Sweetest Story Ever Told 2019 by stltoday.com

The

Sweetest Story Ever Told

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St. Louis’ Best Bridal

The Sweetest Story Ever Told

Sunday, February 10, 2019 • K1

The

Sweetest Story Ever Told

By Natalie Macias, Contributing Writer

Love is in the air! Within this section, you will find honeymoon destination tips, Valentine’s Day pointers for the quickly approaching holiday, as well as readers’ choice and editor’s picks of the engagement stories submitted in our Sweetest Story Ever Told Contest.

HOW ‘SWEET’ IT IS TO BE LOVED BY YOU!

We called on local St. Louis couples to tell us their ‘sweet’ marriage proposal stories – and with close to 60 submissions, they did not disappoint! Some couples are newly engaged, awaiting the big day; while others

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have been married 10 plus years and reminisced on their memorable proposal. The top four winners chosen by our readers each had a unique story of their own. Ryan planned a special but quirky route to pop the question to Jenny that began with a one-eyed albino duck myth. Erik and Kelly shared a holy proposal within the walls of the place that brought them together – their church. Joe and Stacey had a ‘practically perfect’, Mary Poppins themed, fairy tale proposal. And finally, Scott and Amanda’s ‘sweet’ proposal involved the sweetest treat of all – ice cream!

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Mary Ann Wagner | Publisher · 314-475-1201, mwagner@yourjournal.com Laura Dacus | Account Executive · 314-475-1208, ldacus@yourjournal.com Olivia Kostadimas | Account Executive · 314-475-1207, okostadimas@yourjournal.com Natalie Macias | Contributing Writer · 314-657-3310, nmacias@stltoday.com

Our top four winners received various prizes including all-inclusive trip for two to Punta Cana, courtesy of Travel Haus of St. Louis, an Italian dinner with wine for two, specially prepared by Favazza’s Restaurant on the Hill, an hour photo shoot by Trotter Photography or a $100 Schnucks Floral or Bakery gift card.

St. Louis’ Best Bridal is published by Lee Enterprises.

Along with the four readers’ choice proposals, our editing team chose eight sweet engagement stories that stood out to us – and we think you will like them, too!

The Sweetest Story Ever Told

Sunday, February 10, 2019 • K2

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Sunday, February 10, 2019 • K3

Erik & Kelly

1ST PLACE READERS’ CHOICE Winner of an all-inclusive trip for two to Punta Cana, courtesy of Travel Haus of St. Louis

A HOLY PROPOSAL WEDDING DATE: 5-11-19

By Natalie Macias, Contributing Writer

An important part of Kelly and Erik’s relationship developed within the walls of the church, the Washington University Catholic Student Center, or WashU CSC. Erik was growing his Catholic faith by going through an educational process called the Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), and Kelly, a lifelong Catholic, signed up with him to share the experience. Because the CSC was a special place for both of them, Erik knew this would be the place he would propose to Kelly. However, the CSC is a busy place for students, and Erik wanted the proposal to be private. He decided on a time when he knew students would likely be off-campus, right around Thanksgiving.

After missing a RCIA meeting, Erik realized this would be the perfect excuse to get Kelly to come to the CSC over Thanksgiving break. He had scheduled a ‘make-up meeting’ with the pastor of the church, Father Gary. Kelly agreed to join him. November arrived and Erik was ready. He adorned the living room of the CSC with candles, photos of their family and artwork from a local artist that they both enjoyed. After setting up, Erik heard someone trying to get into the church. He knew it wasn’t Kelly because she was never early, and he panicked – worried that someone would interfere with their special day. Erik peeked out and recognized Kelly’s car, so

Scott&Amanda

After dinner the couple decided to

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After the proposal, Erik and Kelly spent time praying and reflecting together and were later joined by Father Gary who asked, “When is the wedding?” Although the couple did not know when, they knew where. There was no question that they had to be married at the church that brought them together – and that Father Gary would lead them into their new beginning.

