Radek and Cherish: A Fairytale Proposal in New Orleans
A Surprise Proposal full of New Orleans Magic
Radek throws a lavish surprise engagement for Cherish at Jackson Square
When I put together the Surprise Proposal Awards for 2022, Radek’s will undoubtedly win “Proposal Planned from the Furthest Away”! In fact, it currently wins as the furthest of all time (beating out the second furthest, Steven and Ellicia from Alaska by around 1,000 miles!).
Radek and I planned his surprise proposal to Cherish with over 4000 miles and a 6 hour time difference between us. Londoner Radek wanted to propose on his and Cherish’s first trip to New Orleans. But planning it was going to be a big challenge from all the way across the pond. He wanted it to be big, flashy, and to have real New Orleans flavor. I couldn’t think of anything more New Orleans than hiring a brass band to play after Radek popped the question.
So that is exactly what he did.
Planning an Epic Surprise
Not only was a band going to be waiting to play after Cherish said “yes” but a horse-drawn carriage with a chilled bottle of prosecco would also be waiting to take the happy couple on a celebratory ride around the historic French Quarter. And after that? They would be delivered to dinner where their table would be decorated with red rose petals.
Pinning down a brass band for a short gig like a proposal can be tough sometimes. But I work with some stellar musicians who are always up for quick run down to the quarter. I got Radek connected with a band leader who put together a 5 piece band and helped Radek choose the perfect songs for his proposal celebration. I also referred Radek to my go-to carriage company and coordinated with their logistics manager to get the prosecco, champagne bucket, and flutes on board the carriage ahead of time. To top it all off, I recommended Radek have dinner at Muriels because I know they are game to decorate their table if I get them the supplies before the proposal.
Having reliable connections around town is a MUST when planning out proposals. And once I find someone who does excellent work, I send clients back to them again and again because I know they won’t disappoint.
And absolutely no one was disappointed for this proposal!
Finding Fast Solutions
It was late January and it was sunny but rather cold day. Before heading to the spot, I dropped off a bunch of red rose petals to Muriel’s and gave an insulated bag filled with ice, the champagne bucket, the prosecco and two carefully wrapped champagne flutes (I learned from a picnic last year to always make sure glasses are packaged well!) to Radek’s carriage driver.
The band arrived early as planned and we all but huddled together to stay warm while we waited for the couple’s arrival (I’ve known at least one of those guys for over a decade so it wouldn’t have been that weird). We were all bundled up but there was one problem- there was a guy dressed in full scottish garb loudly playing the bagpipes at our planned location (is there any other way to play the bagpipes than loudly?) He was busking and I didn’t want to get in his way of making money. But I also didn’t want it to interfere with the plan and it was so cold I didn’t want to ask Radek and Cherish to stall.
So I did what any savvy New Orleans Surprise Proposal Planner would do: I offered him money to stop.
I swear the poor guy’s lips were turning blue out there in the cold and he jumped at the chance to take the money and run. No sooner had the money zipped from my cashapp to his did he pack up his things and hurry out of the winter wind.
And just like that we were cleared for takeoff!
Radek and Cherish arrived soon after and on my suggestion, Radek had Cherish take off her bulky winter coat so they could take a quick selfie. When I saw the dress she had on underneath I was extra happy that she had! She was a total knockout in her high-low black and white dress with a matching fascinator. Radek was equally well-dressed and they absolutely stopped everyone around in their tracks when Radek took a knee. As soon as she said yes, the band emerged and started to play! Cherish’s tears of joy turned into laughter as the couple joined the band to dance for their own personal performance.
A Fairy Tale Ending
After a few songs, we headed over to Cafe Du Monde for one last song. Tourists were lining up to take photos of (and with) this devastatingly handsome couple and their brass band. After we said goodbye to the guys, I told them I had one last surprise in store and lead them to their carriage. Radek helped Cherish climb into the buggy and as he sat down and started to open the prosecco I heard her say “I feel like I’m in a fairytale!”.
Hell yeah, Cherish. That’s exactly what we were going for.
They literally rode off into the sunset while toasting each other and I scampered off to my car to warm up (although there was definitely a warm and fuzzy feeling all around me after that perfect proposal). It was another epic win for the books and I am so honored I got to play a part in making it happen.
Enjoy a selection of Radek and Cherish’s New Orleans Surprise Proposal Photography below!
Ready to plan your fairy tale proposal?
