Once upon a time, there was a beautiful maiden whose boyfriend asked her to marry him by placing the diamond engagement ring in a Wendy's Frosty. Alas, when sipping the malted, she swallowed the ring.

Not exactly a fairy-tale proposal. Too bad it was a reality for Kaitlin Whipple.

After two days of prunes and high-fiber breakfast cereal, Whipple got that ring where it belonged—on her finger. But had her fiancé Reed Harris met with a wedding proposal consultant, his name might have gone down in the storybooks, not the tabloids.

With the pressures to make marriage proposals ever more unique, proposal planners have found a growing business in helping men (who still overwhelmingly do the asking) take their proposals from pathetic to perfect. Forget the Jumbotron and skywriting; these planners craft proposals that they describe as "tailor-made" to the couple.

Want to grant your Hollywood-loving bride-to-be her own paparazzi-filled adventure, surrounded by adoring "fans," bodyguards and photographers? Not a problem. Re-enact her favorite scene of the film "Sleepless in Seattle," atop the Empire State Building? Done. Tie in her love for Dr. Phil, Krispy Kreme doughnuts or "The Biggest Loser" TV show? Piece of cake.

Anne Chertoff, senior editor for Brides.com, says that over the past four years, she's heard countless stories of men working with consultants to plan elaborate toasts, dinners--even a plan to hang a billboard with the words "Will you marry me?" from a Manhattan building.

"When it comes to the wedding, it's all about the bride," says Chertoff. But the proposal is the future groom's chance to shine. "He knows she's going to tell the story a million times—whether on her blog, Facebook page, their personal wedding Web site, to vendors. There are so many ways to retell the story now, you don't want to look like a schmuck."

Michael Bloomberg, a Dallas proposal planner and self-proclaimed "Romance CEO," says women do two things upon hearing about an engagement: First, they want see the ring. "And the very next question is, ‘How'd he ask?'" he says. "They want to hear the story, and you owe her a story to tell. You want her guy friends to hate you because, as a guy, you've one-upped it and set the bar."

Bloomberg, guided by personality surveys about the groom and bride-to-be, can coordinate anything from a private proposal before the Smithsonian's Hope Diamond to a spectacle at Tiffany & Co. on New York City's Fifth Avenue, complete with red roses, a Champagne toast and tiny, teal Tiffany-box-shaped cakes.

It's all about what Bloomberg, whose firm is called An Exclusive Engagement, describes as the "aww factor"—"where ‘awww' becomes like four syllables when you tell the story."

"A proposal really needs to be catered to her," says Patrick Smith, founder of Atlanta-based Proposals are Forever, where services range from proposal development (for an idea) to proposal coordination (the logistics to make it happen).

Smith has a database of more than 200 proposal ideas that can be tweaked, so there's no reason to fall back on the baseball scoreboard announcement routine. "That may be something that the guy likes--but let's be honest, not really the girl," Smith says.

Also off limits? Rings that pop out of desserts says Jenifour Jones, founder of Go Get It Events in Los Angeles, an "experiential" event company specializing in unique proposals.

For one intricate proposal, Jones once set up a faux off-Broadway show of a fairy-tale story, The Frog Prince, complete with 150 hired actors playing audience members and a segment when one lucky member—yes, the bride-to-be—was pulled onstage for an audience participation bit. Secretly donning the frog costume, the would-be groom also took the stage and asked for her hand in marriage. She said yes. Cost: $15,000.

In early April, Jones helped Jimmy Augustin of Washington, D.C., pull together a surprise proposal trip to New York City for Blandine Saint-Preux. She reserved a suite at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel (where the future bride's favorite movie, "Coming to America," was filmed) and arranged for Saint-Preux to receive a note from a contestant on her favorite reality show, "The Biggest Loser." After Augustin proposed (and got a yes), the happy couple went downstairs and found 15 friends and family members in the lobby, all flown in by Augustin for a celebratory night on the town.

"To know all the work that went behind it, it just made it that much more great," says newly-engaged Saint-Preux.

Augustin says the entire event cost him a little over $2,000--and that's not including the three-stone, two-carat diamond ring. Starting with $250 for a basic two-hour consultation, Jones says the ultimate cost depends on what the guy wants to do. "When I ask men what their budget is, a lot of times they'll go, ‘I don't know — it depends on how cool it is,'" she says. "If it involves a sports car and a trip here, then they'll go up a little bit."

Proposal planners point out that they're not providing the ideas, but rather "guiding" or "facilitating" the process.

"If you talk to people in the counseling profession, they say, ‘Well, I'm not going to give you the answers, I'm going to help you come up with the answers yourself. I'm just fleshing it out,'" explains Smith. In the same vein, "we're simply helping them flesh out the proposal ideas that they may already have."

But what do the women think about their fiancés hiring for help?

"I was touched by the gesture that he'd sought help--men aren't inclined to do that," says Kimberly Fox, whose husband, Joel, consulted Bloomberg for his proposal in front of the Hope Diamond. Some guys might be ashamed to use such a service, says Kimberly, but "the only guys I know that are embarrassed now are the ones that hear about my engagement."

