Popping the Question

It's common for women to fantasize about their wedding day. Tallahassee bride Heather Gilcher took her dreams one step further by envisioning the ideal marriage proposal. To her, the perfect spot to pop the question was SeaWorld, but she kept her wishes to herself.

Her boyfriend, John, knew of Heather's love of polar bears. An upcoming trip to SeaWorld in Orlando put into motion his unique proposal idea: He would pop the question during one of the park's shows. Unfortunately, there wasn't a show featuring the polar bears to work with John's plan, but SeaWorld was happy to offer another suggestion: a proposal during killer whale Shamu's show called "The Shamu Adventure."

The wheels were set into motion. At the start of the show, a large television screen is used to encourage audience interaction. The camera soon focused where Heather and John were sitting, projecting their images on the screen.

"Words appeared in a bubble above John's head asking me to give him a kiss, which I did," Heather said. "After that, the words appeared 'Will you marry me?' I was pretty sure she was going to say yes, but she couldn't get the words out," John said. Instead, the speechless bride nodded her head in acceptance, giving a thumbs-up sign as the crowd cheered. Later, SeaWorld presented the couple with a video of the event.

"It was interesting to say the least," John said. "We received congratulations all the way out of the park."

About ready to pop?

So you've got a ring and want to create the kind of proposal you'll be telling your grandchildren about. Here are few things you need to think about before asking for your partner's hand in marriage:

* Location, location, location. A great spot can make or break a marriage proposal so be sure to pick a location that has a special meaning to both of you.

* A crowd pleaser or privacy, please? Think about where your mate falls on the privacy scale and plan your strategy accordingly. You don't want to cause embarrassment by popping the question in front of an audience when a private proposal between the two of you would be more suitable.

* The magic moment. No matter what happens, the moment will be memorable. Perfection isn't the key when proposing. Even if things don't go according to your plans, the most important thing is to express your love and your wish to spend the rest of your life together.

* Speak from the heart. Be honest, direct and sincere.

Marry me?

Here are 10 ideas that are sure to get a "Yes!" response if marriage is on your mind.

1. Catch her off guard by spelling out your marriage proposal on the fridge with magnets. Go one step further and create your own proposal with magnetic poetry.

2. Create a Web page with special pictures and memories the two of you have shared, followed by link to your a marriage proposal. Give your mate a clue with the site's address on it and let the cyber sparks fly!

3. Nothing says love like a nice foot massage. Prepare a spot to pamper those tootsies and slip the ring on her pinkie toe.
4. Get your pet in on the act by tying the ring around its neck and have it deliver your message with a furry kiss.

5. Sunsets are always a good thing. Whether you have a special spot on the beach or you're on a vacation cruise, proposing while the sun sets is pure romance.

6. Make a picnic for two. Your mate will be so impressed with the effort you've made for a romantic lunch that she won't be expecting what comes next.

7. Call both of you in sick at work and make a day of playing hookie. Sleep in late, make her breakfast in bed and watch romantic movies. One with a great proposal is While You Were Sleeping. Wait until the moment where Sandra Bullock finds the ring in the token return and pop a question of your own.

8. Take your sweetie stargazing. Pick a spot that offers a large, open view of the night sky and bring plenty of warm blankets to snuggle under. Propose when the stars are favorable.

9. Scavenger hunts are one way to make your honey work for her proposal. Lead her to a favorite spot with clues and have the ring be the reward.

10. Charm her with a special locket, bracelet or a key chain engraved with the phrase "Marry Me?"