Jack Knox, aka Dr. Romance, is a Times Columnist and he wrote a hilarious article on The Heart Bandits.  It is titled “A Lady Bandit Who is All Heart” and it is too funny not to share!  Contact us today if you want to start working on your customized proposal by The Heart Bandits.

The Heart Bandit thinks Dr. Romance needs help.

She’s on the phone from Los Angeles, where she read last week’s Valentine’s Day advice column online.

Her real name is Michele Williamson. A professional marriage proposal planner and romance consultant, she has somehow got it into her head that I might not be the clear front-runner in the sensitivity sweepstakes.

Dunno where she got that from, though she mentions something about how my idea of romance (muting the game while she talks) doesn’t exactly put a fellow in Mr. Darcy territory.

You know that Will Smith movie Hitch? That’s what Williamson does, planning customized marriage proposals and romantic dates. She also offers a romance concierge service where clients -some time-impoverished, others just plain clueless -contract her to send flowers, book restaurants, email reminders of upcoming anniversaries and birthdays, that sort of thing. It’s all at theheartbandits.com. (Of course, Dr. Romance would not need this service; that would be like Pavarotti hiring Justin Bieber.)

Williamson got the idea for the Heart Bandits after her partner in the company -and life -proposed to her aboard a sunset dinner cruise. Romantic, yes, but he popped the question only 10 minutes before docking, leaving little time for celebration. And he didn’t plan a place to go once they were ashore. That got Williamson, whose background was in event planning, thinking about how it could have been done a wee bit better.

(I refrained from mentioning Dr. Romance’s own proposal strategy: wait until the mercury plunges to minus 30, then refuse to start the car until she says yes. I’m not making this up. Mrs. Dr. Romance still maintains that her acceptance should have come with an asterisk, like a truncheon-assisted confession or George W. Bush’s first election as president.)

A minor note of indignation creeps into Williamson’s voice as she speaks of men who, instead of really thinking about whom they’re asking to marry them, troll the Internet for generic advice on how to propose, inevitably coming up with something “cheesy” like dropping a ring in a champagne glass or -egads! -booking the local Jumbotron.

“I don’t suggest that men propose at sporting events,” she says. A guy who proposes at The Game might be thinking more of his likes than hers.

“Women want to feel special,” Williamson says. “The day he proposes is the day she’s been dreaming of her whole life.” The dream does not include Romeo holding a ring in one hand and a plastic beer glass in the other, a mustard stain where his heart is supposed to be.

Of course, it’s different if the proposee is a sports junkie. Williamson is currently arranging a “Gleestyle proposal,” in which 20 actors will spring from the seats at a major league baseball game and perform a choreographed song-anddance for a diehard fan of the home team.

She’s also working with a client who wants to propose on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. (“Ellen’s not returning my calls.”)

But beware: There are dangers to high-profile, public displays, a trend some trace to sportscaster Ahmad Rashad’s proposal to actress Phylicia AyersAllen during a live NFL broadcast in 1985. (She said yes. Then they got divorced.) Fans at a Houston Astros game once got to see a woman pour a bag of popcorn on a guy and flee in horror after he went down on one knee.

The most cringeworthy video on YouTube shows a marriage proposal on the big screen at Yankee Stadium, the problem being that it was a prank set up by the guy’s friends. (She said yes, he said no, it went downhill from there.) A Baltimore politician recently caught hell for wasting public resources after employing a boat and police helicopter in a fake marine raid turned marriage proposal.

Williamson is keener on the more private, personal approach, like the soldier in Afghanistan whom she helped propose long distance to his girl in an elegant Houston hotel room decorated with roses, candles and a violinist playing in the background.

“I’m a super hopeless romantic,” Williamson says. “I still cry when people propose.”

So does Mrs. Dr. Romance. Great, heaving sobs of joy.

Contact The Heart Bandits- Engagement Planners if you want to start your tailored Canada proposal ideas and planning.  We also work everywhere else in the world!  See proposals here!

One timeless method of proposing marriage has always been the scavenger hunt.  This type of proposal shows your girl that you put a lot of thought and effort into proposing because you put a whole day together dedicated to your relationship and things that have been important to you.  This type of proposal usually involves giving notes to someone to follow and having them go to a location to uncover the next clue.  All these clues lead up to a grand finale (which would be the actual marriage proposal).