But for all the coordinating, there's one element that even the most comprehensive planners can't anticipate. "You should know that she's going to say yes before you ask," says Smith. "We don't guarantee yesses."

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Let's face it: Planning your proposal to the person you love can be a bit nerve-racking and confusing. There are so many questions: Where should you do it? What should you say? And if you've proposed once before, you'll most likely have a few more questions to add to the list. Oftentimes the hardest part is just knowing where and how to begin. So we've asked Jenifour Jones, founder of Go Get It Events, a custom event-planning business, to give us some tips. "Most of my proposals are second marriages," says Jones. "They're with the person they feel that they're meant to be with. They're so in love and really want to have a great proposal story." For years, she's made dreams come true for those looking for memorable proposals. And to help you get started, she weighs in on some standard dos and don'ts for proposing the second time around.

DON'T think that there's some sort of higher standard for your second proposal. "The same rules apply as the first marriage," says Jones. "Make it unique to your partner and your relationship."

DO make your proposal as personal as possible. "Having a fun or even gimmicky proposal is fine if that fits your individual personalities, but just make sure that when the time comes for the actual asking, you speak from your heart. Tell the person why you want to spend the rest of your life with them and what they mean to you," urges Jones.

DON'T read about other proposals and try to imitate them because they were successful. Searching outside of your relationship for inspiration on what will work for yours is never a good idea. "Each relationship has a whole history complete with past memories, inside jokes, and special moments," says Jones. Those are the makings of a great proposal plan, not anything else you'll find.

DO keep the moment between you and your partner. The moment is yours and yours alone, so it's best to keep your family out of it. If including your loved ones is important to you, Jones recommends "having the family meet up after the proposal" as a great way to share that special moment. But she cautions that as a courtesy, you should "ask your partner before your family gets there."

DON'T try too hard to mask your intentions. Jones says that in her experience, many men are "obsessed with 'tricking' the woman into thinking they're not going to propose." This is absolutely unnecessary, and it could in fact backfire in unexpected ways. "What [these men] fail to see is that the anticipation is 85 percent of the fun," says Jones. "If the woman knows that you may propose at the end of a scavenger hunt, a mysterious trip, a series of clues, etc. but doesn't know what's going to happen around each corner, it makes the whole proposal event so exciting!"

DO avoid listening to other people's advice on how you should propose. Everyone will have their opinion, but it's your moment. Jones warns that there's one piece of advice you should listen to though: "Don't put the ring in food or drinks!" Not only will it get messy, but if you're not careful, you could damage or lose the ring. Otherwise, Jones says, "It's your day and your moment, so do what you want to do!"

DON'T feel the need to ask your partner's children for permission or approval. It sounds respectful, but it can actually become more emotionally complicated than it should. "That would start a whole series of 'asking' children permission for your personal life," says Jones. So if your partner has children, it's best to let them tell their kids.

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Having all of our family, friends, and even our dogs, celebrate the best day ever with us was such an incredible gift. Being able to have fourteen of my closest friends as bridesmaids was icing on the cake.
Our wedding coordinator, Jenifour Jones of Go Get It Events, was by my side throughout the wedding process, making our wedding creative, classy and unique. She even hired Louisville Photo Booth, which was a fabulous hit at the reception leaving us with memories for years to come.

When Juneau, Alaska, resident JR Gates, a 25-year-old job bidder for an electric company, proposed to Rachel Phillips, his longtime girlfriend from Rock Springs, Wyoming, he went all out.

He flew her from Juneau in his Cessna 172 Taildragger to Eagle Beach, Alaska--a quiet, sandy beach nearby. After landing, the two ventured out to explore and "happened upon" a table, two chairs, and a pot of boiling water over a fire. Moments later, two scuba divers emerged from the ocean, carrying dry bags filled with a tablecloth, china settings for two, candles, music and the evening's meal--ready to heat on the fire. Without saying a word, the two divers disappeared back under the sea. Gates then dropped to his knee to ask the big question.

"He says he proposed way out there so that if I said 'no' he would threaten to leave me there without a way home," says Phillips--who is now Rachel Gates. "I'm pretty sure he knew I'd say yes, [so he] really wanted something over-the-top."

For some, like JR Gates, finding the perfect, unique, romantic way to pop the question is easy--for others, it's much more difficult. Luckily, there are many places to turn to for help in executing the ideal proposal, such as event planners, high-end travel agents, and luxury tour operators.

Unique proposals require planning, intimacy and personalization. It's about creating a moment unique and customized specifically for the couple, says Jenifour Jones, founder of Go Get It Events, an event-planning company specializing in proposals, weddings and other events. She notes that her clients either know what they want and need help executing it or are so creative and romantic that they need a proposal that will exceed expectations.

In both cases, Jones starts with a consultation, finding out all the important details of the relationship, and then helps the client craft the proposal from there. "Everything is customized, because a proposal should be so personal," she says.

Pick The Right Time And Place
Whether at a private elephant camp in Thailand's Golden Triangle or near a five-star kasbah overlooking Morocco's Atlas Mountains, the backdrop of the destination proposal contributes to an unforgettable moment.

