped back and began digging into his pocket. In a few moments, he was kneeling on the confetti-covered turf presenting a brilliant round cut diamond engagement ring and asking her to spend the rest of her life with him. She immediately said, YES.

Even though it wasn’t caught on live TV, this moment was captured and I am happy to share it below. This Super Bowl proved to be one GIANT win for Greg Jones and his lovely fiancé. And even better – they both received a ring! Congratulations to the happy couple!

What was your favorite part of Super Bowl XLVI? Please share with us in the comments below!

January 31, 2012

Happily Engaged

Filed under: engagement — Tags: , , , , , — Amanda @ 10:04 am

The engagement ring was purchased, the question was asked, the date is set and the wedding planning is in full swing. Now what you need to do is take a deep breath and RELAX. You may find this to be a bit difficult because you’re so excited, but you shouldn’t jump headfirst into wedding planning without taking a moment to enjoy your engagement!

Engagement is typically a very short and unique time in the overall scheme of a person’s life. There is much to be done, but here are a few ways to remember what’s important and make the most of this time.

-Spend time with your fiancé! Go on dates, check out wedding venues, or just watch a movie at home. This is the perfect time to reminisce and reflect on how you got to this place in your relationship and to enjoy each other’s company.

-Take some time to de-stress! Set aside AT LEAST one day a week to be completely free of wedding planning. This means no decision making, no calls, and even no Pinterest browsing that pertains to the wedding. This will allow you to avoid becoming consumed with wedding plans and burning yourself out.

-Take a “me” day from time to time. Celebrate yourself! You have become such an extraordinary person that someone else wants to share their life with you. Take this time to celebrate your personal accomplishments and the life that you have made for yourself. Then, envision more accomplishments and goals to look forward to in your married life.

Although it may seem hard at times, you must “take time to smell the roses.” When all is said and done, a wedding is an occasion to celebrate your love. If you never lose sight of that, it will make the experience that much more rewarding!

What are your favorite tips on how to enjoy your engagement? Share them with us in the comments below!