Popping The Question

Pros share tips, considerations for planning a proposal

Photo / Elizabeth Glorioso Photography

By Ed Carroll

Amarriage proposal is naturally a special moment in a person’s life. It’s a momentous decision to spend the rest of your life with another person that you love. And understandably, many want to make sure the moment is even more memorable.

There’s a lot to consider, even if you already know your partner can’t wait to say “yes,” from choosing a ring to selecting the perfect location and backdrop, to finding a photographer for capturing the memories, to trusting a planner to make sure the logistics are set and you haven’t forgotten anything. Jstyle Weddings spoke with professionals from various industries – a photographer, an event planner, a venue operator and a jeweler – about different aspects to consider as you prepare to pop the question to the love of your life.

RING SHOPPING

Bruce Botnick, owner of Robert & Gabriel Jewelers in Lyndhurst, says for proposals today, there are typically “very few surprises.”

“In most cases, (the couple visits) our store together and shops options together, and then frequently the purchaser would then excuse himself from the other party and consummate things in the moment or a quick follow-up a day later, without the other person being here to observe,” he says. “So, it’s sort of a strange process. But I think total surprise doesn’t really happen very often anymore.”

Botnick, who estimates that Robert & Gabriel Jewelers has sold in excess of 40,000 engagement rings in its 98-year history, says when it comes to the rings, usually the purchaser has some idea of what the other person wants and they are able to customize jewelry for the occasion.

“Unlike a mall store, as an independent

jeweler we offer pretty good services,” he says. “I’d say maybe 30% of the rings we sell are custom made for customers. Fortunately, I have good craftsmen who can easily take an idea and turn it into an image in about a week, and then we turn it into a ring in about 10 days.”

THE PERFECT BACKDROP

A memorable backdrop and setting can make the moment all the more special when you ask someone for their hand in marriage. Luckily for those in Northeast Ohio, there is no shortage of beautiful space to enjoy and make a memory to last for a lifetime; at least 24,000 acres, to be specific, in the Cleveland Metroparks system throughout the area.

Sam Cario, director of events and experiences at the Cleveland Metroparks, says typically when people propose in the Cleveland Metroparks, it’s because they have a specific connection to that park or district. He says the willow tree at Edgewater Park on Cleveland’s west side and Squire’s Castle in Willoughby Hills are two popular proposal spots.

“For us, it’s all about our backdrops,” he says. “We’ve got fantastic natural backdrops – that’s exactly what couples are looking for.”

He says other than proposals at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, which requires an admission fee for entry most of the time, areas of the parks don’t need to be reserved ahead of time.

“It’s finding that intimate location where you have that connection with your significant other,” he says. “But also trying to secure a location. Most of the time, couples want family and friends to participate, so they want to find an area for 10 to 20 people.”

PICTURE PERFECT

Once you have the ring and the spot picked out, you’ll undoubtedly want to find someone to help you remember the moment forever. You could ask a friend or family member to be there to record or take pictures of the proposal, but hiring a professional provides many benefits and a sense of security that your moment is beautifully documented.

Beth Glorioso, owner and photographer

Photo / Elizabeth Glorioso Photography

Photo / Elizabeth Glorioso Photography

at Elizabeth Glorioso Photography in Cleveland, says it’s important to consider the venue where the proposal is happening, as it can affect the photos. People often don’t consider the number of bystanders who will be in the area, and potentially in the photo.

“Do they want their proposal to be intimate, or do they want onlookers to be looking on?” she asks. “Then, you’re adding a photographer into the mix to document the special moment, there may be bystanders in the background of your photos, things like that.

“You may or may not consider those to be obvious when you’re looking. Some couples want a very public proposal – they’re very outgoing and want that kind of moment in front of everybody – where other couples might be a little more private and want a private moment between the two people, so that’s a consideration.”

She says there are other logistics important to consider, such as lighting if you’re planning to propose somewhere like a dark restaurant, or ensuring there are unobstructed views of the proposal. She would sort through all those details during a consultation before the proposal, Glorioso says.

PLANNING FOR DETAILS

It may seem like a lot of spinning plates to keep in the air if you’re planning to propose, but you can find help. Kim Singerman, founder and event director at Noteworthy Events, which operates in Northeast Ohio and the Cincinnati area, says as a planner, one of the first steps she’d take is to sit down with the client and get details.

“I’d want to know an overview of what it is that person wants,” she says. “I like to propose ideas, and then see how they feel about those ideas. And then the next step would be me making calls and putting things into place, to the point where then we arrange everything and are able to execute at that specific location.”

She says often, people don’t consider the smaller details of a proposal, which is why it can be handy to have an event planner with you.

“Let’s say they want to be at the top of the building, it might be loud, or you might need to get permission from whoever owns the building or the company,” she says. “Or if it’s a public space, they may need a permit. It depends on who they are and what they want, and then it’s really making it happen. … I think it’s really thinking through the details, and I think that’s my job, to think through the details so that everything comes off right and everything works.” sj

Publisher’s Note: Kim Singerman is the spouse of Paul J. Singerman, chairman of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company board of directors.

Jamie Bergsman & Jared Unger

Wedding Day June 25, 2022 Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens | Chagrin Falls

Today Ages: 31 & 32 Hometown: Solon

How did you meet?