"[Morocco and Thailand] in particular are great because the traditional culture, the aesthetic and the hospitality really lend themselves to over-the-top luxury and romance," says Ashley Ganz, founder and president of Artisans of Leisure, a boutique luxury travel agency located in New York City. Prices for these customized arrangements start at $300 a person and can be incorporated into Artisans of Leisure's Romantic Thailand and Morocco tours ($14,335 and $10,420 per person, respectively, not including airfare).

Almost as important as the where is when--meaning the time of the day. Katharine Bonner, vice president of marketing at Tauck World Discovery, an upscale tour operator, suggests a sunset proposal at the end of day seven of Tauck's "Treasures of the Mediterranean" cruise. Le Ponant sails out of the Corsican port of Bonifacio in the evening, in the shadow of an ancient fortress high on a bluff, while guests sip Champagne to the sound of classical music. Priced at $6,790 per person, excluding airfare, the 13-day cruise offers a full itinerary of memorable sights, such as Provence, Monte Carlo, Nice, Malta and Sicily.

For those looking to stay a little closer to home, Scott Corridan, president and executive producer of Corridan and Company Design Studios, a California-based celebrity wedding and event planning agency, recommends a sunset trail ride at one of the magnificent ranches in Santa Barbara County, Calif., such as Alisal Ranch, Sedgwick Ranch, El Capitan Ranch, and Ojai Valley Inn & Spa's Equestrian Center. He emphasizes the privacy and the isolation of the ride, with picturesque hilltops, creeks, and riverbeds--and the adventure in getting to the proposal spot.

For each occasion, Corridan works with the client to customize the ambiance--from catered picnics with Champagne to open-campfire barbeques. "As the sun begins its descent and the candlelight is aflutter, to find the engagement ring on the horse's martingale, or tucked into a picnic basket next to the Champagne flute--all make for a memorable, not-done-before ask," he says. These trail rides can cost anywhere from $600 to $10,000 depending on the property, catering choices and any additional add-ons.

Set The Scene
A beautiful body of water or an aerial view of the world below also sets the scene for romance. Corridan recommends chartering a boat from the Santa Barbara Marina--a schooner or a 1940s/1950s old-school trawler with a crew--out to the Channel Islands, preferably during the middle of summer or winter in order to catch the whales migrating between the Gulf of Alaska and Baja, Calif.

All the details play a part--oil lanterns, Champagne, the backdrop of the islands' coves and, most importantly, a fishnet that's hoisted over the side of the boat to bring up the ring box for the big-question moment. Prices range between $1,600 and $10,000 depending on the length of the ride, food and beverage choices, and added amenities.

If you'd prefer to propose by air rather than by sea, try a hot-air-balloon ride to the special location. Connie Majors, manager of leisure travel at Linden Travel, a New York-based travel agency, suggests a late-afternoon hot-air-balloon ride through Burgundy, France with aerial views of the medieval market towns, farms and vineyards. End at the Chateau de la Rochepot, a 14th-century cliff-top castle, for a private candle-lit dinner. A five-day hot-air-balloon tour through Burgundy starts at $7,800 per person.

No matter what you settle on, however, Corridan has one major piece of advice for the big proposal: "Put your signature on it."

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Jenifour Jones was interviewed by the New York Times regarding her clients' marriage proposals. Mr. Richard Heyderman of New York City and Mrs. Elaine Pursey of Berkshire, England both recount their memorable and magical experiences.

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"Every person I surprise says, 'I felt like I was in a movie!' or feel 'I feel like I'm in a dream!" notes Jenifour Jones, the founder of Go Get It, an event-planning company that specializes in carefully choreographed proposals. An actress and former film producer, Jones executes her customizable concepts with cinematic flair, tapping an international network of actors, musicians, decorators, event planners and security guards to make the magic happen anywhere in the world.

For one hopeful groom, she arranged a chauffeured-limousine scavenger hunt in New York City, with clues ranging from a note in an empty box of Krispy Kremes (the would-be bride's favorite treat) to a love letter delivered on an ice rink. Jones does simple and sweet too, like a walk through a favorite park that ends with a surprise table set for two.

Jones helps boyfriends recollect the little things belonging only to their relationship-memorable kisses, trips and inside jokes, as well as the girlfriends' favorite foods, movies and places- before crafting a plan. "I'm here to be the female mind and to guide the guy," she says, incorporating all the details that "women tend to love but men sometimes skip."

Are you ready to propose to your beloved, but not quite sure where to start? Enjoy a few special tips from an expert. Jenifour "Jeni4" Jones, founder of GoGetIt.org, specializes in helping couples with design proposals with a 'Wow!' factor, but knows that, no matter what the situation is when the question is popped, it's all about sticking to the basics!

Advises Jeni4:

Think about what THEIR perfect proposal would be (not yours!). If your dream proposal would be during your favorite teams soccer game, but your lovers would be while horseback riding in Malibu, go the Horseback route- not your own! You can't imagine how many people tell me their fiancé proposed to them in a way that the FIANCE would have wanted, and not the other way around!

