The 5 Best Proposals of the Past 10 Years

An Author’s Spotlight on Real-Life Romance 

What most people maybe don’t know is that, as an author, I spend A LOT of time thinking about what my characters get up to after we leave them. One of the main things I think about is how would my MMC proposals to their lovely lovers. (Who remember's Janus' multiple proposals in the Refusal...)  

I think the fact is, I just LOVE proposals. The pause before the question, the heartbeat of silence, and then the joy that floods in when the answer is yes. In fiction, we get to control every detail: the setting, the music, even the weather. In real life, though, proposals are messier, more spontaneous, and often more magical for it. 

Over the past decade, love stories around the world have proved that romance is still alive and thriving. From intimate living rooms to international landmarks, from quiet gestures to viral sensations, people continue to find unique and deeply personal ways to say forever. 

Here are the 5 Best Proposals of the Past 10 Years that captured hearts, sparked headlines, and might just inspire your next book – or even your own love story. 

1. The log flume with the biggest plunge of them all (2016) 

Lindsay’s proposal took an unexpected twist on a log flume ride. She and a group of friends climbed aboard, ready for the splash and laughter that came with every drop. What she didn’t realize was that her friends were part of the plan; each holding a sign that, when the on-ride photo was snapped, spelled out Will You Marry Me?

Later, as they checked the ride photos, Lindsay noticed the message behind her and gasped. When she turned, her boyfriend was already on one knee, ring in hand, making the surprise even sweeter.

💖 Why it melted hearts: It was spontaneous and joyfully imperfect — a moment that managed to be both shared and intimate. Laughter, water, and surprise blended into something real and unforgettable.

✍️ Author takeaway: The best proposals aren’t flawless productions. It’s the honest emotion, not the polish, that makes a story linger.

2. A valentine’s helicopter spin (2019) 

On Valentine’s Day 2019, Orlando Bloom surprised Katy Perry with a helicopter proposal that didn’t quite go as planned. 

Perry later told Jimmy Kimmel Live! she thought they were heading to see art after dinner, but instead found a helicopter waiting. Mid-flight, Bloom handed her a note to distract from the ring, but things got messy, champagne spilled, his pocket tore, and chaos briefly took over. 

Still, Perry said yes, and the couple landed on a Los Angeles rooftop where friends and family were ready to celebrate. 

💖 Why it stands out: It perfectly captures the drama and fun and joy of marriage, and also I mean if you can... why wouldn't you... 

✍️ Author takeaway: Tension and release are the heartbeat of romance, whether it’s in fiction or real life. Sometimes the best love stories come when two people jump together, not knowing exactly where they’ll land. 

3. A smashing proposal (2020) 

On New Year’s Eve 2020, Suzanne Joskow and Henderson Blumer were celebrating at home in Los Angeles when he asked her to break open a star-shaped piñata hanging from their backyard pine tree. 

“It was sparkling perfectly, very romantic,” she recalled. Inside the piñata was a black pouch holding a ring. Blumer got down on one knee, and after Joskow said yes, fireworks lit up the city. 

The couple climbed a nearby hill to watch the celebrations over Los Angeles, reflecting on a year that was both challenging and full of love. They later married on January 22, 2022, beneath the same pine tree where he had proposed 

💖 Why it touched the world: It showed a willingness for proposals to be messy and random, it doesn’t need to be perfect in order for the love  

✍️ Author takeaway: True romance isn’t about perfect timing. It’s about choosing love in the imperfect, everyday moments that make life real. 

4. The Disney Castle Dream (2023)

Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma began their “happily ever after” in true fairy-tale fashion at Disneyland. 

On Valentine’s Day 2023, the Pitch Perfect star proposed to the fashion designer in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle after getting permission from Disney CEO Bob Iger. 

“I had to get a special area roped off, add topiary trees, and hire a violinist to play Disney classics,” Wilson shared on The Drew Barrymore Show. “It was really romantic.” 

Both Wilson and Agruma ended up down on one knee, a moment Wilson and Barrymore later reenacted on the show. “She said yes, and then she got down too,” Wilson recalled. “It was such a huge moment. Afterwards, we went on a ride, and I literally had to collapse on the floor for five minutes.” 

💖 Why it worked: It leaned into nostalgia and the power of shared dreams. Every element meant something to them booth, which made the moment feel crafted rather than staged. 

 ✍️ Author takeaway: The best romance scenes are personal. Know your characters (or your partner) well enough to make the moment feel like it could only belong to them. 

5. The Proposal Hidden in a Novel (2024) 

Sometimes, the most romantic stories are written, literally. Indie author Aiden Cross proposed to his longtime girlfriend during a livestream unboxing of his new book. She flipped to the dedication page and froze when she read the words: “For Lily, my editor, my muse, my future wife.” The internet loved it, of course, but it was the look on her face that made the moment unforgettable - the blend of recognition, disbelief, and joy that said everything. 

💖 Why it’s unforgettable: It blurred the line between fiction and reality, turning a story into a living promise.  

✍️ Author takeaway: As writers, we understand the power of words. Sometimes, writing something eternal can be the most beautiful way to say “I love you.” 

✨ Final Thoughts 

Romance has evolved, but the essence remains the same: two people, one question, and a future built on hope. Whether it’s a whisper over dinner or a grand public gesture, every proposal tells a story of courage - the courage to ask, to risk, and to love without guarantees. 

As authors and readers, we chase that feeling again and again, because deep down, we know that love stories are not about perfection. They’re about connection, vulnerability, and the beautiful chaos of saying yes to forever. 

Should I include a proposal in my next book... hm maybe? Here’s to the real-life romantics who keep proving that love is still the greatest story ever told.