For the past five years or so, I was a student and employee at Southern Virginia University moonlighting as a photographer, so I’ve seen some classy proposals in my time. Engagements are a pretty usual occurrence when you throw together predominantly Latter-Day Saint (i.e. "Mormon") twenty-somethings, even on a campus that’s decidedly smaller than other places where Mormon twenty-somethings congregate ("BYU - I Do" anyone?) But, more generally speaking, I get a lot of questions about what to consider when looking for that pivotal place. My fellow students and colleagues would ask, "What places are near a city that self-proclaims a population of '6002 and 3 old Grouches?'"
Well, the good news is that there are several engage-a-sites near and in Rockbridge County and that most of them are adaptable to your needs. Here are just a few samples that I can recommend for each month of the year.
Aside from pizza, gelato is possibly the greatest food Italy ever gave to the world and there is absolutely no time of year too cold for some stracciatella and hazelnut (think nutella, cream and dark chocolate shavings--I know, you love it already). Not 15 minutes from my old campus is the authentically Italian and modern Pronto Caffe and Gelateria. With it’s sleek, clean atmosphere and a great view of Lexington's Main Street from the window seats, it’s easy to fall for each other forever while enjoying the delicious fruits of the City of Love.
February: Southern Inn or The Bistro in Lexington,VA
If your style is decidedly formal or classic, you can’t go wrong with a candlelit Valentine’s Day proposal at one of these high-class restaurants in Lexington. As this time of year is normally cold or even snowy, your significant other may appreciate the warm interior (just be prepared to dish out a bit of cash on dinner--those crab cakes aren’t on the menu at Mc D's for a reason).
Now, I may be a bit biased on this one, but there’s nothing like a little Spotify DJ-ing as you dance the open ballroom floor in the timelessness of Main Hall--which, by the way, is a historic landmark, so it will (definitely) most-likely be there in 30 years if you ever want to relive the moment. Try sinking to the floor on one knee at the end of the song for the question of a new lifetime. If you’re skeptical, just know that it’s worked for at least one couple before (ahem).
One word: blossoms. Come April, there’s hardly a color you can think of that can’t be found in Boxerwood Gardens. It’s full of non-indigenous plants originally collected by Dr. Robert Munger who owned the property back in the 1950s. Lucky for us, the garden has been maintained and then added upon by several local artists who have left little treasures such as a giant chess board, a humongous chair and a weather-beaten piano.
Classic 1890s architecture, timeless views of the Blue Ridge Mountains more than 180 degrees wide, that tower!? Need I say more? The icing on the cake could be having your family and friends in Buena Vista for the occasion if one of y’all is graduating.
The magic of fireflies as I’ve seen them is at it’s top game in the height of June next to the Maury River. The reflections of the hundreds of little glow-bugs mixed with the colossal color of a good summer sunset is the epitome of enchanting. So if you’re feeling adventurous, take a walk, talk a little, and then, boom! Turn the corner and pop the question in true fairytale fashion.
My dad was a bit of a pyro-enthusiast, so I appreciate a good fireworks display. If you’re in town for the summer, the VMI Parade Show is a great bet if you want your proposal to explode with panache. Prefer a magical morning moment? You can take a hot-air balloon ride over Lexington. There’s no way your special someone can say no from way up there, right? Or they’ll be stuck with you for the rest of the ride. Awkward or Awesome? You be the judge.
If you happen to be landing together at the Roanoke Airport on your way back to Southern Virginia for school or before you daringly hike the Appalachian Trail, consider stopping by Mill Mountain. If the petting zoo is closed, there are still amazing views of downtown Roanoke, miles of freeway, and the ever-gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. Equipped with benches and overlooks throughout the park, there are plenty of places for a picnic, and then you can meander over to the world’s largest freestanding illuminated man-made star to score a quick selfie before you pull out the real bling.
September: Panther Falls or the James River Footbridge in Amherst County, VA
Does the love of your life prefer a more rough-it-tough-it approach to their ideal proposal? Add a little adventure to the declaration of your adoration by taking a hike to Panther Falls and enjoying a dip down the natural rock slides. Or drive to the James River Footbridge for a walk to remember 30 feet above the water (just remember that jumping off the bridge, while popular in years past, is now illegal).
As the warm season starts to wane, the warm colors of the leaves do NOT--not on the Blue Ridge Parkway! Just park it at the rustic splendor of the scenic views. Miles of trees and mountains will be blushing--even more than you will! If you’ve got time, stay up there with some blankets and a telescope or a Google Star Map and do some stargazing to add to the natural extravagance.
Before you crash into your annual Thanksgiving Break Netflix marathon, take a day to stretch your horizons and breathe the crisp air of Goshen Pass together. Not only are the cliffs stunning, but the colors are spectacular even after the leaves have started falling. And the drive back will give you plenty of time to call the parents and the best friend before making it “Facebook Official.”
Just outside the city library, a giant Christmas tree gets decorated every year at the heart of downtown Buena Vista. If you miss out on the marvel of the annual Christmas Parade have no fear! The beautimous bulbs keep shining into Winter Break, and you can still score an intimate moonlit (possibly snowy) proposal before you head home to meet the family.
Ultimately, your options really are endless in one of the sweetest corners of the East Coast. There are locales up and down the Shenandoah Valley. From the Glen Maury Park Double Decker to Ben Salem Wayside, to the Outdoor Mall in Charlottesville, VA or the Lahaye Ice Center in Lynchburg, VA, there is really no refuting that Virginia is for Lovers.
Credits: All photos by Delaney Taylor @ Delaney Taylor Photography
#proposal #southernvirginiauniversity #photography #vaphotographer #engagement #prontogelateria #southerninn #thebistroonmain #boxerwoodgardens #vmiparadegrounds #theroanokestar #millmountain #pantherfalls #jamesriverfootbridge #blueridgeparkway #goshenpass #buenavistava #shenandoahvalley #glenmaurypark #bensalemwayside #charlottesvilleoutdoormall #lahayeicecenter #virginiaisforlovers