Stay away from the clichés! Forget airplanes and jumbotrons - I don't know whoever thought that was romantic anyway? I think people tend to do those thing b/c they are GRAND - and while Grand is certainly good- you should make your GRAND gesture unique and personalized.

Make the proposal as personalized as possible. The proposal is all about him or all about her anyway right? You will make it memorable by making it personal. Think of what you lover likes to do or where you met or their favorite movie and then implement those things into the proposal. Are they fun and wild? Then maybe a fun filled activity or grand gesture is something that they would love? Are they more reserved? Then maybe a simple and ultra romantic proposal would be best.

Make it from the heart. While all the things surrounding the proposal can be fun, grand, adventurous, etc, when you actually ask for their hand, tell them WHY you want to spend your life with them. I think this is THE MOST important part of a proposal but a step often overlooked. Before you get to the "will you marry me" line, tell your partner why you love them, what they mean to you, what you hope your life together will be. I promise you- when you speak from the heart like this-they will be in tears.

Get help. I am not just saying this to toot my own horn, but if your proposal involves locations, time frames, activities outdoors, clues, decorations, etc. please do not try to do it all yourself. There are professional companies, like my own, which specialize in making your marriage proposal perfect, unique and flawless. These companies do not want you to worry about anything but asking. If you can not hire someone, then ask your family and friends for their help. You will be very happy you did!

Do not propose in front of family members. Why, oh why, do people think this is romantic or appropriate for a proposal? Most people I know that were proposed to like this WISHES that it would have happened without good old mom and pop right there, watching. You do not normally include your family in your romantic activities (I hope) so why would a proposal be any different. They will be at the wedding- that is enough. Alternatively, proposing in front of strangers is completely fine (on an ice skating rink, in times square, on top of Eiffel tower, etc). The strangers will never see you again and are happy enough to clap for 4 seconds and move along.

Special thanks to Jenifour of GoGetIt.org for her professional insights! Photo credit: GoGetIt.org

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The Expert Proposal

Don't be ashamed to enlist a little help. New companies like Go Get It (GoGetIt.org) will create an ultra-romantic, perfectly personalized, and elaborate proposal -- for a fee, of course. The bigger you dream, the better (your own Broadway play, or a Hollywood paparazzi adventure).

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Who needs the Neiman Marcus holiday look-book when you've got local vendors who offer an array of items

Among "The Buzz's" faves:

Louisville native Jenifour Jones will create the perfect moment, like a wedding proposal, anniversary or birthday surprise, or find a super-special gift, like a custom-written song or turn your favorite song into art ($3,900).

The cost? Prices vary for the gifts, but moments usually run from $800 to $2,500 and up. Go to http://www.gogetit.org

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Angelenos can call a chauffer for their sheepdog, get gourmet grub for a getaway or hire a hairdresser who makes house calls.

They can also "Rent a Husband" for chores or get their own "Girl Friday."

They know that not everyone living in La-La land can be a movie star. But Angelenos can be treated like one of they have a telephone and a credit card.

The city's overworked and well-heeled residents have created a booming market for a service industry that goes far beyond what can be found in Sacramento or many other parts of the country.

"You have the movie industry, a constantly growing city and one of the richest cities in the United States," said Lisa Ristorucci, founder of Gofer Girls, an errand service. It's a city wrapped up in looks, what's new and trendy and hip. And we happen to be that right now."

With her company, customers can have their cake ordered, delivered and eat it, too. Ordinary Angelenos can act like any Hollywood big wig by hiring a personal assistant for $37 an hour through "I need an Assistant." Or they can conjure up a romantic getaway or over-the-top wedding proposal with "Go Get It Events."

"I build them what will be one of the most important moments on their relationship," said Go Get It Events founder Jenifour Jones.

With operations in several cities, Jones staged a play for one Prince Charming, who appeared as a character in a frog suit and popped the question to his bride-to-be. Jones swooped another bride-to-be off for a day of pampering and delivered her to the beach at sunset for her suitor's proposal. And she developed an elaborate mystery day for a detective novel fan, complete with a shopping spree for a new "disguise."

"It makes you feel good when someone calls you afterwards and says, 'This was one of the most magical nights of my life,'"Jones said.

Also mentioned:
Lady Wingmen
La Girl Friday
SkyMeals Gourmet treats
Pet Taxi
Katsumi Kasai
Joseph Mattucci
Rent-A-Husband
Mint Lifestyle Concierge

While we've become blasé' about the excesses of celebrity courtship, a dentist in love can still make our hearts swoon. Well, one in particular, Dr. Kevin Sands of Beverly Hills, "dentist to the stars," who retained an event-planning company called Go Get It To win his fiancé's hand.

Dr. Kevin Sands appeared to have it all--a hugely successful dental practice in Beverly Hills, a home in Beverly Hills, a dream sports car, and a beautiful girlfriend, Alana.

The always ambitious dentist wanted more: he wanted Alana to be his wife. And what Kevin wants, Kevin gets, with style!

First, he bought a drop dead gorgeous Harry Winston diamond. Next, he booked a bungalow at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

And most importantly, he contacted Go Get It Events to orchestrate one of their famous fantasy proposals for him.

