A Bainbridge couple who got engaged while boating on the Flint River are now in the running for a “romantic proposal” prize.

Magen Clement entered her marriage proposal by her fiancé Brian Zorn into “Bride’s Magazine’s” nationwide proposal awards contest.

Zorn’s romantic proposal was selected by a panel of judges as one of the top three most romantic proposals in the United States, and the couple are now in the running for a three-night/four-day luxury-included honeymoon to any Sandals Resort in the world. Clement said air travel is included as well as a dream wedding dress, an engagement party in Bainbridge hosted by both “Bride’s Magazine” and Waterford Crystal.

However, in order to be the top romantic proposal, members of the public need to vote by Wednesday, Jan. 19, at midnight.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us and we are excited to be able to share our story. If we are fortunate enough to walk out of this competition in the top spot, our story along the Flint River and the City of Bainbridge will have a chance of being featured nationwide in ‘Bride’s Magazine’,” Clement said.

Clement had to submit the story of Zorn proposing to her on Nov. 9, which is the following:

“A week prior to the engagement, Brian asked if I wanted to take the boat out with him to run the gas out of it so they could put it up for the winter. Not knowing much about boats, I agreed to go. I was in the process of training for a half-marathon and was looking forward to the relaxation on my day off from training. Luckily, I brought my camera along to take pictures of the beautiful Flint River that our town is so fortunate to have.

“As we approached Brian’s house (which is on the river), Brian asked me if I wanted to drive and, of course, I took the driver’s seat. Not having a clue what was really going on, I noticed what I thought was fog in front of us. The fog actually turned out to be smoke coming from the sandbar across from Brian’s house. Playing along, Brian wondered out loud if someone was camping on the sandbar. As we rounded the corner, I saw a little boat going as fast as it could across the river toward Brian’s house. At this point, I was a little confused. I noticed the campfire on the sandbar didn’t look too much like a campfire anymore.

“Still clueless as to what was going on, I drove the boat a little closer and when I finally put it all together and read ‘MARRY ME’ spelled out in wood that was lit on fire. Brian was on one knee waiting on me to turn around.

“A sandbar, of all places? That particular sandbar is somewhat symbolic for Brian and me. Brian grew up across from this sandbar and a lot of our relationship has been spent there. Almost every weekend of each summer is spent there, several memories are held there and now one particular special afternoon can be added to the list.

“The little boat high-tailing across the river it toward Brian’s house? Brian had his dad and one of his best friends help him light the wood on fire so it would be burning when I finally reached it. Clever, huh? No wonder Brian kept checking his phone the entire ride down river!

“Fortunately, I had my camera with me thanks to my love for the scenery of the Flint River. Unfortunately, I didn’t bring my camera out in time to capture ‘MARRY ME’ completely lit on fire, but I am thankful for the little bit that I was able capture.”

To vote, click the “vote” button under our story: http://proposalawards.condenastdigital.com/finalists/Romantic.