McGill Rose Garden Proposal
This intimate garden really brought the romance for Phillips’s proposal, even onlookers couldn’t help themselves but stop and wait to see Phillip pop the question.
Pre Planning:
When we first met with Phillip, he let us know he has been trying to think up an idea for the perfect proposal all year and was ready for us to jump in and save the day! We were up to the challenge. Speaking with Phillip he was so ready to pop the question to Valari and even enlisted a friend to capture the moment, we were there to fill in the rest.
Setting the Scene:
Phillip describes Valari as sweet, caring, loving and easy going. One thing that we kept hearing from him was the word romantic, this was number one on Phillip’s list, so we needed to come up with a sweet romantic surprise for this proposal. He wanted to make sure they stayed local so we looked for some beautiful spaces in the Charlotte area and the McGill Rose Garden checked all of the boxes. That is where the idea for an intimate picnic proposal was born.
The Details:
Valari’s favorite color was purple, although the garden has some beautiful blooms we chose to create a few lush purple flower centerpieces to frame our picnic setting. We selected lavender larkspur, for those that don’t know, larkspur represents the strong bond of love and in general signifies an open heart. These were the perfect blooms for this special moment.
We selected an area with a stone bench, this would be our backdrop for the picnic and the perfect area to display all of Phillip’s favorite photos together. With blankets, plush pillows, and taper candles the setting was just about ready. The last detail to seal the deal was incorporating a song quote from their first date- “Latch” by Sam Smith. These were displayed on rustic a-frames and were the first thing the couple would see as they entered the area.
The Proposal:
As Phillip and Valari entered the garden where they took a stroll through the pathways reading all of the signs and plaques for each area along the way. Phillip led her to the proposal location with ease, he really seemed so calm and relaxed, truly just on a regular stroll. Little did she know one turn would turn into a huge surprise. As they walked up to the picnic, and first saw the song lyrics, quickly Valari could see a blanket laid out and pictures of them displayed. This is when Phillip went down on one knee and Valari was so surprised, immediately tears of joy came from all of us and she said yes!
They continued their stroll as their photographer captured photos of them throughout the garden, but that was not all. Phillip and Valari headed to the rooftop parking garage for some classic Charlotte skyline photos as a newly engaged couple. Little did Valari know this was yet another ruse as Phillip had already planned a surprise engagement party later that afternoon! As they spent time taking photos, family members gathered at a nearby restaurant to surprise Valari to celebrate the new engaged couple.
Congratulations Valari + Phillip, we are so happy we could be just a little part of your story. Best wishes to the happy couple!
Ready to propose but don't know where to start or need help pulling it off? Contact us and let us help you pop the question!
Vendors:
Photographer: Adrienne Cooper
Florals, Design + Planning: Heart and Hand Proposals
