Julie Loven of Pineola is the author of “Effortless and Exquisite,” an Internet blog on which she
Julie Loven and her future husband, Tripp Polen. Photo submitted
A proposal
for all the world to see 28
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 | AAWMAG.COM
frequently posts fun and interesting topics. In November, she reported a “not so average post,” as she described her proposal that millions of television viewers witnessed on the Bethenny Frankel Show. It was one of those days, Julie says, that people remember their entire lives. “It is still extremely surreal, and I feel very blessed.” For her birthday, she and her boyfriend Tripp Polen traveled to New York City, primarily for the popular television show. “I had been chosen to go on the show and talk to Bethenny about my blog,” Julie says. Or so she thought. Little did she know that Tripp had arranged to propose to her during the production. “I was a nervous wreck,” Julie says. “I kept going over in my mind what I would say to Bethenny. I’d practiced at least a million times right up to the last minute.” Julie had a backstage dressing room, but Tripp wasn’t allowed to accompany her. “He was secretly filming a video that was played prior to our proposal and meeting with producers to go over the sequence of events,” she says. Producer Jessica Yankelunas is the perfect combination of organization and compassion, Julie says, “and can weave an elaborate scheme in a pinch; she went above and beyond to make the day special for both Tripp and me.” With a huge blister on her foot “from touring the city,” Julie could barely walk in heels as she was led to her studio seat. “I also felt like I was going to pass out from being so nervous,” she says, describing the atmosphere as “awesome,” with a fun crew, a lot of pre-show dancing and great music. “And Bethenny’s entrance was captivating. She is gorgeous.” Julie says. “She stood right beside us for a good part of the show and even sat in Tripp’s lap once. The studio was packed with energy as Bethenny worked the audience and bantered with the guests.” When Julie received her cue that she was next, she says, “I thought I was going to have a stroke.” While “furiously rehearsing in my head and not paying attention to my surroundings,” she says, she froze when Tripp appeared on the set’s jumbo screen. “I was stunned, but once he said my name, the rest was a blur.” Tripp knelt on one knee and proposed, but Julie says she really doesn’t remember it all.