With Valentine’s Day less than a month away, Cupid’s arrows are flying all across town–and no doubt, some of them are going to strike young lovers with the urge to tie the knot. Thinking about popping the question? Don’t let the details trip you up. We’ve got proposals for all types.
The traditional approach
If the popularity of proposing in a horse-drawn antique carriage is any indication, chivalry is not dead. Noble Horse Carriage (1410 N. Orleans St. 312-266-7878) confirms at least five fairy-tale marriage proposals per month, proving that not even the shrill sounds of Michigan Avenue traffic can deter the gallant. Noble Horse will even ferry the newly betrothed to and from a restaurant, hotel or residence. Carriages stationed at Michigan Avenue and Pearson Street. $35 for 30 minutes; $70 for 60 minutes.
The unconventional approach
So she’s not a horse-and-buggy kinda girl? We’ve got something for indie types too. Casanovas have been known to storm the stage to request the hand of their music lovin’ lovers–after receiving approval from the band, of course–at music venues like Metro (3730 N. Clark St. 773-549-0203) and the Double Door (1572 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-489-3160). But the engagement of music aficionados Mike Lohman and Kristina Peterson was even more elaborate. Sparks first flew between the two when they met at a Beck concert at the Riviera Theater (4746 N. Racine Ave. 773-275-6800); they returned to the Riv on their first date for a Black Crowes concert. After nearly a yearlong courtship, Lohman devised a fitting proposal with help from personal connections at the Riv. As the couple approached the concert venue one afternoon, Lohman coaxed Peterson into glancing up at the marquee, which read: “Kristina will you marry me/Love Mike.” Shortly after the proposal, the pair celebrated the one-year anniversary of their meeting at–where else?–the Riv.
The public approach
Leave it to Chicago’s sports fanatics to find a way to merge their love for their favorite sports teams with their real-life love affairs. If your sweetie is a White Sox fan and you’re up for more than 40,000 onlookers, U.S. Cellular Field (333 W. 35th St. 312-674-1000) makes a memorable spot for a stadium proposal. For a small fee, brazen lovebirds can project proposals onto the center-field video screen during home games. $40-$60; $15 for a keepsake color printout of your message. Proceeds benefit Chicago White Sox charities.
The daredevil approach
The glamorous adventure of a sky-high proposal isn’t for the faint of heart, but it might be just the thing to impress those who think they’ve seen it all. Adventure company Thrill Planet (847-995-9991) offers day and night helicopter tours over the city, complete with champagne and appetizers. Signature Days (300 W. Hubbard St., Suite 302. 800-330-4166) will go so far as to arrange personal chef services and dinner cruises. And Magic Carpet Helicopters (847-336-1001), which offers sunset flights for the ultimate in dreamy proposals, also will lift you from ceremony to reception if you decide to continue the high-flying theme on your wedding day. Thrill Planet: from $470; Signature Days: from $368; Magic Carpet: from $225.
The gourmet approach
With polished-wood furnishings, crown molding and ornate trim, Ambria (2300 N. Lincoln Park West. 773-472-5959) reeks of romance. This intimate gem of a restaurant, inside the Belden-Stratford Hotel, Lincoln Park’s residential hotel, features French nouvelle cuisine with a five-course menu that changes daily. It’s also a popular spot to pop the question. The maitre d’, who typically handles a couple of engagements a month, will fulfill any special requests, arranging for the proposal to be written in chocolate on a dessert plate or serving the engagement ring in a champagne flute.
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METROMIX@TRIBUNE.COM
