Wahoo!!! We are so happy to be finally sharing this incredible Whistler marriage proposal with you for James and Abby! Now this one in particular is near and dear to my heart because not only was it the first one that I have planned solo since joining the Sweetheart Events team but it just so happens that my little brother was the one popping the question!
How they met: James and Abby met in high school, although it wasn’t until late last year that they reconnected – and both of them can honestly say, they knew right away that this was it. After meeting each other again after all those years, they both left with this feeling like they were crazy for falling in love so fast! They both knew that they loved each other before the end of their second date. I guess when you know you know right?
So when James told me he wanted to propose to Abby, I was so excited! My only concern was that they are both HORRIBLE (and I am not kidding) at keeping secrets! I knew we needed a good plan – and a lot of secret code words – if we were going to pull this off.
The Plan: When talking with James, he wanted something memorable, something that would surprise Abby – something that would knock her off her game just in case he had been dropping hints. It is no secret that we at Sweetheart Events love Whistler. This summer alone we have had the opportunity to be a part of TWO love stories (check them out here and here), so we jump at the chance to get up there! Side note: Um… have you seen how beautiful it is up there right now?! I would LOVE to plan a winter proposal up on the mountains – RIGHT? Okay, so back to the plan – James and Abby also love Whistler, so the plan was to surprise Abby with a day packed with little treats and adventures with the man she loves, all leading up to the biggest surprise of the day. She was getting ENGAGED.
Whistler is known for its natural beauty, and both James and I wanted to showcase that in the proposal. That being said, we wanted a private area with a great view – and in November when all the mountains and ski lifts are closed, it’s easier said then done. Fortunately Ziptrek Ecotours offered all that we were looking for and more. Unsure if he would be able to convince Abby to get on a zipline soaring over the mountains; I booked a private tree-top tour for them where un-knowlingly Abby would be walking into her own proposal!
The Proposal: Very early the morning of the proposal, Finlay (our amazing photographer for the day) and I grabbed the strongest coffee we could find and began the gorgeous autumn foggy-day drive up the Sea to Sky Highway. As we got closer to the village, the sky cleared up and sun came out. Whistler had just received it’s first snowfall earlier that week and combined with the sunshine – we knew it was going to be an amazing day. We arrived, grabbed all our decor details and headed up into the mountains with ZipTrek (Side note, this team is amazing to work with). We set up our signs and lanterns, made sure the tour was lit with twinkle lights, and made sure that everything was in place.
Now I love the snow like everyone else but it did cause a minor challenge for us. The snow had smudged some of the chalkboard art and signage making it hard to read from afar. Luckily we had lots of time to kill waiting for the couple and I came prepped for all emergencies! I whipped out my calligraphy pens and created new signs on the spot just in time.
Little did I know, Abby was so interested in the tour, that she didn’t even notice the bridge or the sign that said will you marry me. After a few moments, James led Abby down the steps onto the suspension bridge overlooking the snow-covered trees where she finally figured out what was going on. James got down on one knee and said those four little words.
After many tears (mine included), Finlay styled the couple for a mini engagement shoot before we all headed back down into the village. But the surprise didn’t end there. Back in Vancouver that evening, James took Abby back to the spot of their very first date – Carderos in Coal Harbour, where they sat at the same table and celebrated the beginning of forever.
Something that I LOVE that James included was that he gave Abby a handwritten letter (done by yours truly of course!), of exactly what he planned to say to her that day. In the moment emotions are high, and all she is thinking about is how you are getting down on one knee and how this is really happening – how romantic is it to have those words written on something she will keep forever? We went to the restaurant beforehand to place the letter on her place setting and decorate the table with a few flowers.
Thank you James & Abby for trusting me to be a part of your special day – you two are beautiful together and I am so excited for what the future holds for you.
I am super excited to not only be Abby’s MOH but also to be their Wedding Planner!! Stay tuned for January 2017 when these two Sweethearts tie the knot!
If you want to give your sweetheart the best surprise this holiday season, but you’re finding that you need some help… We would love to chat with you! Send us a note and together let’s share your love story.
Vendor list:
Proposal Planning, Styling & Calligraphy: Sweetheart Events (Beth)| Photography: Finlay Burrage | Location: Ziptrek Ecotours| Lanterns: Borrowed Chic
