In honor of Valentine's Day, we've collected a number of romantic proposal stories from BedandBreakfast.com Diamond Collection members, along with a myriad of ideas for everyone from romantic couples to singles on Valentine's Day. You'll be reading a series of stories from now until Valentine's Day. When we asked members for their best “pop the question” story, we heard a number of wonderful tales from innkeepers who aided nervous beaus in asking the ultimate question. Here is one shared by Kathy Mace, General Manager of BedandBreakfast.com Diamond Collection member, Casa Laguna Inn and Spa in Casa Laguna, CA:
“At Casa Laguna, we have a soft spot for our men in uniform. Many a couple have spent their last night at the inn before one or both ship out for overseas duty. This stands out as the most heart rendering”. Alias names have been used to protect the privacy of those involved in this story.
Kathy went on to explain that in the spring of 2009, the Casa; Laguna Inn & Spa was contacted by “Mark,” a Marine scheduled for a surprise leave from Afghanistan. He’d been away from his girlfriend, “Susan,” for some time and she wasn’t aware that he gotten the opportunity to come home for a short visit. He worked with Susan’s best friend, “Brittany,” to set up a Girls Weekend ruse for Susan who was feeling blue about being away from Mark. Brittany told Susan they would relax, and enjoy some spa time on their Laguna Beach getaway. It was Mark’s plan to surprise Suisan after the girls arrived, and propose to marry her.
Kathy continued the story saying, “When my staff found out what was being arranged, they set out to make this event one that Susan and Mark would never forget. First, we upgraded the reservation to our best room, the Cottage. We had already told Mark that our bell tower was a favorite place for proposals. But to make it extra special, we set up the tower room with flowers, candles, and champagne, she explained.
After Susan and Brittany arrived and checked into the Casa Laguna Inn and Spa, Brittany excused herself to use the restroom, and told Susan to meet her in the bell tower, because she wanted to show her the view. Mark was hiding just inside the door at the top of the tower staircase. When Susan got to the top of the stairs, she was almost afraid to go inside because she thought the flowers and candles had been arranged for someone else. When her Marine stepped out into view, Kathy said the whole staff could hear Susan’s screams echo across the Casa Laguna grounds. He proposed and the of course the answer was yes.
The newly engaged couple enjoyed two nights in the Casa Laguna cottage before Mark left to finish his assignment in Afghanistan.
Casa Laguna Inn & Spa, 2510 So. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, 949-494-2996
Diamond Collection Inspectors Insights: Perfect for romance. Amazing Pacific Ocean views; incredible sunsets. Extraordinary breakfasts with lots of choices. Spoil-you-rotten service; beds to die for.