Valentine’s Day is around the corner and love is in the air. This time of year is perfect for POP!ping the question! But, are you worried your marriage proposal is going to go a little something like the above scene in Meet the Parents?


With the Event Group, we’ll make sure your proposal goes more like the above video! There are so many amazing proposals that have gone viral on YouTube. We love watching the videos in the office, getting ideas and gathering inspiration for POP!. Of all of the proposals we have seen, we wanted to share some of our favorites with you! But don’t say we didn’t warn you… these videos are addicting. Make sure you have tissues on hand for all of the happy tears.


This one is a large production in Bryant Park in Manhattan. It is so cute to see the girl’s face in true shock and excitement!


Most people don’t think of Home Depot as the most romantic place. But, in this situation, this guy went in for some paint and left with a ring! We love the upbeat song, too, and the inclusion of their family and friends.


This video has nearly 30 million views on YouTube and for a good reason. This creative surprise proposal was well executed and he caught her reaction on film!


This is one of our all-time favorites. Give your future bride a heart attack before you give her the ring? That was this guy’s plan of attack! The reaction on her face is priceless.


It’s not often that you go to a NBA game and see an on-court proposal. This was very well orchestrated, not to mention, the couple has a great keepsake video!

So many inspiring ideas… we told you they are addicting! If you’re about to POP! the question, be sure to contact us for ideas. We are always coming up with creative and romantic ideas.

If you are planning a late spring or early summer wedding, it is time to really start thinking about your menu. There are endless options of things to serve to your guests as well as different ways to serve them. So many options that it can almost be overwhelming. We’ve contacted some fabulous Pittsburgh chefs to get their input on how to make a decision on what to serve your guests. While what to serve as your meat/fish option is somewhat straightforward, the side dishes can be the toughest choice. Here’s what the chef’s have to say …

“One of my favorite spring dishes is olive oil poached baby vegetables. Based on what I can get from our farmers, I like to use a variety of vegetables including baby beets, young asparagus, heirloom tomatoes and new potatoes. I love using seasonal ingredients like these to create a dish that is both healthful and delicious. It’s a great choice for a wedding menu because it’s very flavorful and colorful and pairs well with poultry or fish.” – Executive Chef Jason Dalling, Fairmont Pittsburgh

“Early Summer weddings are a great time seasonally as produce, greens and tomatoes start to be available from the west coast.

A great first course is the caprese salad reinvented using heirloom tomatoes and fresh buffalo mozzarella . Many different presentations can make this classic dish provide wedding guests with a real taste of the season’s bounty.

Also another great seasonal vegetable side for spring and early summer is the emergence of the chard family. Rainbow chard can make a wonderful, colorful addition to fish and red meat entrees.

Artichokes are another vegetable that come into season during spring and early summer. One of my favorite preparations is English style. This is lightly roasted with a garlic and Parmesan crumb.

New potatoes start to emerge and the possibilities are endless. In my opinion, keeping this sweet tuber simple is the key and paring them with a mint gremolata adds a wonderful contrast, awakening the palate.

Rhubarb is an item that is becoming a more widely seen menu item. Although during my childhood in Europe , rhubarb was a regular ingredient, it has many dessert applications but also makes a wonderful salsa for any robust fish such as halibut, chicken or pork.” – Executive Chef Tom Dunne, Common Plea Catering

“We always provide a seasonal medley of vegetables to provide color and texture to the main course selection. Starch (carbohydrate) selections tend to be served in smaller portions or passed.

Vegetable considerations:
Grilled asparagus, lemon butter
Grilled shiitake with rice-miso and cilantro
Ratatouille Stuffed zucchini blossoms
Roasted Heirloom carrots, local honey and lavender
Caramelized Romanesco haricot vert and breakfast radishes

Starch considerations:
Smoked corn and truffle risotto
Wild Mushroom Polenta
Roasted pineapple Grits
Horseradish Dauphinoise potatoes

Salad considerations:
Heirloom tomatoes and Burrata cheese, balsamic agar gel, bowtie arugula, basil oil
Shaved Fennel and Orange Supremes, fennel blooms, honey-ginger vinaigrette
Composed Heirloom Greens, oven roasted tomato and grilled ricotta sallada cheese
Tossed Arugula and spinach, smoked peaches, almond fried avocado, basil vinaigrette

I can go on and on with summer vegetables…there is such an abundance!” – Executive Chef Keith A. Coughenour CEC, The Duquesne Club

So there you have it, a word from the pros with some great food suggestions for your next event. Thank you to the fabulous chefs for participating!

Here at The Event Group, we love holidays and happy occasions. Valentine’s Day is most definitely a happy holiday . No matter where you are or who you are celebrating with, it is fun to do something special. If you’re fresh out of ideas, no worries; we’ve found some great options for all ages.

Hosting a dinner party? Turn the lights down low and set your table around candlelit centerpieces. This will cast a romantic glow throughout the room and really set the mood for the night.

Looking for a unique date night for just the two of you? If you’re somewhere warm, (we are very jealous!) this is a great opportunity to charter a boat for the night and have a picnic on the water. Bring all of your favorite foods and don’t forget the bubbly. Pro tip? Make sure to find out what time the sun sets to ensure that you’re on the water during the prettiest and most romantic time of the evening.

If you’re like us and are stuck in a colder climate, grab lots of blankets and have a movie night at home. May we suggest a little champagne and popcorn? To make it fun, we suggest doing a popcorn tasting. From dark chocolate sea salt popcorn to truffle popcorn, the options are endless. Get really into it and do champagne and wine pairings with each ‘flavor’ of popcorn. For example, dark chocolate popcorn pairs well with red wines like Cabernet and truffle popcorn pairs well with Brut champagne.

Don’t forget to include the kids. Setting up a sweet treat buffet in hues of red and pink will get the kids excited. A great idea is to let them decorate their own heart-shaped sugar cookies.

Our fool-proof way to have a great Valentine’s day? Gift your love with Cartier’s beautiful gold love ring.

What are your Valentine’s plans? Don’t forget to check out POP! Proposal Planning by The Event Group… you know… just in case!