On Valentine’s Day, romance always rules. About 14 million Americans told researchers that they’re planning or expecting a marriage proposal on hearts day this year, according to the latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker. Since proposals are on so many people’s minds right about now, we thought we’d ask Heart of Frederick fans to share their own proposal stories, and give us all a little inspiration, and a lot of smiles. Here’s some of the best stories we’ve heard this year:
Adam & Carolina
Adam had been planning this intensely romantic surprise for his girlfriend, Carolina at Sugarloaf Mountain in Dickerson, Md. Carolina thought she was meeting Adam at Sugarloaf to go for a hike. It was a beautiful spring day; breeze blowing, flowers blooming. Before Carolina arrived, Adam set up two sock monkeys that he strung from a branch to look like they were rock climbing. At the bottom of the sock monkeys was a little cloth satchel made out of one of Carolina’s aprons. Adam had cooked some traditional flatbread to share with Carolina, and packed it inside the little satchel suspended by the monkeys. Adam and Carolina arrived at the spot and sat down. After looking through a special book he had made with photos and memories inside, he motioned for Carolina to untie the satchel. She did and as her apron came down, he bent on one knee and extended to her… the flatbread. She turned and looked at him, confused. But wait, there was something poking out of the flatbread! Her jaw dropped open as she saw what it was: an engagement ring. A huge cheer erupted from the left of the rock. A group of about 10 high-schoolers had been watching the whole time!
Story and photo courtesy of Jessica Patterson Photography
Lynsey & Trevor
“After a six-month road trip across the U.S. and Canada, living in a van, we finally returned to our home state of Maryland. Since we had already touched the Pacific Ocean, we thought we had to dip our feet in the Atlantic Ocean to end our trip. So, Trevor suggested we check out the sunrise over the Atlantic. We attempted to do so a few times, but it was too cloudy outside. We gave it one last try, and even though the clouds were still were in the way, we decided to make the best of it and stuck around.” That’s when Trevor popped the question and Lynsey said yes!
Photo (at Gathland State Park in Burkittsville, Md.) courtesy of Spence Photographics
Alex & Michelle
Alex proposed to Michelle at the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington the day after Thanksgiving while he was in town visiting her and her family. Alex convinced Michelle that he had a meeting with a future employer so he could sneak away and set up a floral wreath at the spot he wanted to propose. He offered her a ring in an adorable turtle-shaped box because of her love of turtles. Afterward, he surprised her again by secretly flying in his family to have a celebratory dinner with them and Michelle’s parents at a nearby restaurant.
Story and photos courtesy of Lindsay King Photography
Meghan & Dave
“My entire family was staying in our family condo in Bethany Beach, Del., for the weekend, celebrating my mom’s birthday. On our last day there, I was in the kitchen with my mom when Dave said Olivia, his daughter, wanted to take a walk on the beach, just the three of us, before it got crowded. I put on my flip flops and the three of us walked down to the beach. Walking on the beach, we didn’t make it far before Dave said, ‘this is a good spot,’ and I said, ‘a good spot for what?’ Dave took me by the hand, and proposed. Olivia was standing off to the side watching and crying just like me (only quieter). She said, ‘will you be my stepmom?’ All three of us were crying and hugging!”
Story and photo courtesy of Meghan Butler, director of events for Frederick County Chamber of Commerce