In today’s day and age with technology being ever-so incorporated into our daily lives (not to mention love lives), it makes complete sense to update the scavenger hunt with available resources.  Check out this story on an iPhone App Marriage Proposal that did just that.  It’s very clever and amazing.   The gentleman spent THREE years developing a software program that gave his girlfriend clues for her to follow around the city.  The app on the iPhone used the GPS to verify where she was and it displayed information on the meaning of each location.  It also used social media to add more fun to it.  If you want something similar to this, contact The Heart Bandits for proposal ideas.  We will work with you to get you the exact marriage proposal or romantic event that you want that will make her the happiest girl in the world.

Check out The Heart Bandits-Wedding Proposal Planner interview in Sophisticated Groom Magazine February 2011 issue sold at Barnes and Nobles and Borders! Contact us today to get started on creating your own customized and romantic proposal.

Spring Proposal Checklist by Vanessa L. Jackson

“Proposing during the spring symbolizes life and growth,” Michele Williamson, co-founder of The Heart Bandits, a marriage proposal planning service in Torrance, CA says.  “This is a time where you’ll be growing and starting a new life together, it’s a new beginning.”

Michele and her partner, Marvin Velazquez, recommend the following spring proposal planning guide for proposing in the spring.

Pre-Game

Find the right time to ask her family members for their blessing.  If they say no, decide your next steps and if you’ll still propose.

Plan

Don’t plan a proposal based on what you like to do.  Proposing at a sporting event in front of tons of strangers may not be her idea of the best marriage proposal.  Make it personal and don’t use generic ideas you find on the Internet or in a book.  Make sure your proposal includes special memories or inside jokes from your private moments.  Create the plan, the budget, choose the ring, pick the date, reserve any vendors or venues and plan all the logistical details of the proposal.  If you’re proposing outside, have a backup plan in case it rains.  If you’re relying on children or animals to help propose, what do you do if things don’t go as planned?  Always expect the unexpected.

Cost

Excluding the price of the ring, proposals can range from free to $100,000 depending on how lavish the proposal is.  Don’t forget to think about whether you’ll buy a new outfit or something for your proposal.

Involvement

Asking for help is okay.  This is one of the most important days of your life and there’s a lot of pressure to make this moment perfect.  Get a woman’s perspective or consult friends.  Consider hiring a Marriage Proposal Planner from The Heart Bandits.

The Ring

It’s the center of your proposal, unless you’ve had a conversation with your girlfriend and know she doesn’t want one.  The type varies depending on her style and your budget.  Choose something nice that signifies your love but doesn’t set you back financially.

Spoiler Alert

Don’t leave a trail behind.  Make sure to hide any receipts, emails, or any evidence of ring shopping or proposal planning.

Destinations

Get hints of a place she would love to go.  Maybe it’s local or someplace she’s never experienced.  Cancun, Paris, Venice, Schloss Neuschwanstein Germany, Niagara Falls, New York City and Southern California are wonderful and romantic proposal destinations.

Locations

A hot air balloon ride, scenic hike, sunset cruise, upscale restaurant with a nice view, outdoor restaurants with a view of the water, skyline, mountains or rose gardens, outdoor day spa or wineries are always great places.

Spring Flowers

Long stemmed white Calla Lilies are beautiful and romantic.  Gardenias, Casa Blanca Lily, Stargazers and Peonies are also great choices.  You can’t go wrong with red roses because they symbolize love, no matter the season. If she doesn’t like roses try to find her favorite flower if you want to include them in the proposal.

Dress

Dress comfortably and in your style, but appropriate to the proposal activity.  Nice slacks and a collared shirt or dressy jeans and a blazer may be fine.

Focus

Avoid distractions because you’ll give it away.  It should be about your relationship, her and that moment only.  Avoid saying anything negative.

Have Fun

Even though this time is stressful, this is one part in the wedding process the man has complete control.  Enjoy it, embrace it and celebrate your future.

Social Network

Deciding to share the happy news is up to you and your fiancée.  You may choose to keep it private and bask in your own happiness for a few days or you may choose to let everyone know about it right away.  Decide as a couple what to do.

“The story of your engagement will be told over and over for the rest of your lives,” Michele adds.  “It’s the first chapter in the book of your marriage and life together.  He needs to make sure it is amazing.”

The Heart Bandits received some exciting news today.  We will be featured on 106.9 The Eagle during the 8am hour on Valentine’s Day.  If you are in the West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Maryland area, tune in!

