Featured Proposal: Vache & Maria
La La Land was not only an Academy Award winning movie, but it also was the inspiration of many proposals in Los Angeles. After all many of the iconic scenes from the movie were filmed in Burbank, CA which made it easy for men to plan an effortless proposal at a famous movie location. But for Vache and Maria this movie-inspired proposal didn't go quite as planned. Keep reading to find out how Maria getting the flu almost cost her the proposal of a lifetime.
Maria: Let's take it back to May 2013. I was at a mutual friend's house when Vache walked in. I just knew from the moment I saw him that he was something special. A month later I saw him again at a bar, and after a few drinks, we started chatting it up. He finally asked for my number and the next day, June 1, 2013, we started a conversation that has not ended. He is so easy to talk to and we make a perfect match. I can literally be myself around him. Zero judgment. To have someone who loves you no matter what is the best feeling in the world! As a couple, we're both very sarcastic but we're also complete opposites. But opposites attract, right? I love adventure and being spontaneous, but Vache is more relaxed and private. Even though we have our differences, we don't lose sight of what really matters. We really do love making each other laugh. We try to enjoy the time we have together. At the end of the day, all we want is someone who understands us, makes us genuinely happy, and doesn't complicate things. That is what I want for the rest of my life with him, mutual understanding. I can never truly put into words how I feel about him because it simply wouldn't give these feelings justice.
Vache: I can't say I like anything about Maria because I love everything about her. Yes, it sounds cheesy, but it's the truth. At first, I didn't think I had a chance with her. I was nervous about everything we talked about because I didn't want to say anything to dissuade her. But she was quick to express honesty from her side. I felt comfortable to be myself. That's when I knew that she was the one for me. Fast forward 5 years--I decided it was time. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about proposing. I bought the ring a month before I proposed. I thought about a thousand different ways of doing it, each one ending with her saying, "No." After over thinking it for a while, I decided to keep it simple. I knew her favorite movie is La La Land and that they had filmed several scenes at locations in our city, so I decided to go with one of those. I ended up choosing Cathy's Corner because of its view and peacefulness. I'm not really a fan of public proposals. I mentioned to her that my coworker had been to Cathy's Corner, which is a hike by the Griffith Observatory, and asked if she'd like to go for our 5th year anniversary, to which we agreed to.
Any challenges during the proposal?
Maria: Oh YES! A major one that almost ruined everything -- ME!
What happened? We want details!
Maria: On May 31st, I came down with the flu. To be honest, I had never in my life been that sick with the flu. But of course, as our anniversary was approaching, I was not getting better. My fever kicked in on that very Friday. I stayed home from work. He was off work at 5 pm and had asked if I was still interested in going on that hike as we had planned. Of course, I said no because I was feeling extremely sick. It's now 7 pm, and he keeps insisting on going on a hike and I keep telling him no, which was not like him because he's a very caring and understanding man. Not to mention, he kept leaving the room with his phone in hand. Another thing he doesn't normally do. But I didn't see the signs until after he proposed. I was too sick to care at the moment. It is now 8 pm, and he asks again if I want to go. Shocked that he would insist, I got upset at him. At 9 pm, I felt so bad because I thought "it's our anniversary and he seems very excited about it." So I finally agreed to go. We show up at park by the Griffith Observatory at 9:30 pm, and we're told the trail was closed. I told him we'd go back the next day. He looked extremely sad and I felt bad that we didn't go sooner. But once we got home and checked my temperature, it was then when we realized that I had a high fever. Saturday morning came along and I did not feel great but I was determined to go on that hike -- and so we did.
Halfway through the hike, I wanted to go back. I kept telling him "I just want to go home". He insisted on us getting to Cathy's Corner. An hour later -- there we were. A dangerous corner with a beautiful view of Burbank. Unfortunately, since it was just us, no pictures were taken to capture the moment -- but it's okay because that didn't change the events that followed. As we sat there in awkward silence, which never happens, I was admiring the view when he got down on one knee and asked: "Will you marry me?” In shock, I immediately started crying. I didn't even realize that I had failed to respond. He laughed and then asked “So will you?” I screamed "YES!" For a brief moment on the walk back I forgot I was sick. I literally laughed every single time I looked at my hand. I was in disbelief and incredibly happy! I'm going to marry him... the man of my dreams, the love of my life, my Kapik!
How sweet! Had you guys talked about getting engaged before? Maria, did you have a feeling he might propose?
Maria: I was not expecting it at all. After 5 years, if I'm going, to be honest, I kind of dismissed the idea. We were great and I didn't want to pressure him. But that didn't stop me from hinting it from time to time.
Tell us about the ring! Did you guys go shopping together for it?
Maria: The RING! It's a beauty! I get so many compliments on it. He did great! No ring shopping, but I did send him a few pictures of rings a few years back. You know, that's what girls do as a "just in case". He did not end up going with my suggestions. Instead, he went simple and classy. My favorite comment about the ring so far is "he has good taste" because it goes both ways.
Did you guys celebrate with family afterward? Have you started wedding planning? If so, how's planning going?
Vache: We had our engagement party on September 8, 2018. My family was kind enough to plan and host one in our honor. We had a blast dancing and drinking. You know when you have so much fun you forget to take pictures? Well, we danced the night away and forgot to capture the moments.
Maria: We do have our wedding date set. We will be getting married June 5, 2020, at St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church.
Wedding planning is going great so far. I have the best wedding planner who's super talented and been extremely helpful. I'm glad I'm not a stressed bride... yet. I can't wait to see what our planner puts together for us.
Thank you to Vache and Maria for sharing their proposal story with us. We wish them luck in wedding planning as well as their lives together. We cannot wait to share their wedding story in the future.
Blog
Find more Featured Weddings, Inspiration, and Guides on the Harsanik Blog
Giveaway
Engaged? Enter our Bride-to-Be Giveaway for a chance to win monthly prizes
Armenian Traditions
Learn more about Armenian wedding traditions
Directory
Find some of the very best Los Angeles based wedding vendors in our directory:
Venues
Photo/Videographers
Bridal Gowns
Armenian & Middle Eastern Catering
DJs
Florists
Invitations
Rentals & Decor
Limousines
and more!
Tags: Proposal Story , Surprise Proposal , engagement ring , entertainment , love , proposal , ring , surprise
USER COMMENTS