Love Stories

The Cabin
Romantic Proposal Wonderland

Sailing the Hudson had always been on his bucket list, he said. With the promise of an afternoon in the sun and many photo ops, convincing her to join him was easy.

The journey began is an ordinary down the Hudson River. They chatted with the captain before venturing to the bow of the boat to recline on deep cushions and watch the world go by.

When he felt the time was right, he casually mentioned wanting champagne. They went back to the captain who smiled and gestured toward the cabin door, saying, “Help yourselves.” 

He opened the door to reveal a wood-paneled lounge with white upholstery decorated with rose garlands, bouquets, and velvet heart pillows. In the center of it all was a sign that read, “Will You Marry Me?” Her jaw dropped, and she turned to him in shock, only to find him on bended knee with a ring.

The happy couple said it was the perfect surprise. Best of all, she was impressed by his preplanning and the magical setting he created on a New York boat rental (we gave him all the credit).

Kevin Murray

Take a Bow
Proposing at the Bow of the Boat

She thought it was just another public sail. The captain greeted them warmly, casually mentioning they’d lucked out—most passengers weren’t able to make it, leaving just one other onboard, a photographer.

While the photographer chatted with the captain, the couple claimed the bow—a cozy, private spot with panoramic views. The photographer lingered by the captain, snapping cityscapes and candid shots of the couple from afar, waiting for the perfect moment.

As they neared the Statue of Liberty, the photographer approached. “Want me to take a photo for you?” he asked. That was the cue. The man dropped to one knee, ring in hand. The photographer captured it all — every gasp and smile, every laugh and tear, and of course the “yes.” Their engagement was picture-perfect.

Donia Wedding Arts

Love Boat Package
Romance From Bow to Stern

The moment was nothing short of cinematic. From shore, the sailboat stood out, draped in rose garlands and bouquets from bow to stern. She didn’t realize this particular yacht was theirs, or what was about to unfold, until the crew led them right up to the boat.

As they stepped aboard, her eyes widened, taking in the moment he’d orchestrated. Every detail was perfect, from the cascading roses to the bouquets and heart pillows, to the “Will You Marry Me” sign. The setting was so photogenic, it could have made Cupid blush.

He asked the question that made her heart skip a beat. The “yes” came easily and naturally. The rest of the sailing cruise NYC felt like a dream, just the two of them on a floating oasis.

Birthday Party With A Twist
Surprise Proposal With Friends

When she set out to propose to her girlfriend, she knew it had to be perfect—intimate, meaningful, and completely free of gawkers. A crowded restaurant or public park wouldn’t do, and an apartment lacked the magic she was looking for. Finding true privacy in the middle of NYC seemed impossible, but then she discovered the perfect solution: a chartering yacht.

To keep her plans a secret, she planned the boat engagement during her girlfriend’s birthday, and disguised the evening with the birthday party package. With their closest friends aboard, they celebrated with birthday cake and champagne toasts. The night felt like it couldn’t get any better — until it did. As the final toast of the evening, she started with a birthday wish, and then melted into a heartfelt proposal. By the time she produced the ring, there wasn’t a dry eye on deck.

Their friends erupted in cheers. What began as a birthday party transformed into an engagement party. No one wanted the night to end. They convinced the captain to keep the sailboat ride going, well past their original schedule. And so they did, sailing under the glow of the city lights and the stars above. This will be a memory they will cherish forever.