Congrats. What a creative guy!My fiance did something similar 3 months ago. We went to Vail the weekend after Labor Day, hiked, biked and just relaxed. I got a little suspicious but as day 2 of 5 came and went I stopped thinking about it and decided to just have fun. He ended up proposing at the base of the mountain on day 4. He knew I'd be so anxious to tell my family and friends that he didn't want to do it at the beginning of the trip but he also wanted to have some time alone to celebrate. It was magical!<BR><BR>I am sure however you do it- at a romantic restaurant or just walking down the street will be just as magical to the two of you. <BR><BR>One word of advice- in order not to get caught in airport security, my fiance darted to another line and said, &quot;let's race&quot; to me. I didn't suspect a thing. He didn't end up getting searched but if he did, I wouldn't have noticed. :)

Just engaged--Congrats to you and thanks for getting me uptight about airport security ;-) I hadn't even thought about that yet. It should be ok in my carry-on, right? Everyone's advice seems to be to ask early in the trip but I know my g/f will want to call every living person on the face of the earth. I figure I'll go hit golf balls all day while she runs up our cell phone bill (just kidding!)<BR><BR><BR>To the rest of you incredibly helpful posters, I just want to say thanks!<BR><BR>Everything's in place. Will circle back after the New Year...<BR>

ttt

Hello all,<BR>I promised to get back with you and let you know that all turned out PERFECTLY.<BR><BR>Flights pretty much on time, hotel reservations as planned, we managed to have lunch at French Laundry and I proposed later that afternoon--it was just a great moment. Quiet, private and special. (And of course my girlfriend--oops finacee-- said yes!!)<BR><BR>The people at Yountville Inn couldn't have been nicer and more accomodating. They took care of reservations and helped us get into some private wineries while keeping everything a secret from my girlfriend.<BR><BR>It was a fantastic week. Thanks to all who provided suggestions. We'll be posting on the Europe board in the next few months--hoping to spend our honeymoon in Italy next July. <BR><BR>Jon

Jon,<BR><BR>Congratulations!!! Have fun in the Europe board. Italy is a perfect destination for a honeymoon. Make sure your get to the Amalfi coast. Lots of great hotels for a honeymoon there. Have fun researching!

remember to cater to her wishes the entire day. I popped the question at a remote beach on Cape Cod, after the perfect beach day and the two of us alone all day. But, the entire day has to have a feeling of romance, so when the alarm clock went off early that morning, I woke her up gently (she doesn't like to be rushed), took her out to brunch, asked her what she wanted for the drive to the beach, and then set up a nice dinner in Boston.<BR><BR>I'm usually much more of the &quot;come on, let's go let's go&quot; which gets on her nerves. Even if the sun is going down, and you're going to miss the sunset, and she's putting on a last minute makeup, don't rush her. Make everything seem very accomodating for her and she'll remember the entire day for not only where she was, but she'll remember the &quot;Feel&quot; of the day.

Congratulations on the big announcement. She sounds like a very lucky lady to have found you. You're going to love Italy for the honeymoon!

I'm very happy for you - and very glad you let the rest of us know how it turned out! During the wet, cold days of early winter it was fun to read all your planning. Enjoy Italy!

<BR>Congratulations !!<BR> How romantic! And we were there..sort of:)<BR><BR>Lets hear about the honeymoon!<BR>