Perfect Proposals

POPPING THE QUESTION IN ONE OF THE MOST IDYLLIC PLACES IN THE NORTHEAST

By Anderson James

After nearly 10 years in a long-distance relationship, my beloved girlfriend Morgan had recently settled here in my hometown. So when I decided to ask her to marry me, I knew that I would have to go big. And in Stowe, what’s a bigger backdrop than Mt. Mansfield’s highest point?

I planned a sunset backcountry ski excursion up to the Nose, a summit along the ridgeline. With its rich history and stunning views, I knew getting engaged there would be a lifetime memory. I reached out to my friend Jesse Schloff, of Jesse Schloff Photography, who shares my love of the outdoors. Before I could even finish pitching it to him, we were both gushing over how cool it would be. Our collective excitement reaffirmed my idea, and we went for it as soon as the weather looked favorable.

As a part-time photographer, I told Morgan I needed to take pictures at the Nose for an upcoming story in this very magazine. Being a natural-born adventure-seeker, she offered to accompany me before I even had the chance to ask her. When we reached the top, the breathtaking weather took things to another level.

Looking east it was a bluebird day, with the snow-covered peak of Mt. Washington in New Hampshire tinted pink in the waning sunlight. Yet, to our amazement, a total inversion covered the western vista out towards Lake Champlain and New York. Mt. Mansfield seemed to split the sky in two, with one side clear as crystal, and the other covered in rolling winter clouds, as if we were standing on a coastline watching the most beautiful ocean we had ever seen. While she was distracted by the view, I dropped down on one knee.

Of course, Morgan and I aren’t the only couple to pop the question in the splendor of the Green Mountains. “Spruce Peak and Mansfield are ideal for proposals because they offer a blend of natural awe, beauty, tranquility, and luxury all wrapped into one location,” says photographer Danielle Visco of LUVLENS.

And for every person lucky enough to call Stowe home, Mansfield holds a special place in your heart. Beyond being a place to ski, hike, and explore—the mountain has presence. Easily visible from nearly any vista in the town, the more you experience life with this iconic alpine landscape, the more it engrains itself in your very core. “I always encourage couples to select a place that holds significance for both of you—where you met, a spot you love, or somewhere that encompasses a special memory,” Visco says.

Behold as four couples—including yours truly—share the joyful photos that captured their proposals.

On Cloud Nine

The Nose

Morgan & Anderson

“I was focused on taking in the unbelievable views, and before I knew it he was down on one knee, smiling up at me and asking if I would spend the rest of my life with him. It still gives me goosebumps.”
- Morgan

“For every person lucky enough to call Stowe home, Mansfield holds a special place in your heart. Beyond being a place to ski, hike, and explore—the mountain has presence.”
- Anderson

Fall-ing For Each Other

Bingham Falls

Amanda & Carlos

“We hiked down to the foot of a beautiful frozen waterfall, and then climbed to the top of a boulder for a better view. From the adventurous hike to the scenic natural location to the champagne toast at the end, everything about this proposal was incredibly romantic.”
- Amanda

“Spruce Peak set us up with a guided snowshoeing adventure to Bingham Falls. Our photographer came along, pretending to be another guest. We could not have hoped for a more breathtaking location for one of the biggest moments of our lives.”
- Carlos

Chapel Of Love

The Stowe Mountain Chapel

Sarah & John

“I wanted to surprise Sarah—and who imagines something like this happening while skiing? The chapel setting is so peaceful and beautiful, in a lovely clearing off the main trails.”
- John

“I wanted my niece and nephew to be part of the fun. They love Sarah so much and distracted her while I got the ring out.”
- Sarah

Romance On The Rink

Spruce Peak Village Ice Rink

Megan & Tim

“It’s magical to skate under the night sky after a day on the slopes. I asked Megan the question on a beautifully crisp, calm night. We were so bundled up that it took quite a while for her to get her hands out to put on the ring—we still laugh about that!”
- Tim

“One of the best things had to be when other skaters noticed that I was proposing. It seemed like the sea parted just for us and everyone was on our side.”
- Megan