The only catch- could they do it in 5 days?

The answer: of course they could! At the initial consultation Kevin instructed Go Get It to, "make it good- no- not just good- this better be the coolest thing we've ever done." Jenifour, Go Get It's founder, sprang into action, creating one of the most enchanting and romantic evenings of Alana's life.

Alana's proposal day began at the Christopher McMillan Salon in Beverly Hills where she worked as a stylist. Go Get It employed 3 different actors to play delivery persons. Each dropped off a funny, romantic, and mysterious clue. The last clue came complete with a camera man and a picture of her beloved puppies telling her to go outside to the awaiting limo.

In the limo, Alana received the first of 5 romantic CD clues, bringing tears to her eyes. Those tears quickly dried as she realized her first stop was a shopping spree at Fred Segal's on Melrose. Once inside, Alana chose a brand new dress, shoes and shawl to wear for the evening. On to the next stop: manicure and pedicure and a makeover in Beverly Hills.

At each location, Alana received tantalizing audio clues and meaningful gifts from Kevin. Feeling beautiful and fresh from all of this pampering, a tearful (again!) Alana was anxious to find her sweetie.

Meanwhile, Go Get It's team of coordinators were with a nervous Kevin at the beach awaiting Alana's arrival. Jenifour and her team were onsite to calm his nerves and prepare the setting. At sunset, Alana arrived in Santa Monica dying to find her adoring boyfriend, exclaiming, "whoever has done this for me, is so incredibly sweet!" Alana followed a long trail of red roses from the sidewalk to the surf where Kevin was waiting, ring in hand. After embracing and laughing, Kevin proposed at sunset.

And of course, she said Yes!

Last year a man visited gogetit.org to hire a planning company to produce an entire mock Broadway show where the performers and audience members alike were actors. Near climax of the play, the man called his girlfriend on stage, took of a disguise, and asked for her hand in marriage. Gogetit.org can satisfy your wildest ideas for a unique wedding proposal, an unforgettable surprise party, or a monumental anniversary celebration. Give your special loved ones a once-in-a-lifetime experience they will talk about for years to come. -JC

For Alex Hamerman's proposal to his girlfriend, Gigi Gartner, Go Get It (gogetit.org), an upscale special-events company, staged a phony off-Broadway play based on the classic "The Frog Prince." At the theater, Gigi was picked from the crowed to "participate" in the show. While on stage, she realized that "the frog" was actually Alex, who then presented her with a diamond ring. Sometimes fairy tales do come true!

While on vacation in New York City last year, Alex Hamerman of Dallas, TX, delighted his longtime girlfriend Gigi by announcing he'd scored impossible-to-get tickets to a little-known, sold-out new musical, Finding Prince Charming, produced by Gigi's favorite celebrity, Dr. Phil. At the play, lightning seemed to strike yet again when, of all people, Gigi was picked to go up onto the stage during an audience-participation part of the show.

Up in front of the audience, the tickled Southerner was told to kiss a costumed frog character in order to transform it into a prince. As it turned out, this was a frog with an agenda: "Marry me," he croaked. Guess who'd snuck out of his seat in order to play the part of the frog?

Creating a faux Off-Broadway play (complete with complicit actors and fake playbills - there is no Dr. Phil musical, alas) with only a few weeks' notice isn't something any mere mortal could do on his own, unless, like Hamerman, he had help from Go Get It, a company that specializes in using creative approaches to orchestrate the nearly impossible, whether it be for a birthday, a proposal, or to redeem yourself (there's a special "Dog House Checkout" package just for these occasions).

Your wish is the Go Get It folk's nine-to-five.

"It's Punk'd mixed with Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," says Jenifour Jones, the 27-year-old former film producer who runs the company.

"I just like to make people very, very happy by giving them one of the most fun, romantic, or sexy nights of their life."

Jones is something of a concierge - or fairy godmother - for people with wild imaginations. Want a James Bond-inspired car chase to liven up a birthday party? Jones has arranged that. In one case, a doting husband arranged for an entire Casablanca-themed evening to celebrate his anniversary, complete with love letters from "Rick" (Bogart's character) and fly-by-night hotel check-ins.

Sometimes, the most valuable present is an experience that will never be forgotten. As for Jones, she's thrilled to be a part of it all. "People hire me to give their loved ones the best night of their life," she says.

And that's exactly what she does.

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Louisville native Jenifour Jones is making waves on both coasts with her elaborate event-planning business, Go Get It

"Fantasy-planning" is probably a better description.

Jones, 27, stages imaginative wedding proposals, birthday parties and such that are part fairy tale, part scavenger hunt and wholly unforgettable.

"Our goal is to give someone the best night of their life," Jones said.

Men account for 80 percent of Jones' business, which is based in New York and Los Angeles -- and now Louisville. Most of them are trying to make their wedding proposal as romantic and memorable as possible.

It works.

Actress Ashley Palmer's boyfriend conspired with Jones to indulge Palmer's fantasy of being a movie star -- with paparazzi, limousines, a Beverly Hills manicure and a marriage proposal at sunset on a beach.