Photo provided by Erik Strange

2ND PLACE READERS’ CHOICE Winner of an hour photo shoot by Trotter Photography

POGUE TO JOVANOVIC WEDDING DATE: 9-28-19

By Natalie Macias, Contributing Writer

Amanda and Scott truly believe their engagement night was the ‘sweetest’ story they will ever tell. They had been together for three years, and wanted to do something special to celebrate their anniversary. They decided on dinner at a local St. Louis favorite, Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Restaurant, but the night didn’t end there.

he unlocked the door and let her in. Kelly walked in and when she noticed that Erik was dressed up in dress pants and a tie, she had an idea of what was to come. Erik led her to the living room and proposed to Kelly. Kelly’s response: “Of freaking course.”

treat themselves to dessert at Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery, for a ‘sweet’ treat. The patio outside the ice cream parlor was the perfect spot for Scott to pop the question; considering it was empty, and the two of them had the opportunity to be alone. As they enjoyed their ice cream cones, Scott got down on his knee,

proposed, and Amanda immediately said, “Yes!” The couples’ next stop was The Clubhouse where they were greeted for drinks and celebration with their families and many of their friends – a surprise Scott planned. Amanda was especially grateful to end the day with the people she loved and she can’t wait to marry her best friend!

The Sweetest Story Ever Told

Photo provided by Amanda Pogue

Sunday, February 10, 2019 • K4

Joe&Stacey

3RD PLACE READERS’ CHOICE

Winner of an Italian dinner with wine for two, specially prepared by Favazza’s Restaurant on the Hill

A PRACTICALLY PERFECT PROPOSAL WEDDING DATE: 6-29-19

By Natalie Macias, Contributing Writer

Stacey and Joe met on a dating app, Coffee Meets Bagel. Both were apprehensive as they had sworn off dating, but they decided to meet at the Elephant Bar for a first date. For the next three hours, Stacey and Joe expressed their concerns and expectations for the future as they both had been married previously. Their love story began that day and they have been inseparable ever since. Last year, Stacey was informed that she was the “Mary Poppins” of the

school because she was ‘practically perfect’ in everyone’s eyes. After completing a Mary Poppins book series with her students, Stacey decided that she would dress the part as Mary Poppins herself in her upcoming half marathon in Disney World. Joe had never been, so she invited him to come with her.

of her half marathon, dressed as Bert from Mary Poppins with the engagement ring in tow. Joe said, “Make me the happiest man at the happiest place in the world. Will you marry me?” A spectator in the crowed belted out, “Say yes!” and Stacey joyously repeated her own “Yes!” immediately.

Little did she know that Joe had a ‘practically perfect’ idea up his sleeve.

Joe and Stacey believed in second chances, and right in the middle of their ordinary life, they found their very own fairy tale happy ending.

Joe met Stacey at the finish line

Ryan& Jenny

4TH PLACE READERS’ CHOICE

Winner of a $100 Schnucks Floral or Bakery gift card

ONE-EYED ALBINO DUCK WEDDING DATE: 7-15-06

By Natalie Macias, Contributing Writer

Ryan had been thinking of ways to propose to his girlfriend, Jenny, but couldn’t think of quite the right way to pop the question. During his double-header summer league baseball game, he decided that tonight was the night. He and Jenny were planning to have dinner with relatives later that evening, which would be the perfect time to celebrate. Ryan wanted a unique proposal – something that he and Jenny would remember and laugh about forever. His teammates helped him brainstorm, but only one idea inspired him.

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Photo provided by Stacey Wilson

One of his teammates suggested proposing by a lake, but with an interesting twist to get Jenny to meet him there. They came up with a strange story that went something like this: Ryan told Jenny he saw a story on the news about a oneeyed albino duck on the lake nearby them. Jenny, who is extremely gullible according to Ryan, believed the story and was excited to go see this outlandish creature.

have it, there was actually a white duck swimming around when they pulled up. Jenny leaned down to check it out while Ryan got down on his knee to pop the question. He asked her with the white ring box in his hand, “Is this the white duck you were looking for?” After Jenny accepted, they went to dinner and had the opportunity to share the moment with the people they cared about the most.

After Ryan’s games, he and Jenny set out for dinner with a plan to stop at the lake on the way to see the duck. As pure coincidence would

Jenny still keeps the ‘albino duck’ box in her dresser drawer. Things have been ducky ever since.

The Sweetest Story Ever Told

Photo provided by Ryan Spurgeon

Sunday, February 10, 2019 • K5

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The Sweetest Story Ever Told

Sunday, February 10, 2019 • K6

Ben&Samantha

EDITOR PICK A WILD LOVE STORY AT THE ZOO

John&Annie

By Natalie Macias, Contributing Writer

Ben and Samantha had the day off work and decided to go to their favorite place, the St. Louis Zoo. They strolled through the park where Ben spotted a caricature artist and insisted that they get a drawing done. Ben was so excited that Samantha felt that she couldn’t say no. Once the drawing was complete, the artist turned his creation around. To Samantha’s surprise, the caricature was Ben on one knee asking Samantha to marry him! Samantha was so overjoyed that she nearly fainted. Ben was able to pull off the perfect proposal at the perfect location for the two of them. The St. Louis Zoo will forever hold a special place in their hearts.

