After a nationwide search for the best proposal video from a JDate Success Story, we have a winner! Manhattan residents Eric LaBarre and Nina Sturtz are officially “JDate’s Top Proposal.” Former JDater® LaBarre captured their engagement on camera and the couple shared their musical proposal, “I Do Love You,” to win a seven-night vacation in the Bahamas.
Featuring a song and dance by LaBarre, the heartwarming proposal video tells the story of how the two met on JDate, and then goes on to reveal the development of their relationship leading up to the special moment. When LaBarre knew he wanted to propose to Sturtz, he recruited her best friend to help create the video and included family and friends in its production. The proposal was inspired by Sturtz’s love of musical theatre, and she calls the video “the most perfect Nina proposal ever!”
“We are thrilled to award the title of ‘JDate’s Top Proposal’ to Eric and Nina,” said Greg Liberman, CEO of Spark Networks, JDate’s owner and operator. “Eric’s creative proposal video captures their love story in song and is a true testament to the incredible relationships formed every day on JDate. And, in addition to Eric and Nina, Nina’s sister and two cousins all met their significant others on JDate, so this may be the start of a new ‘JFamily’ tradition!”
JDate’s Next Top Proposal contest was open to couples who met on JDate and captured their marriage proposals on video. Following the initial submission period, public voting narrowed down contenders to the three finalists. The winning video was then selected by JDate’s panel of experts based on criteria such as video composition and overall charm.
The 2013 contest judges were chosen based on their extensive knowledge of dating and relationships, as well as their influence within the singles community:
- eFlirt Expert and online dating coach Laurie Davis
- The Professional Wingman Thomas Edwards
- Cyber Dating Expert Julie Spira
- Dating and relationships writer Natasha Burton
- JDate’s Community Manager Rachel Seliger (that’s me!)
“Each submission was so heartfelt but ultimately Eric and Nina’s ‘I Do Love You’ was my favorite. Every love story deserves a movie moment!” said judging panelist, Laurie Davis, founder of eFlirt Expert and author of Love @ First Click: The Ultimate Guide to Online Dating.
“I found myself smiling and humming the whole way through, especially when she said, ‘Yes!’” said judge Julie Spira, online dating expert and founder of CyberDatingExpert.com.
To view all contest video submissions, visit the JDate YouTube Channel.