"The most impressive thing was the attention to detail and how perfectly it was geared to my interests and relationship," said Palmer, 27, of Los Angeles. "Every detail was personalized with history from our relationship and all of it narrated by my boyfriend's voice on a CD."

One guy (not Palmer's fiance) hired Jones to create a faux off-Broadway play -- with real tickets, a real Playbill and 150 actors to play the cast and audience. The theme was "The Frog Prince," his girlfriend's favorite fairy tale.

During the performance, the fellow sneaked backstage and donned a frog costume. When the girlfriend was invited to kiss the amphibian, he doffed his froggy head and popped the question.

"She was completely blown away," Jones said. "Screaming and crying and everything."

The stunt earned a mention in Time magazine last fall.

Later this month, Jones is scheduled to appear on Fox News' "Your World With Neil Cavuto." (She was bumped off the show a few weeks back due to breaking news.)

A graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, Jones majored in acting and TV/film production at Emerson College in Boston. She moved to Los Angeles, found a little work in indie films but found her calling back in Louisville.

Jones celebrated an ex-boyfriend's birthday by planting a series of coy clues that led him around the city and finally to Bowman Field, where he boarded an airplane that flew him back to where he started -- for dinner at Le Relais.

"My friends were like, 'You have GOT to start doing this as a business,' " Jones said.

Four years ago, after filming a romantic comedy called "Breaking and Entering," Jones and a friend, Kathryn Foreman, launched Go Get It -- Jones in L.A., Foreman in New York.

Foreman left the company in October, so Jones runs the show on both coasts now.

"I live mostly in New York," she said. "But my car, my furniture and my boyfriend are in L.A."

Jones added another address this year -- an office in Louisville.

Jones is better at asking questions than answering them. She pumps new clients for personal details -- When did you fall in love? Where was your first date? -- to make their experience as customized as possible.

The result is an evening so memorable that other special occasions don't seem quite as special anymore.

"One woman wrote and said, 'I'm a little depressed because I know I'll never have another birthday like that,' " Jones recalled. " 'It was the most magical experience of my life.' "

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Say you've been dating this very special girl for a very long time.

Her friends are bugging you to take the next step already. Your friends are wondering if, by reason of some personal shortcoming you're not confiding, you'd rather cut bait. Even her father is scratching his head over why you're such a wuss.

Say you want to pop the question, but you want it to be memorable. And you don't want to mess it up.

Call Jenifour Jones and put one of the most intimate moments of your life into her hands. She's the head dreamweaver for an outfit called Go Get It and she'll plan your marriage proposal right down to the dwarf in the leprechaun costume who parachutes into the javelina luau on the 100-foot yacht anchored off the coast of the Canary Islands to deliver the engagement ring. If that's what you want. And can finance.

"My company does what no company has ever done before," Jones says. "We give people the feeling they're in a dream."

The most outrageous marriage proposal Jones cooked up was for visitors to New York City. She booked an off-Broadway theater, hired 150 actors to play audience members and ushers, printed up phony playbills and put on a sham play, which climaxed with the line, "Will you marry me?"

The answer was yes.

Jones said she interviews groom wannabes and sometimes the potential bride's friends in order to customize the proposal.

"Guys and girls just think differently and because I'm a woman I help show the guys what girls appreciate," Jones says. For an example, Jones conjures the image of rose petals surrounding a hot bath. To gals: romantic. To guys: cheesy. "I don't think guys are inept," Jones is quick to add. "They just don't know."

Used to be that tony hotels advertised a proposal service as part of the routine super-pampering of their customers, but now that entrepreneurs like Jones have entered the field, it's gotten more elaborate, says Marilyn Oliveira, an editor at WeddingChannel.com.

"Brides have told me this was completely something they never would have expected from their boyfriends at the time," Oliveira says. "Before this, their boyfriends never did anything romantic."

So what's next for the man with the resources to hire other people to blueprint the most personal aspects of his life? A conception planner?

Oliveira defends the less fair sex. "Maybe this is the only planning help he'll need," she says.

Let's hope. But these grooms-elect certainly have set the bar high.

Take the example of Ashley Palmer. She's a comely actress living in Los Angeles who'd been dating a lug named Chris for 135 years. (It only seemed like that long. Actually, it was 7½ years.) Chris hired Jones to plan a whiz-bang marriage proposal, and it swept Ashley off her feet.

"It played out like a fantasy," Palmer says. Jones hired actors to play paparazzi and a pretend publicist whisked her away. A make-believe celebrity magazine, with Palmer on the cover, explained the scenario: "I was about to marry a big-time film director and Chris was trying to win me back," Palmer says.

At the end of a long, wonderful charade, Chris was waiting with a diamond ring.

"I'm not supposed to know how much setting up the proposal cost," Palmer says. "Whatever it was, it was worth it. I may not have the biggest ring in town - Lord knows there's a lot of diamonds in Hollywood - but I have the biggest story."

To which she added - and these are words that ought to strike fear in the heart of any newlywed male embarking on a new, and hopefully lifelong, phase of his life: "I don't think Chris can top this."

