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Alright guys, this site is my go-to for advice as the advice is always very good and not sappy. I have been with my girlfriend for going on 6.5 years and now is the time to propose. If I wait for the economy to recover, I may be waiting a long time. We're both 26 and we both think it is a good time to tie the knot (which would be when we're both 27). I have a ring picked out and will be buying it within the next 2 weeks. It has nothing to do with Valentines day its just that for financial reasons, now is a great time for me to buy the ring.
Now where I need all of you to come into play...what are your suggestions for the propasal? I am looking for something fairly inexpensive or free. I'd say up to about $200+/- so please don't suggest to charter a yacht for a weekend or anything crazy. I have two ideas I thought would be nice but I am open to suggestions. Here are my suggestions:
1) We own a kayak and taking her out to St. Lucie inlet state park (only accessible by boat), and having a picnic on at private spot on the beach.
2) Heading down to Miami and taking her to Vizcaya and proposing there.
The disadvantages to #1 is we could be sweaty, salty and a little wet depending on the conditions (boat traffic) of the ICW. Although its only about a 10 minute or less paddle to the (ICW side) beach to the park, then about a 15 minute walk to the ocean side beach.
Disadvantage to #2 is potential for it to be crowded and not having a quiet spot, it getting ruined then me going home with ring still in my pocket.
I want to avoid doing the proposal in front of other people/or family. I want it private and I am open to all suggestions!
I'll give you my idea which I couldn't do. We take the boat to Bimini all the time. There is an area known as Honeymoon Harbor there. Its a beautiful spot when its not crowded.
My plan was to take the trip over as we do often. We usually get there on Thursday and Honeymoon Harbor is pretty quiet during the week. The plan was to be walking in the knee deep water with her and pretend to have stepped on something sharp, possibly a sea urchin or a broken Kalik beer bottle. When I would kneel down to check the injury I would pull the ring from the water and show it to her.
It was going to be perfect. I would have been on one knee already and I would have already the ring on my pinky after I pulled it out of my pocket right before the injury.
Unfortunatly we blew a gearcase about 30 mins into the trip so we had to turn back. I ended up doing a more traditional proposal.
Go with option 1 sounds more memorable even if you are wet/sweaty. Whatever you do, do the whole getting on your knee thing, even if you feel corny doing it. Bring a camera/tripod if possible to capture your day.
Take her for a walk on the beach at sunset. When the sun drops into the water take both her hands in yours and kiss her like its the last time you ever will. Let her go, look into her eyes and pop the question. Produce the ring from a pocket while popping said question. The one knee thing is optional.
Have you asked her father yet? That is really important. Even in today's world it shows respect.
__________________ Baitkiller= Accredited Marine Surveyor
Bait fear me, fish just laugh.....
The little Dutch boy was just buying time...
easy; take her to where you met, or where you had your first date or where you had your first 'whatever' and purpose on a date that 'YOU' will always remember.
Take a stroll around old town , have dinner at Harry's (or 95 Cordova if you have an extra 100), then hop on a horse carriage ride through the town. Ask the driver to stop opposite Flagler College, or the Cathedral, or the Casa Monica, or another spot you saw during you afternoon walk. Ask the driver if he will take a photo of the two of you. When he is ready, step off the carriage, go down on one knee, and propose.
Room rates around 150-170, maybe 200 on a Friday or Saturday.
Casa Monica is around 170 per night Sun through Thurs.
I made my Fiance climb up a waterfall, and did it there. I was only accessible by boat, so that was a plus. Afterwords, we had a room for the evening at the hotel owned by Clemson, where we met. Based on that evening, I would have to say she like the presentation. I would say most important of all, clear your schedule for the following day, she is going to be excited, and want to tell everybody, and yes, you will have to go along for the ride, but don't worry, it's not that bad. Beyond that, I would get a bottle (or 4) of her favorite wine, and whatever sort of sweets or whatever she likes (cheese cake for my fiance), and plan on turning in early, I can promises you that you don't want to be too tired to enjoy the evening.
I think its best to do it in a special place you can go back to throughout your life, a place you will want to go. I did it on the bridge of a 50' Viking on a boat delivery down the ICW at the figure 8 drawbridge. We now associate getting engaged with the ICW. So I'd try to incorporate a place that is special to both of you. Great advice to get the permission of her parents. That was a good moment I had with my father in law. And finally... ARE YOUR CRAZY!!
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Jim Maier | BOEmarine.com | 866.735.5926 x104
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Here's my take on it: The first thing she is going to do is to tell all her friends about it. She'll have better bragging rights if you were clever and did not just take her to dinner. If she's into kayaking, load up a picnic basket with bread, wine and cheese. Wrap the ring in a chocolate or desert thing and hand it to her. When she says "What's this?" The stage is yours. That way she gets to say "And then, after lunch he......." The idea of clearing the calendar for the following day is good.
Don't forget a corkscrew and a knife for the cheese.
I think the key element to the proposal thing is if she will remember it ten years from now. I dropped to one knee in front of the kitchen sink.....hey she remembers it and she said yes. Having a great setting for a proposal is one thing, but if one is not able to pull it off emotionally and verbally the setting won't count for jack. I proposed in front of the kitchen sink because the moment was right, in fact everything was right. Maybe on a roof top or in the middle of an intersection while stopping traffic is good for you, she'll always remember it and it won't cost you a dime.
Have fun and good luck. Oh, yesterday was my/ our university, yesterday was Ground Hog Day. If you pick days that stand out on the calender it sure makes it ten fold easier to remember that pivotable day for all the years that follow.
I painted "Will you marry me" on my number 2 jib and hoisted it up as we went sailing... was very cool.. Ill have to throw up a picture... the chicks loved it and I still get the ohhs and ahh from her friends..
My alternate was to have it in my pocket and say " wow.. you see that down there.. and dive down for it. Coming up with it in hand with a proposal.
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24' Grady White - SOLD!
13' Boston Whaler
Suggestions on places to propose!! 
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JK, I knew what you ment! Too bad you had motor troubles, sounded like a great idea. 
ALERT-ALERT-ALERT 
1st Cav Div Air Assault Infantry RVN
Yah that would make it memorable for her that's for sure. 