Annie was a theater major, which meant she spent much of her time working on shows. Annie’s boyfriend John came to see her musical review and after the show was over, the stage manager called Annie out to check a light on stage. Much to her surprise, there stood John – center stage with a ring in his hand. After her acceptance of his proposal, Annie heard an eruption of cheers and realized they had an audience of their own. Their friends and family were able to watch the entire moment from the green room in the theater. John was not a center-of-attention kind of guy, so she was shocked and surprised with his stage-ready proposal.

Photo provided by Samantha Walsh

EDITOR PICK FORRESTER EVER AFTER

By Natalie Macias, Contributing Writer

Erica thought she was planning a spectacular surprise birthday party for her boyfriend. Little did she know it would turn into much more than his birthday celebration. With a cake mishap during the planning process, she was worried that everything wasn’t going as planned. Unbeknownst to her, the cake was the way that her boyfriend, Derrick, would ask her to spend forever with him. The cake arrived and Erica received the surprise of a lifetime – a cake decorated with, “Erica, will you marry me?” Derrick then presented her with the prettiest ring she’d ever seen. Turns out Erica had planned her own engagement party after all.

On a spring day in March, Christian and Erin had plans to go for a hike at Pere Marquette Park in Grafton, Illinois with their dog, Gus. Looking back, Erin had a few signs that something was up, but was still surprised in the end. First, Christian was not annoyed at her music selection in the car like he normally tended to be. Second, the trail was particularly crowded and Gus Photo provided by Erin Griffin was acting up, so she was surprised he didn’t ask to turn around. Instead, they laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. After trailing behind a group for a while, Christian and Erin broke off from the crowd and sat on a nearby rock. As they took a few selfies and shared a kiss, Christian pulled the ring out of his pocket to propose to Erin, who was oblivious to what was happening. Christian asked to marry her and a shocked Erin responded with, “Is this real life?!” After the hike, Christian and Erin had the opportunity to meet their family and friends at a local Grafton restaurant to celebrate. Erin said, “It was the best day and I cannot wait to marry Christian!”

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Photo provided by Erica Edwards

The Sweetest Story Ever Told

Sunday, February 10, 2019 • K10

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Sunday, February 10, 2019 • K11

Valentines' Day Dates Content and photos provided by Green Shoot Media

Getting dressed to the nines, having dinner at a dimly lit table for two with a single rose in the vase on the table while a string trio plays in the corner and sharing a single decadent slice of chocolate cake seems like the picture-perfect Valentine’s Day — so why not stick with what works? For people who love the traditions of this mid-winter holiday, there are plenty of ways to celebrate.

DINNER AND DANCING

Go traditional! Make a reservation at the most romantic restaurant around and enjoy fancy food, champagne and ordering appetizers and desserts. If there’s room in the dining area, dance. Not enough room at the restaurant? Go to a club or find a dance class and learn square dancing. It’s still romantic when it’s peppered with the occasional “yeehaw!”

COUPLES MASSAGES

More and more massage therapists are making house calls, so it’s possible you and your spouse can relax without having to leave the house. But if you want a more complete getaway, find a local spa and a book a couples massage. If you can take the whole day, get a mani-pedi together before or after the massage. If you want the relaxation to last year-round, contact your local therapist, recreation center or massage school and take a massage class.

A NIGHT AWAY

You may both have to work on Feb. 14 and Feb. 15, but even if you can’t skip town for the day, book a room at a fancy hotel or a cute little inn or bed-and-breakfast for you and your partner. Enjoy

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the time away from kids, pets, the floor that needs vacuuming and other responsibilities and just spend time with each other. Eat room service on the balcony and just relax and enjoy each other’s company or explore a quaint downtown or city nightlife.

STAYING IN

If you’re both working full-time jobs, volunteering or are otherwise always on the go, the most romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day may be relaxing at home. You can order in, dim the lights, turn on music and light candles, or get into your most comfortable sweats and eat pizza on the couch while watching Netflix or old movies.

The Sweetest Story Ever Told

Sunday, February 10, 2019 • K12

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