In the spirit of engagement season, we asked NYC Proposal Planner, Sarah Pease of Brilliant Event Planning, for some creative local suggestions to inspire those looking for fabulous ambiance to pop the question!
Her first suggestion is Governor's Island:
The view of Manhattan from Governors Island. Image via Flickr by Scott Dunn
Governors Island Fort. Image via Flickr by EJP Photo
Brilliant Event Planning offers amazingly creative proposal planning where the proposal is not just a question, but a life experience. She has offered us a few slightly more approachable options for the everyday man to plan on his own here in NYC. Sarah is spot on in recommending Governors Island. For those who have never been, Governors Island is a short ferry ride, but worlds, away from NYC. It has beautiful colonial buildings, cool old forts, grassy parks, views and in the summer concerts and bike riding. In Sarah's words, "there are secret nooks and crannies all over this island plus a killer view of the Statue of Liberty and downtown Manhattan... gives you the feeling of being alone while surrounded by New York City."
Next recommendation: Juliette Restaurant
The roofdeck, or "balcony" of Juliette. Photo via Textstyles blog.
I am now dying to go to Juliette, an adorable French restaurant in Williamsburg based on Sarah's recommendation. The rooftop, or balcony, pictured above looks absolutely delightful. Sarah fill us in, "It's a little taste of France right over the river in Williamsburg! This perfect little bistro has a spectacular rooftop patio complete with lush greenery and a view of the bustle below (and, in case of rain, the restaurant has a few side rooms that can be blocked off to make it more private)." WAYYYY more original than One if by Land, Two if by Sea. Gentlemen take note!
Next up, the Boat Basin Cafe:
Image via The Weblicist of Manhattan
Image via The Weblicist of Manhattan
Many of us have been to the Boat Basin Cafe on a lovely summer's Saturday, and you may not have thought to propose there, but Sarah makes us take a second look at it with this description, "The curved ceilings, stone walls, sound of the Hudson river and a view of the water - a perfectly lovely place to propose amongst the bobbing sailboats of the marina. Go during the day on a weekday and have it completely to yourself!" She's right. The Boat Basin is a truly lovely building, and there is something romantic and fabulous about being near to the water.
For those looking to propose while on vacation, heed Sarah's advice and head to Cartagena, Columbia.
Cartagena. Image via Audley Travel
Cartagena. Image via HappyTellus.com
Honestly I think that I would marry just about anyone who took me to Cartagena. Cartagena has been high on my must-see cities list for a few years now. The beautiful Spanish colonial buildings, the flowers, the colors, the beach. Done. Sold. Abso-freaking-lutely I'll marry you. Or, as Sarah more eloquently puts it, "Easily the most romantic place in the world. Enter the old town through high stone walls and grab a table at a cafe in the shadow of an ancient church. As the setting sun reflects off the colored buildings and the strain of the of the local guitarists reaches your ears, get down on one knee and make it a picture-perfect proposal!"
Thank you so much to Sarah for sharing some fantastic ideas with us, and for more information on her full service proposal planning, head to Brilliant Event Planning.