We also were fortunate enough to be blogged about in One Stylish Bride, a blog tailored towards Australian bride and grooms.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I am sure there are some of our readers planning on popping the question on the Dia de Amor!  It isn’t too late to hire The Heart Bandits for Wedding Proposal Planners to finalize your proposal idea or make any last minute reservations.  However, if you decide to go at it alone I have one piece of advice for you.  Don’t be cliché.  Just like no girl would want to be proposed to with the same ring everyone has, no girl wants to have the same proposal that everyone has.  Come up with a proposal idea that is unique and customized to your relationship.  Unless the following proposal ideas have some sentimental value to you, stay away from these proposals.

• Putting the ring in the champagne!  Come on guys, that one comes up in about 1000 Google searches.  You guys can do better, I know it!
• Having the waiter bring out the ring on the dessert tray.  The 80’s are over and this proposal idea should be too.
• Put the ring in a heart shaped box of chocolates.  This one isn’t as bad as others, but this is not creative in the slightest.  She is going to tell the story of how you proposed over and over for the rest of her life.  I don’t think this cuts it.
• Any proposal involving conversation hearts.  Do I have to say more?

Stay away from these ideas and come up with something personal and your Valentine’s Day proposal should be a hit.  Contact us if you need some assistance.  We are used to working under tight deadlines.  Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

It is time for you to be romantic.  Where should you take her?  Whether it is Valentine’s Day, her birthday, your anniversary, or you just want to show her how much you care, I have just the place.  K-ZO is a chic restaurant in Culver City, CA known for its authentic sushi, sake, and small bites.  But what makes K-ZO different than every other sushi restaurant in Los Angeles?

First and most importantly, it is extremely romantic.  K-ZO was created by a happily married couple, a Master Chef and a Designer, both from Japan, who bring authenticity, passion and exquisite style to their endeavor, a true labor of love!  With sushi bars, a sake bar and table seating, the ambiance has a sleek industrial feel that still manages to be warm and inviting.  It screams “romansu”!

The next feature that sets K-ZO apart from other sushi restaurants is its chef, Keizo (K-ZO) Ishibi. Keizo is classically trained in both Japanese and French cuisine and has over thirty years of experience.  You will discover that his creativity and innovation bring a fresh interpretation to classical cooking styles.  He will be honored to surprise your honey with a sushi roll she has never tried before as he loves being part of the entire experience.

The dishes and small plates are ever so tasty.  Start off with a hot bowl of miso soup and a yummy salad.  Naturally they have a huge variety of sushi and rolls.  And if you are not a sushi fan? Don’t worry, they serve many other options such as the smoked vegetable stack, chicken teriyaki and grilled salmon.  And what would sushi be without sake?  K-ZO’s vast sake selection comes from all over Japan, making it a standout among its peers. K-ZO also serves wine, beer, and a variety of other beverages so order your favorite drink and make a toast to your sweetie.  No romantic date would be complete without feeding each other some dessert.  They offer a nice selection of dessert including chocolate fondant and mochi ice cream.  No girl can resist chocolate or ice cream!

K-ZO will be offering a Valentine’s Day 5-course pre-fixe dinner menu, a passionate odyssey for the palate.  It will be available from February 11-14.  See K-ZO’s website (www.k-zo.com) for more information and reservations.

Flash mob proposals are all the hype these days.  Check out this proposal in Washington Square.  If you like what you see, let our wedding proposal planners help you come up with your own flash mob proposal.  Read our Flash Mob Proposal Tips below.

If you want the perfect flash mob proposal, follow these 4 tips!

Hire a Flash Mob Planner

Even if you don’t hire us, which I recommend you do, you should hire someone that can coordinate this huge event.  A Flash Mob has several moving parts (audio, choreography, dancers, etc.) and you need someone extremely organized to stay on top of all of the details.  Since you are proposing, you have enough on your plate and don’t want to have to worry about everything on your special day.

Choose Location Wisely

Another reason it is good to hire a planner is because you have to select the location for a flash mob wisely.  A lot of places won’t allow flash mobs, while others require permits and insurance.  Only an experienced coordinator knows the right questions to ask to make sure you aren’t embarrassed during your routine by getting the boot.

Keep It Simple

For your routine, make sure to keep it simple.  If you start adding in tricks or a lot of the dancers doing different moves, it can look sloppy.  More importantly, it leaves too much room for error.

Document

Why have a flash mob if you aren’t going to be able to show it to everyone?  Hire someone to take video of the big day or have a friend do it.  Video is more important than photos for this type of event.

Today I have something very interesting to share.  Yesterday I was speaking to Marc Stiglitz of HAND in HAND Custom Jewelry Design.  He asked me if I help plan parties for the birth of a baby.  I answered that I didn’t think that really fit into our romantic theme here at The Heart Bandits to which he replied, “you really should reconsider”.  He went on to explain to me what a “push” gift was and wow, was it romantic.

