We had a very tough time deciding the winner of our “Love Story” contest. We learned that it’s not fun being the decision makers when there were so many creative stories. To name a few; reenacting the first meal together, dog bringing the ring, carving the proposal in a tree, roses and a letter inside a balloon, getting passengers on an airplane to help, scavenger hunt, and may more. The point is, we are glad that we didn’t receive ANY typical, and over-used ways of proposing. Thank you for being original! Now…We had such a tough time deciding a winner, that we created a runner-up. Again, the winner receives an afternoon with us filming your “Love Story”, with interviews and video of you both at your favorite places in and around town. It’s a great way to include others in your wedding day festivities as you can show it at a rehearsal or reception. We also had a runner up! They receive something we haven’t begun advertising, but will begin to offer it in our packages starting this summer/fall. It’s a “Bridal Elegance” video. Similar to a Bridal Portrait session with your photographer, we film the Bride in all her beauty with her wedding dress, and create a 3-4 minute movie showcasing the Bride in fun, elegant and creative ways. You all know we like to do things a little different, so stay posted for a this unique movie to be displayed on our blog. Congratulations to our winners! Below are their stories. Again, thanks so much to everyone who participated, and stay tuned to what we are doing at Life Stage with our Blog.

“Love Story” Winner

Sara and Chris РWedding Date  September, 27th 2008

Chris worked very hard to plan the perfect vacation to Niagara Falls this past October. As we went through the airport security, Chris’ bags were searched and he was getting very anxious. I just figured that he was nervous because it was taking so much time and he did not want to miss the flight. Little did I know, there was a diamond ring in his backpack. They took everything out of his backpack right in front of both of us(except for a ring box). Chris later told me that he thought he was going to have to propose in the airport because he knew they would pull out the ring. We think the airport security must have known what was going on because he left ONLY the ring box in Chris’ backpack.
We arrived to Niagara Falls and it was more beautiful than we ever imagined. Our hotel room was amazing as it overlooked Falls and the view was breathtaking. We went to dinner at The Skylon Tower, a revolving restaurant that overlooks the city and the Falls. After dinner we took a walk along the boardwalk of the Falls. I was busy taking in the scenery and snapping a lot of pictures. Before I knew it, Chris was popping the big question. Of course the answer was YES!!! After he put the ring on my finger, we continued to stroll along the Falls. The next day, we found out that the Fall Chris proposed in front of was called “Bridal Veil Falls.”(He had no idea) How appropriate! We got back to our hotel and there was champagne, the fireplace was on and the Jacuzzi was filled with bubbles. He really thought of everything. The night was perfect!

“Bridal Elegance” Winner

Molly and Matt – Wedding Date May 17th, 2008

Matt and I met at my best friend Becca and Matt’s best friend Adam’s wedding, where I was a bridesmaid and he was a
groomsman. I know, it sounds like the formula for a cheesy romantic comedy and, actually, that’s not a bad way to describe our first weekend.

We connected instantly, and stayed up all night talking, laughing and telling stories. After getting to know him, I couldn’t imagine not having him in my life.
The background for the proposal began in the 60’s when my mom worked on Main Street in Disneyland. Her excitement for Disney when
I was a child set the framework for my love of the company. By the time I was 5 years old, I had already decided that I was going to work at
Disney and would spend hours drawing the characters. I finally got that opportunity in college when I was accepted to work as an intern in the
Disney design department. I loved it so much that I moved back to Orlando after graduating and accepted a job there as a graphic designer.
Last May, Matt and I had been planning a trip to San Diego to visit Becca and Adam (the couple whose wedding started
everything). I was so excited! It was going to be the first time the four of us had hung out together since they’d gotten married and
I knew we would have a wonderful time. We had planned to go to the State Fair, but it didn’t take much convincing when Matt
nonchalantly mentioned that we should drive up to Disneyland instead. We spent the day in the park and ate dinner in a beautiful
restaurant in the Grand Californian (I’d always wanted to stay there!). Months earlier, I’d told Matt about the fireworks show at
Disneyland and how it was the best I had ever seen; I couldn’t wait to see it again so he made sure our reservations would allow
plenty of time to get a good spot for the show. We finished dinner and walked through the park to Main Street – the BEST spot
in the park where the fireworks light up the castle! As the fireworks were going off, Matt asked how long the show was. I started
explaining the progression of the show and then I saw Matt get down on his knee. The moment was so surreal and I was so
surprised that the whole thing was a kind of a blur! I have vivid memories of Matt’s expression when he was down on his knee and
a group behind us clapping when I said yes; and then, I noticed that we were right in front of the shop where my mom worked and I
thought how wonderfully perfect everything was. I was so caught up in the moment that I have no idea how long we were standing
there hugging or how many times I asked him if he really just proposed to me.
I would have been just as excited had Matt proposed to me in a laundromat but he obviously put his heart into it and that meant
so much to me.