We met in high school, we shared a class together and sat across from one another.

Do you have any interesting stories to share about getting to know one another?

We shared the same friend group for all of high school, but never really spoke. We started hanging out summer of sophomore year of college when we were the only two in our friend group to not have internships for the summer. We became best friends that summer.

How long did you know each other before you got married?

17 years

When did you know you wanted to marry your partner?

Jamie: I knew I wanted to marry Jared shortly into dating him. I was hesitant to start dating because he was my best friend. I broke up with my boyfriend and he helped me create a Bumble account. We were hanging out a lot, too, as we lived fi ve streets over in Lakewood. I remember, I told him I got a lot of matches and he told me a few days later, “I don’t want to lose you to a Bumble boy.” There was no specifi c moment I knew I wanted to marry him, I think hearing him say something so silly was endearing. I slowly realized he had everything I was looking for and more. He also told me the day we started dating, “If we do this, I’m in it to marry you.” Something like that would typically send me running, but I was fi ne with it.

Jared: When we started talking, Jamie was very hesitant to start dating. We were best friends and she didn’t want to lose that connection. I was scared, too, but wanted to give her space and time to fi gure out what she wanted. When we did start dating, I told her if we do date, I’m doing this to get married. I knew that might scare her, but I wanted to show her I was serious. We work so eff ortlessly together and helped each other through a lot. Once I saw how well we worked together, I knew she was the one.

What was the best part of wedding planning?

Just the overall excitement leading up to the big day. We had a long engagement due to COVID and had a lot of time to plan and take in all the feelings. My (Jamie’s) mom always tells people, “There was no drama with anything – it was easy.” Planning should be low stress and fun!

How did the COVID-19 pandemic a ect your wedding plan and wedding day?

We got engaged at the end of the summer in 2020. We wanted to get married that following August. We toured and fell in love with Sapphire Creek and they didn’t have any available dates for 2021, so we held off . Besides that, things ran smoothly.

Was there any spot-on advice you received prior to the big day, either in terms of the wedding or lasting relationship?

Countless people told us to take in our big day and make time for just us two. Our wedding was very picture heavy, and that was “The entire day was incredible. Sapphire’s gardens are breathtaking. They have twinkle lights set up overlooking their wooded property. Jared and I took a moment to soak in the beauty and just appreciate the day.”

- Jamie

intentional, as our photographer was (the best). We did have a few moments to ourselves, which was nice.

What was the most fun or interesting Jewish aspect of your wedding?

We had a non-traditional wedding ceremony. My (Jamie’s) father is Jewish and my mother Catholic. Growing up, I always had both religious infl uences, which was really valuable, but we kept our ceremony neutral.

This is just a funny story outside our wedding: Jared is also Jewish and I went on Birthright in 2013 (when we were still just friends). I was bugging him to go with me, and he didn’t. He still says he regrets this.

Any last advice for future couples?

We had a larger guest list and it was important to us that we talk to every table there. We had heard from so many friends and family that time does not always allow it. We wrote letters to each table, addressing each guest and thanking them. Some tables had people that had never met, so we shared favorite memories to break the ice. We had TKO (Entertainment) announce to everyone once cocktail hour was over to have one person read the letters aloud. Guests loved the letters and said it was so unique and personal. We’re glad we did this because we did not have time to see every table, but this was our way of reaching each guest and making them feel loved.

Planning

• Engagement: Aug. 9, 2020 • O ciant: Matthew Husted, Jared’s uncle • Wedding Colors: White and blush • Dress: Wilderly Collection from Galleria

Gowns in Highland Heights • Wedding Rings: Vivid Diamond & Design in Bay Village • Jewelry: I (Jamie) wore an evil eye bracelet on my ankle to honor my mother’s Italian heritage as my something blue. I wore my hamsa ring from Israel for engagement photos. Both of those pieces mean a lot to me and I wanted to incorporate both in some way. • Veil: None, I had owers cascading down my hair • Shoes: Clear heels from Amazon and Kate

Spade Keds for reception • Hair/Makeup: Beauty Bar by Antonietta • Bridesmaids Dresses: Jasmine Bridal

Charlotte chi on black oor-length dresses • Groom’s Formalwear: Men’s Warehouse • Groomsmen: Vera Wang • Bouquet/Flowers: The Red Twig in

Hudson • Photographer: Kayla Rae Photography • Videographer: Ace Images Photography • Planner/Consultant: Megan Wiegand at

Sapphire Creek and Jamie’s mom • Reception/Catering: Sapphire Creek

Winery & Gardens • Cake/Sweets: Corbo’s Bakery cassata cake and assorted Italian cookies • Rehearsal Dinner: Mama Catena’s in Euclid • Music/Entertainment: TKO Entertainment • Rentals: Borrow and L’Nique • Accommodations: AC Hotel by Marriott at

Pinecrest in Orange • Registries: Pottery Barn and Williams

Sonoma • Honeymoon: Italy • Extras: Jared made our cake accents. We have two dogs, Sailor and Ace. Ace is a 5-year-old black lab/shepherd mix and we planned on having him in the ceremony.

Once we got Sailor, a 1-year-old German shepherd/aussie mix, it was clear that he was too much dog for a formal event. We didn’t want to exclude him, so Jared made clay gurines to go on our cake instead (bottom right photo).