Nuclear Engineer

The proposal is by far the most exciting but also most stressful time of all.  Typically, when planning a traditional proposal, as the future groom, you want everything to be perfect.  The key is to choose something unexpected, creating a romantic moment.  Depending on where the two of you live, the options will vary.  However, the following are a few suggestions regarding location for the proposal.

An important note is that when choosing a “true” traditional wedding proposal, you want to get down on one knee as you ask for your sweetheart’s hand in marriage.
               
•A late afternoon gondola ride
•The location where the two of you first met
•The restaurant where you had your first date
•Dining by candlelight on the steps of the local museum
•While having a picnic in a botanical garden

CONTEMPORARY

Some couples still prefer to be a bit more liberated and flexible when it comes to engagement, which is perfectly fine.  If this is more your style, again, when it comes to an engagement, there is no wrong or right, merely what is more appropriate for the two of you and the relationship you share.

Asking Permission
       
Asking the father or other family member permission to marry their daughter/step- or granddaughter/niece as outlined above is something that many men do, even if the rest of the engagement is modern.  Although this aspect of the proposal is not required, it certainly adds a factor of romance.

Engagement Ring

The style choices would remain much the same, as what you would have for a traditional engagement, but in this case, your girlfriend would go with you to choose the ring.  This does have some advantages in that the sleuthing element is eliminated and she does have more of a say in the exact design chosen.

You may even find that she simply provides you with a picture of what she likes and then you do the actual shopping.  Although she will have an idea of what the ring will be like, there is still a small element of surprise.

Proposal

With a contemporary engagement, your girlfriend will know that the big question is coming.  In fact, you and she have probably talked in depth about marriage so in this case, there are no surprises.  However, even though she might have an idea of what is coming, you can always have a bit of fun, incorporating the unexpected.  The following suggestions are just a few that you might consider:

•At a major sporting event with the question flashed across the big screen or flown overhead on a banner
•On Christmas Eve while opening presents
•At her parents home after dinner
•During intermission at a romantic comedy

Wedding Filming

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Along with professional photographs for your wedding, you might consider having videography instead of or in addition to a typical wedding photographer.  With new technology, videography has become a sophisticated option.  Because of this, it is an ideal choice for many occasions, especially weddings.  A very popular option is digital video cameras, which perform exceptionally well in mood lighting, which is common at weddings.

By hiring a videographer, you will capture your wedding filming in a beautiful and unique manner.  Working with a professional videographer will give you a huge advantage of having something new and exciting that you will enjoy for a lifetime.  Just keep in mind that just like with photographer, there are different styles and prices for videography.

You want to meet with the videographer to make sure he or she has proper expertise and understands the things important to you on your wedding day.  Additionally, the videographer will need to know what your budget is so that the proper package can be established.  An important note is that before you hire a videographer, be sure to get permission from the management or minister of where the wedding and reception will be held since some places do not allow taping.

Some information to help make the decision-making process easier includes the following:

·         Real Time – This style of videography is where the taping will begin as the guests start to arrive and will continue until the end of the reception.  The result of the film is straightforward and requires no editing and no interruptions.  Only one camera is used in this case so if you happen to be on a tight budget, this would be a great option.

·         Nostalgia – For this style, the video begins with photographs of the bride and groom from children.  It would then show video of them in high school, college, dating, and so on.  Next, the video would show special moments that the couple shared while dating and then move to the wedding day and reception.  Often, taping of the honeymoon is included and depending on your preference, the tape might include narration, music, or special effects.

·         Wedding and Documentary – Finally, the wedding ceremony and reception are filmed as a documentary.  With this type of video, it tells a story of the bride and groom’s lives, as a couple.  In most cases, the tape would show the bride and groom getting ready for the wedding, include many candid shots, and would have interviews from people that are close to the couple.  Of the three styles of videography, this is the most popular.  Additionally, you can have two cameras filming at the same time so that more footage can be captured.  The one drawback is that the film would need to be heavily edited, therefore costing the most.

Cinematic Wedding Film

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The traditional method would be for the future groom to purchase the engagement ring, presenting it to his sweetheart at the time the proposal is made.  When choosing a ring, chances are that you and your significant other have discussed or looked at rings at one time or another.  This should provide you with good ideas on what she likes.                         

If not, then you can gain important clues by looking at the type of jewelry your girlfriend typically wears.  Additionally, consider her physical build, style of clothing, and even her occupation.  While the market is flooded with thousands of gorgeous designs, the simple guideline below provides some options:                        

•   Simple – She prefers simple jewelry, wears casual clothing, and has a laidback personality.  In this case, a nice solitaire with a thin band would be ideal.

•   Unique – She prefers more ornate and unique pieces of jewelry, loves trendy clothing, and has a fun and outgoing personality.  A vintage or customized engagement ring would be a good consideration.

 •  Conservative – She prefers beautiful jewelry but nothing flashy, works in the business world, and tends to be more on the conservative side.  An antique or wide-band engagement ring with a diamond or colored stone would be a good choice.

•  Tall or Large – Because she is a larger built woman, she can carry larger jewelry better than a woman of small stature could.  Therefore, a large solitaire or a multi-stone band with or without a solitaire would be gorgeous.

 If you are apprehensive in making the right decision, you can always talk to your girlfriend’s mother, sister, or best friend and have them do a little sleuthing for you.

Another consideration is the size engagement ring that will be purchased.  While rings can be resized if needed, the best option would be to know as much as you can so that as you slip the ring on your girlfriend’s hand, it will fit perfectly, meaning she can wear it immediately.  To determine her size, the right opportunity needs to be presented.                          

For example, if she wears a ring on her wedding ring finger, when she removes it to shower, go swimming, or fix dinner, then you can take a thin strip of paper and wrap around the interior of the ring.  Either tearing the paper to size of marking the size with a pen, you can then take it to a jeweler that can then help select the appropriate size.  If she does not wear a ring on that finger, then again, the mother, sister, or friend would be the right people to help.

Wedding Filming

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In life, there are certain events that are considered major milestones – new chapters.  Some of these include turning 16, falling in love, and graduating from college.  Another important milestone is falling in love and then making the choice to become engaged, which ultimately leads to marriage and for some, a family.

Although the actual wedding may not be set for an entire year or longer, the engagement is a serious and incredible time of celebration.  This commitment is one that most couples look forward to, knowing they will spend the rest of their lives with the one person they love and adore.

If you prefer a more traditional approach to engagement and marriage, then some of the responsibilities would include things such as asking the bride’s father for her hand in marriage and the groom-to-be shopping for the engagement ring alone.  However, if you are looking to take a more contemporary approach, then together, you might choose to shop for the engagement ring and make all the plans.  Regardless of which direction you decide on, the future groom is just waiting to hear that cherished word, “YES” to his all-important question of, “Will you marry me?”

Cinematic Wedding Film