We had the proposal at The Vail Wedding Island. The location is incredible because it’s the only place in Vail where you can get a mountain top view, without going up the gondola. It’s rarely available for proposals because in the summer it’s used for weddings, and in the winter it’s too snowy to get there without cross country skis or snow shoes (which is fine if the couple doesn’t mind getting engaged in ski gear). Since wedding season has just ended, and the golf course that the island is located on has just closed for the season, it was the perfect opportunity for us to use it!
THE SETUP
Machi wanted a table for the proposal, so they could enjoy a mini Frenship concert after they got engaged. Since the table was going to be the backdrop for the proposal, I wanted to make it really beautiful, with a simple floral arrangement that would show when he got down on one knee. Machi wanted red rose petals, and Christine and Machi started dating on Valentines Day, so a romantic style for the table was the way to go! I went with an oversized velvet runner, and weighed it down with the lanterns to ensure it didn’t blow off the table. We got their favorite champagne GH Mumm, which they drink on all their special occasions. We had personalized champagne flutes that said Mr. Schmoo and Future Mrs. Schmoo because those are their nicknames that were given to them by Christine’s family. We also had a white fur rug down for Machi to kneel on, and white fur chair covers to coordinate. Machi wanted a bouquet of roses for Christine, and we decided to set that up on the pathway to the wedding island for the first surprise.
THE PROPOSAL
Machi told Christine they were going to brunch, and first they were going to stop at a scenic spot to see the mountains on the way. Machi told me Christine was really trusting, and always down for an adventure, so this wasn’t going to be suspicious at all! Before the couple headed to the Wedding Island, Anthony from Gold Heart Weddings, met Machi in the bathroom at The Arrabelle to mic him up. Christine and Machi arrived to the path right on time. My assistant and I pretended to be on a photo shoot, so the photographers and videographers could get footage of the couple on the path, picking up the bouquet. Christine thought the bouquet was ours for our photo shoot! When they turned the corner, Frenship started playing their special song, and the mountains and the setup were revealed! Christine was really surprised, and they were both so happy! It was wonderful to see their proposal, and we were all tearing up watching it! It was so sweet to see! Machi had personally designed Christine’s ring, and had it custom made. It was unique and stunning! It had sapphires, and from what I know about Machi, and how thoughtful of a person he is, I’m sure sapphires are symbolic to their relationship in some way.
VENUE: The Vail Wedding Island PLANNER: Party Girl Events VIDEO: Gold Heart Weddings PHOTOGRAPHER: Toni Axelrod Studios FLORALS: A Secret Garden RENTALS: Event Rents BAND: Frenship CHAMPAGNE FLUTES: Balloon Bar LINENS: BBJ Linen
