Thank you to everyone who entered February's Most Romantic Husband Contest! The hundreds of amazing entries we received serve as proof that chivalry and romance aren't really dead—far from it, in fact. And for that reason, this contest has certainly proved the WD judging panel’s biggest challenge. We’ve carefully narrowed down the entries (amidst an embarrassing amount of cooing and choking up) and have come out with a list of 10 romantic stories we think are the greatest testaments to lifelong love. Read about a heartwarming account of caring that transcends Alzheimer's, and watch one husband’s demonstration of undying infatuation in the form of a YouTube memory montage. To all the entrants, the WomansDay.com editors wish you many more years of marital bliss!

The Classic Proposal
After eight-and-a-half grueling years of school for my doctorate, my then boyfriend took me on a European retreat as a graduation present. Once in Paris we went to the Eiffel Tower to share some wine and watch the sunset. There, he asked two girls to take our picture, [secretly] explained [to them] what he was doing and asked them to give a count. Standing with his arm around me, the girls counted off, “One, two, three…” and on three he pulled away, dropped down to one knee and said, “Rebecca Marie, I love you. Will you marry me?” providing us with this action shot. -Rebecca Heidelberger

All Cooped Up
The sweetest thing my husband has ever done for me was to renovate a decrepit chicken coop on our property so the kids and I could raise chicks and have our own free-range eggs. My husband is a city boy who would never have hatched a plan for a flock on his own. He would much rather build from scratch than rehabilitate. Yet he spent hours shoveling stone and nailing shingles to use a structure we already had because it was important to me. That act of service is worth much more than a dozen roses! -Sarah Johnson

With Love, YouTube.com
In September, my daughter and I went to my niece’s wedding. We were gone for two weeks—a long separation for [my husband and I]. In the middle of our trip, Edward sent me a link to a YouTube video. He filmed and edited the whole thing himself. This last year I had many medical complications (heart failure, incomplete stroke, three surgeries). Through it all, Edward loved me and took care of me—and he still amazes me with his “inventive” ways of expressing his devotion!!! -Kate Trent

Three hours east of Seattle, off scenic Highway 2, a live polka band is playing in the center of a Bavarian village. The surrounding snowcapped peaks glitter like fairytale princess' tiaras, as rosy-cheeked shoppers waft in and out of storybook buildings.

Bavarian Village

Although the line between kitschy and genuine is as hazy as the steam off a hot chocolate on a crisp winter day, Leavenworth, Wash., manages to plant itself just on the fringe of accurate. The Bavarian-modeled mountain town is so carefully planned that nary has a window escaped without a decorative shutter, and you can almost imagine yourself in the Alps.

Enjoy Leavenworth's best offerings — a small, pedestrian-friendly downtown area and a nearly seamless connection to the natural world encircling it — with an easy, romantic stroll.
Waterfront Park

The town's best-kept secret is Waterfront Park, part of a park system that connects Waterfront, Blackbird Island, Enchantment Park and Leavenworth Golf Club. Wide trails meander along the banks of the Wenatchee River and through riverside forests. Interpretive signs explain what's going on around you, and there are plenty of benches for canoodling.

Since the parks are conveniently located on the backside of Leavenworth, it's possible to begin a tour from the center of town and loop back around. To enjoy an hour-long winter wander, begin by heading west on Commercial Street near its intersection with 8th Street. Walk down a steep hill toward the river; at the bottom you'll see the trail on your left. This first part of the path follows the river, but soon forks. Take a left to the ball fields or a right to cross the bridge onto Blackbird Island (Hint: take the right).
Blackbird Island