Written by Julianne Pitcher

Named one of America's Most Romantic Companies by Business News Daily, Westwind Balloon Company of Plymouth gives men a creative way to pop the question, literally taking proposals to new heights. With balloon rentals available in the Brighton area, the season takes place from May through the end of Oct. Each flight costs $695 for two people and lasts about an hour, depending on available landing sites and wind conditions.



Booking dozens of engagement flights each year, Scott Lorenz, president of Westwind Balloon Co., has seen engagement flights become more popular since he started flying in 1981. "With the wedding industrial complex going on now, everything in weddings is just out of control, big engagement rings and big, high-priced weddings. My daughter just got married last year, so believe me, I know all about weddings, and then some," Lorenz said.

Jack Wilson of Plymouth took his wife, Jackie Madgy of Farmington Hills, on her first balloon ride last September, and during the ride, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Madgy said, "I once told him that since I was a kid, I always wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride. I just thought it would be a really neat experience. Jack remembered that I said this, and he made it happen."

Most guys who book an engagement flight know exactly what they want to do, said Lorenz.

Lorenz said, "Sometimes, we have to help them with their vision because they will come up with stuff that we can't do, like 'fly in, pick me up at this party, and then take me away.' No, that's not going to happen."

Madgy said, "I was nervous in the beginning because I'm not a fan of heights, but once we were up and flying for about ten minutes, I started to relax. Jack then asked if I wanted some snacks that he brought. He pulled out a box of Cracker Jacks, I love Cracker Jacks, and handed it to me. I opened the box and found a large candy ring inside." At first, Madgy thought that she had just gotten a special prize in her box, until Wilson explained that the candy ring was a substitute engagement ring until she picked out a real one for herself.