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"Who says dreams only come true in the sappy frog-kissing tales created by over active Disney minds? Woo her (or him) with your very own fable produced by Go Get It, a firm that customizes once-in-a-lifetime event gifts for the discerning and the hard to please. A faux Broadway play written specifically for you. Or perhaps an elaborate James Bond car case? Or become the unwitting character in your own movie. Hired actors play cardrivers, FBI agents and even paparazzi who transform an ordinary day into an unforgettable and personalized escapade. Of course, these elaborate adventures come at a price. Do this and she's yours - complete with happy ending. Call 323.633.2049 or visit www.gogetit.org."

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Is It Real -- Or Is It Event Planning?

"Jenifour Jones used to devise scavenger hunts for her friends on special occasions. Now, as the founder of Go Get It -- an event-planning business that blends elements of "Punk'd" and "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" -- she orchestrates get-togethers on a much more elaborate scale.

Recently, Jones planned a special event for an unwitting guest of honor, Gigi Hamerman.

Hamerman is a serious fan of fellow Texan Dr. Phil McGraw, the tell-it-like-it-is shrink who went from being a fixture on Oprah's couch to being one of TV's most popular talk-show hosts.

It's no surprise, then, that Hamerman was floored when, during a trip to New York City with her then-boyfriend, Alex, she scored two VIP tickets to an off-Broadway play produced by none other than Dr. Phil.

Hamerman thought it was an unseemly career move for the "life strategist" doctor, but she was eager to attend nonetheless. After all, the hotel concierge who presented her with the tickets said the show was so "underground," not even Diddy could reserve seats.

Midway through the show, the actors asked for audience participation.

And just when the night couldn't get any more perfect, Hamerman was pulled onstage to play the role of a fairy princess. After shutting her eyes to kiss the frog back into a prince, she opened them to find herself before 150 audience members, all holding lit candles. And the actor disguised as a frog was -- to her utter surprise -- her boyfriend.

When Alex kneeled down, Hamerman began to sob, having finally figured out what would happen next.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the couple, but a normal day in the life of the woman who planned it. It was Jones who, after being approached by Alex, created fake playbills and tickets, rented an off-Broadway theater and hired actors to fill the audience and stage.

Jones was backstage, beaming, when Alex popped the question. "It always ends up with the woman crying," she said, describing her measure for a job well done.

Jones, 27, a former actress and film producer, launched Go Get It two years ago with a Web site, www.gogetit.org. "I didn't need much to start," she said, noting that she had the benefits of small overhead and a large pool of friends in the entertainment world.

Jones arranges more than wedding proposals; clients also come seeking private jet getaways to Jamaica for anniversaries, midnight desserts in Central Park, or birthday surprises where the man finds himself in an elaborate James Bond car chase or the woman finds herself on the cover of US Weekly and suddenly stalked by paparazzi and reporters.

"We give people the experience of being in a movie," Jones said.

Business is booming. In two years, Jones' client bookings have tripled, with three or four events a month.

One problem, Jones said, is she does not have any repeat customers, a group most service businesses rely on. After all, she said, "Your engagement is a once-in-a-lifetime experience ... you'd hope."

"Another man in New York City hired event planning agency, Go Get It to produce a faux off-Broadway play complete with a 100 planted audience members. At the climatic moment in the drama, he took off his costume disguise, brought his intended onstage and asked her to marry him. "Grooms know the proposal is going to be talked about and sighed over for the next 40 years," says Marilyn Oliveira, senior editor at the WeddingChannel.com."

"Planning monumental occasions-marriage proposals, surprise parties-calls for an extra dose of skill and imagination. One very resourceful events company, Go Get It, can orchestrate and execute elaborate functions, adventures, and romantic fantasies á deux, such as re-creating a scene from Casablanca, including actors, limos, Sam at the piano, and the proposer and his bride-to-be cast as Rick and Ilsa. Now that's rich!"

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Last month, Alex Hamerman of Dallas, TX enlisted Go Get It (a special events company) to help create the perfect New York setting for his marriage proposal to Gigi, his girlfriend of eight years.

Working together on the theme for two weeks, they created what Hamerman considered to be the "ultimate fantasy" with a very personal twist. Using the timeless fairytale, "The Frog Prince," as an underlying theme, they orchestrated a stage production where Hamerman asked for Gigi's hand in marriage after stepping out of a frog costume and transforming into her real-life prince on the New York stage.

"After waiting eight years, Alex knew that the pressure was on him to really knock his girlfriend off her feet," says Go Get It Co-founder Kathryn Foreman.

The scene was set from the moment Alex and Gigi arrived at their hotel in New York. Working closely with the concierges at the Mandarin Oriental, the company arranged for the couple to be presented with two "impossible to get" tickets to the fictitious Off-Broadway show, "Finding Prince Charming." A limo transported the couple to a small Midtown theatre, where, unbeknownst to Gigi, every element of the play was pre-arranged, from the playbill to the audience members, in order to create the setting for Alex's elaborate proposal.

