Creating a Magical Moment: Your Guide to Planning the Perfect Proposal

 
a happy couple showcasing her engagement ring

Hey there, lovebirds!

Are you ready to embark on the enchanting journey of planning a proposal that’s going to:

  1. sweep your partner off their feet and

  2. be the most frequently asked question of your married lifetime?

It's time to ignite your creativity, pour your heart into the details, and craft a moment that you both will cherish forever. As your confidante and personal cheerleader (and potential wedding photo-bestie if you’re based here in the UAE or GCC hehe), I'm here to guide you through the steps of planning a proposal that will leave your partner saying "yes" with all their heart.

Let's dive in!

Step 1: Unveil their Dreams 🌟

First and foremost, take the time to listen. Find their innermost dreams, desires, and preferences. Reflect on the small moments you've shared and the times when they've lit up like a Christmas tree! Moments ideally both of you enjoy and revisit when thinking how far you’ve come together. A scene that is truly yours and yours alone. These insights will help you perfectly infuse your “couple” personality into the proposal and craft a moment that's truly unforgettable (brownie points for funny proposals too!)

A setup on a pier for a proposal.

Step 2: Set the Stage 🎭

Next, select a location with special meaning to your relationship - where you first met, where you shared your first kiss or a place that holds significance to both of you. If it’s not close by or convenient, sort Google Maps with locations you both enjoy. For example, search for the sea, beach, palm trees, Arabic architecture, luxury resorts, iconic view of Dubai, etc.

Continue to plan the details, including the time of day, decor, and any special touches or inside jokes. Each element should reflect your love story and personality as a couple, creating a space that feels uniquely yours.

I truly also love when friends get involved because they bring in different perspectives and can only make the plans better and way more YOU. Or they could just be used to throw your partner off your scent and share the happiest moment of your life! Remember to stash them away (out of sight) haha!

Step 3: Surprise and Delight ✨

Now, it's time to sprinkle some fairy dust of surprise into your proposal. Get creative and think about the elements that will make their heart skip a beat. Consider incorporating personalized touches, such as a handwritten love letter, a wall of your favorite moments together, or even a surprise performance by their favorite band and or arrange for their family to be on FaceTime, Zoom, or the next fancy-caller-thing. To be honest, there’s no way you could go wrong here.

Step 4: Capture the Magic 📷

Not to make this about me or my fellow photographers but preserving the magic of the proposal is PRICELESS. To make sure you’ve heard me, I am going to say it again - P-R-I-C-E-L-E-S-S! Consider it the first souvenir of the treasure trove you two will build together. Enlist the help of a professional (weddings and elopement) photographer (why, hello there, fancy meeting you guys here!! haha) or even a sneaky friend to discreetly capture those raw, unfiltered emotions as you pop the question. These photographs will become the visual keepsakes of one of many in your love story.

Groom proposes to bride

Step 5: Celebrate Love 🎉

After the "yes" and the happy tears, it's time to celebrate your love story. Plan a post-proposal celebration that reflects your unique style as a couple. If you already have a photographer and can do this proposal during the daytime, continue taking your couple photos well into sunset. Whether it's an intimate candlelit dinner, a lively gathering with your closest friends and family at your favorite spot, or a weekend getaway to mark this special occasion, let the world know that your love is something worth celebrating.

Step 6: Remember the Why 💖

Well now that you’ve done it, congratulations on having successfully planned your proposal! While it's easy to get swept up in the excitement of the planning process, it's crucial to stay connected to the true purpose behind this grand gesture - your enduring love and commitment to one another. Take a moment to reflect on the reasons why you chose this person to be your partner for life and remember the heartfelt intentions that brought you here. With mindfulness and gratitude, embrace the journey of planning your lives and cherish every step - for your love story is about to reach a beautiful new chapter.

Remember, your proposal is a reflection of your unique love story. It's an opportunity to show your partner just how deeply you know and treasure them. As you embark on this adventure of planning the perfect proposal, (and as cheesy as it may sound), let your love guide your decisions, and trust in the authentic connection you share.

May your proposal be filled with magic, joy, and an overflowing amount of love.

Happy Proposal Planning!