Traditionally, a “push” gift or “push” present is a gift from a husband to a wife to commemorate the birth of a baby.  Could anything be more romantic?  And now days, instead of just surprising his wife with a bouquet of flowers in the hospital, husbands are deciding to give a gift that will never die.  To show appreciation to his wife for bearing his child, men are now saying thank you with custom made  jewelry.  Push gifts range from small pieces to elaborate diamond rings and often includes the child’s name engraved in to the ring.

According to the HAND in HAND website, “Although ‘Push’ gifts are becoming all the rage, they are rooted in age-old traditions that span the course of history. At face value, you are expressing your appreciation for your loved one and all that is endured through the pregnancy, delivery and recovery processes. But more importantly, HAND in HAND believes that creating a “Push” gift is a deeply profound opportunity to commemorate one of the most unique, meaningful and amazing experiences in life – having a baby and celebrating your unique family story. It’s creating your own one-of-a-kind family heirloom piece to be passed along for generations to come.”

All I can say is I want one!  If you are looking to plan a romantic event around presenting this unique gift to your sweetie, contact us to plan a “push” party or a romantic date or getaway.

We were fortunate enough to be interviewed by Vianni Busquets, the Romance Traveler Examiner for The Examiner.  Read the whole article here and see the  question and answer section below.  Hire The Heart Bandits today to plan your marriage proposal or romantic event.  Enjoy!

Q.1 What got you started on becoming a professional Marriage Proposal Planner?

I have been an event coordinator for 5 years but when my fiance Marvin proposed to me last year, I realized there might be a market for Marriage Proposal Planning.  His proposal was great, but he didn’t have a time line so he waited until the cruise almost docked to propose to me.  He also was so excited to propose that he didn’t think about going anywhere after the cruise to celebrate so after the cruise docked (10 minutes after he proposed) we went home.  This all sparked the idea.

Q.2 Why should men hire you and/or seek the advice of a professional when they can go ask a friend instead?

Great question.  And the answer is because their friends are not experts.  We study proposals, romance, and women for a living.  When you ask your friend, “how should I propose”, they aren’t going to say, “Well tell me about your girlfriend.  What does she like, where did you meet, where did you first say I love you, what are your inside jokes?”  They are just going to come up with ways THEY think is cool to propose.  We come up with ways that are special and meaningful to your relationship based on an interview that asks those important questions.

The Heart Bandits love giving our romantic tips you can do with your partner.  One timeless romantic thing to do with your girl is to be outside on a beautiful evening and stargaze.  It’s even better if there’s actually something you know about astronomy and you can point out which stars are which.  Can you point out the big dipper?  Do you know where you can see the Southern Cross from?

For those of you on the East Coast or areas that are being pummeled by snow or bad weather, it’s not a good time to be outside.  But do not let that stop you from creating an evening of romance with your girl.  Instead of going out in the blistering cold stay inside, light up the fireplace, open a glass of wine or champagne, and download one of the many star gazing phone applications out there such as SkySafari or Pocket Universe.   This is a great way to make the best out of a seemingly bad situation while enjoying each others company.  Also, both these apps offer you the ability to see what the sky would like like at a past or future date…. Got a big anniversary coming up?  Show her what the night will look like at that date.  Next time the weather is better, then you can do the stargazing in real life with what you already learned.

I get asked this question all of the time.  So many women ask, how can I get him to propose?  Well the truth is, he is only going to propose to you when he is ready.  And you really wouldn’t want him to propose until then. But here are some tips to get you moving in the right direction.

Be a good girlfriend!

I think the most effective way to get a man to want to propose to you is to actually be a good girlfriend.  Treat him well and surprise him every now and then by planning him a date or surprising him with basketball tickets for him and his friends.  Make sure to keep things new and exciting.

Pay attention to the small things

Find out who he really is.  Where is he ticklish, what is his favorite beer, who are his favorites NFL players?  Then let him know that you know it.

Show your domesticated side

Cook him a nice meal and iron his shirts every now and then.  Don’t go overboard, just let him see what is in store if he marries you!

Drop subtle hints

Talk about happy marriages, rings you might like if you ever get engaged, or places you would like to get married.  When you go on your next vacation, casually mention how nice it would be to honeymoon there.  Get him in to the marriage mindset!

He will come around on his own time if he feels you are the one.  Make a decision how long you are willing to wait and then be patient and enjoy what you have.

For other ways on how to propose, check out this page that gives great advice.