This GPS activated engagement ring box was built to accompany my wonderful girlfriend on a scavenger hunt across Italy. Unaware that the locked box contained her future engagement ring, she carried it across the country's beautiful landscape - her only clue (miles to destination) was illuminated on the box's LCD screen when activated by push button. An added challenge was that the box only allowed 50 attempts to open before it refuses access indefinitely - unless you have the override code of course ;-) The box remained sealed during her travels through Rome and Florence, until she reached a small path in Cinque Terre known as the "Walk of Love". This path marked the final leg of our proposal journey ending at a bench beneath a small tree overlooking the bluffs of Manarola. When she reached the destination, the GPS activated the servo unlocking the box to reveal the contents inside... She said yes!!! For more of the story and photos from the trip, see below!
The box was built in collaboration with Mikal Hart of the Sundial Group who made the original Reverse Geocaching Puzzle Box. He generously supplied me with the electronics and helped me troubleshoot the wiring for this custom build.
The box was made in Los Angeles, CA. It's simplistic design employs laminated walnut and was finished with tongue oil to enhance the rich grain of the wood.
The box accompanied us through Rome, Florence, parts of Pisa and the port of La Spezia before we reached our destination in Cinque Terre.
Planes, trains, and automobiles!!!! It was amazing to see her excitement every time she hit the button to see how many miles were left.
Checking for signal in Rome...
Enjoying the view in Florence
Chiara with the box... and little patience. On a few occasions, I had to convince her not to pry the box open with a butter knife. "Some surprises are worth waiting for!" I said trying not to give anything away. Thankfully, I had Chiara-proofed the box and her attempts to "crack the safe" were thwarted. Some light teasing and playful banter added to the excitement.
In truth, keeping the contents of the box a secret for two weeks proved just as difficult for me as it was for her not knowing what I was up to! And I was terrified that she would forget the box somewhere and I would have to give her the plastic stand-in ring instead. Thankfully, she sensed the box was important and wouldn't let it out of her sight. And the adventure continues...
We finally arrived in Cinque Terre!!
Chiara navigating the last few hundred feet to the proposal location. The anticipation building! After months of planning, the destination is finally in sight.
Access granted! The look on her face when she discovered the contents of the box - was simply priceless. I stammered "Will you marry me?"
The happiest moment of my life - SHE SAID YES!!
One more surprise! Hidden beneath the ring compartment was notes from her best friends and a lock with our initials engraved. We left the lock on a nearby gate overlooking the water as a token of our love.
Mechanics & Assembly
Behind the scenes.
Special thank you to my good friend Vince Pocsik of Alley 36 Collaborative for the CNC milling service! Can't wait to see his furniture line coming out soon.