After her name was drawn from a hat during the audience participation portion of the play, Gigi was ushered on stage, outfitted in a princess costume and positioned in front of the frog-costumed actor. Amongst the back-drop of a candle-lit audience, the frog was revealed to be Alex who then presented her with an exquisite diamond ring. Gigi answered "YES! YES! YES!". The audience cheered and the couple went off to celebrate their real-life "happily ever after."

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The NY Times does their obligatory Valentine's Day piece covering splashy proposals. Skywriting, an evening at The Rainbow Room, helicopter rides, and proposals at museums or concerts are just some of the ideas. The bigger the idea, the more help you need. This has spawned a cottage industry of services that provide elaborate proposals. Go Get It specializes in engagements, anniversaries, and "dog house checkout" packages designed to make your partner say yes or forgive your sins, whichever you require. Their ideas are often elaborate fantasies involving scavenger hunts across town or special themed events. But be warned, Raoul Felder, a celebrity divorce lawyer claims in the NY Times article that "the more dramatic and romantic the proposal, the quicker and angrier the divorce." We suspect him of being just a bit cynical.

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Stalled too long when your girl asked whether those jeans made her look fat? Make it up to her by letting Go Get It (www.gogetit.org) plan a "doghouse checkout" gift adventure package. The lifestyle company, based in L.A. and New York, customizes unique scavenger hunt-like events for anniversaries, birthdays, engagements and virtually any other request. Actors play cabdrivers, bartenders, delivery men and more - all to surprise (and confuse) your significant other. "Our motto is 'Great sex guaranteed,'" says co-owner Jenifour Jones.

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Everyone has that one difficult hard-to-shop for person, that person that's in need of...nothing. Although these have it alls might be pleased with yet another massage or a shiny new ring, sometimes us gift givers want to up the ante, whether it be for Christmas or just a simple show of appreciation.

Go Get It Events and Proposals, the newest craze to hit Los Angeles, is the perfect recipe for such a dilemma. Specializing in elaborate romantic adventures and extreme scavenger hunts, Go Get It transforms the school day scavenger hunts of childhood into elaborate, mysterious and glamorous adventures.

Planting clues on CD's around the city, the Go Get It directors whisk the surprised adventure recipient away from their daily lives and lead them on a meticulously planned and themed "hunt" for the ultimate prize. Whether it is a partner on bended knee ready to propose or a group of friends waiting to celebrate a birthday, each hunt is customized for the particular client and their unique situation.

Rather than formulaic hunts, every escapade is unique and tailored to meet each occasion. An "engagement hunt" might include CD clues set to romantic music, a luxury town car for transportation, stops at the beauty salon, a massage and a new dress waiting in a deluxe hotel room. Anniversaries, birthdays, breaking big news and what Go Get It appropriately terms as "Doghouse Checkout," are just a few of the infinite number of occasions that call for a gift that goes above and beyond.

It's a gift that powerful enough to propose, seduce apologize or celebrate a special occasion with. With raving feedback from previous clients, Go Get It guarantees to please and pleasantly overwhelm any recipient, no mater how difficult a task it might be. Brentwood couldn't recommend a better gift, no matter who or what it's for. For more information call (323) 633-2049 or email click here.

-Jessica Hanscom

A surprise party rarely goes off without a hitch. It's almost impossible to keep the guest of honor in the dark without someone blabbing.

And no one has a really convincing, "I-swear-I-had-no-idea," face.

But what if you knew a surprise was coming, just not the details?

At Go Get It, the surprise is not in the party, but in where it's going.

Kathryn Foreman and Jeni4 Jones, both 25, don't plan surprise parties as much as they design and develop personal "events."

Jones was visiting Louisville in July (she lives in Los Angeles, where she's pursuing an acting career) when she approached Foreman about starting a business together. The pair would personally script scavenger hunts and clue games for birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions.

"For the past couple years I had been doing these for my boyfriend and friends without realizing how much I was enjoying it," Jones said. "People were telling me I should take it more seriously."

A typical plan is a romantic scavenger hunt in which someone follows personally scripted clues taking them from one place to the next - weaving in experiences and anecdotes supplied by the boyfriend or girlfriend - culminating in a final, romantic destination.

"We have you fill out a questionnaire about the person, tell us their likes and dislikes so we can lead them around to special places," Foreman explained.

For a $200 deposit, Foreman and Jones will pitch three different ideas, from customized scavenger hunts to special dates, and then charge $50 an hour to put the plan in motion.

Recently, Foreman and Jones planned an event for a couple celebrating its 25th wedding anniversary that climaxed with the couple renewing their wedding vows.

"I felt as if I was in a romantic movie," said Ellen Robertson, a recent recipient of one of Go Get It's designed events. "My husband is such a special person and, with you, he pulled out all the stops."

Foreman and Jones are expanding their business beyond Louisville, attracting clients in L.A. and New York, where Foreman will be living shortly. But Louisville is where the women planned the first 15 occasions and they will be sure to travel back here regularly to plan even more. (You can visit their website, www.gogetit.org, for more info.)

"Even if you know something big is going to happen, you never know what's going to be next," Foreman said.

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