Stacey Asaro, founder and mastermind behind the New Orleans company Project Proposal, says, “I’ve been in the wedding business my entire life. It has developed my mindset around the ideas of love and romance.” This mindset has prepared Asaro for her new role as a marriage proposal guru. Project Proposal is designed to take all of the pressure off of your marriage proposal. When you are popping the question, it is supposed to be a romantic and loving (sometimes nerve-racking) moment, not a moment filled worrying about time or if the string quartet made it to the correct location.
Recently, LTEC had a one-on-one with Asaro to talk wedding industry and Project Proposal.
LTEC: What is your background in the wedding industry?
Stacey Asaro: I was born into the wedding industry – literally! I had a 'play pen' in my father's office, so he could keep an eye on me between coordinating first dances and cake cuttings at his wedding venue Southern Oaks Plantation. That magical backdrop propelled me toward a life and career focused on romance, and I have spent years coordinating local and destination celebrations in New Orleans.
LTEC: How did you come up with the idea for Project Proposal?
SA: I recall waking up at 3 a.m. with the idea and immediately began writing notes on my phone – where I store all of my crazy middle-of-the-night schemes. There are tons of stories I’ve heard through the years from friends and clients at Southern Oaks Plantation of botched proposals. I figured with my heritage based in weddings and romance, I would be the perfect candidate to help give the woman’s perspective on a dream proposal. Just the thought of planning a proposal puts a ton of stress on these guys, and anytime you mix stress with romance, you’re flirting with disaster. It is my dream to eliminate that stress and to help couples see their dreams come true.
LTEC: What does Project Proposal offer couples?
SA: Project Proposal is the only company in New Orleans with this type of personalized service. We work both in the city and the surrounding areas. With my background as a wedding planner, my clients will receive the inside track to the best local vendors, many of which I've worked with for years. I will help my clients avoid the common proposal day arguments because he will be confident that his plans are being executed flawlessly behind the scenes. If your girlfriend is running behind, I will make the calls and adjustments so you remain present and still enjoy the special day.
LTEC: What is the process to plan a proposal?
SA: First, it is generating ideas. When you contact Project Proposal, we’ll start by spending time with you to gather information about your tastes, style and that of your future fiancé. We’ll work with you to create a custom proposal idea that’s tailored to the bride-to-be’s personality. If you already have an idea, we can help shape and refine or just coordinate the details. Next, we will set up a game plan. After we get an idea going, we’ll start planning all the specifics. First we start by creating a timeline and budget. You’ll know what we’re working on and what our schedule is the whole time. Last, is the follow through. Project Proposal oversees all the final arrangements necessary for your engagement event. We keep track of all the detail so you don’t have to.
LTEC: How far in advance should the proposer contact you?
SA: I can plan a creative, thoughtful and detailed proposal overnight! However, to secure quality vendors I recommend contacting Project Proposal one to two weeks before the actual surprise.
Stacey Asaro has truly made it her mission, with Project Proposal, to plan and execute flawless and romantic proposals. This service is unique to the city and is sure to leave lasting memories.
Project Proposal’s new website will be launching soon. You can contact Stacey to plan your dream proposal at staceya@projectproposalnola.com.
