Vosges True Love Stories

We love to receive letters and feedback from our customers; here are a couple of nice love messages from you.

Whilst we are in the loving mood why not view our Valentine's Day Gifts - Our tempting selection of chocolate Valentine's Day Gifts are perfect Valentine's Day Gifts for her to make a statement this year or as guys need just as much attention on Valentine's Day! Chocolate gifts for boyfriends, dad, husband or the hunk next door.

Katie & Aubrey, Madison WI
I'm a ketchup fanatic (not a chocolate fanatic...that's my husband). A couple of Christmases ago, before leaving Madison, WI for my small hometown of Homer City, PA, we exchanged presents. He got me perfume. I got him Mo's Bacon Bar. He went nuts for it.

Christmas morning at my parents house he presented me with the last gift of the day; a marriage proposal written out on six customized Heinz ketchup bottles and a ring. I cried, he cried...even my dad cried. After the excitement had died down and we had a moment together, he whispered in my ear that he knew he was doing the right thing when I had presented him with the ultimate of presents...delicious bacon covered in the best of chocolate. I like to think that I had won his heart on my own through the course of our courtship, but I know in my soul that Mo's Bacon Bar sealed the deal.

Carrie's Family, Chicago IL
I guess imagining a love story surrounding a wedding isn't very hard to do, but this is definitely not the typical story you would naturally come to think. When my mother and step-father got married a few years ago, it unexpectedly followed the death of her brother to Leukemia. The wedding was small, family only and the mood was not dark but definitely not light.

Everything went well with the service but there was still stress and tension in the air. To add to the tension and stress, the establishment hosting dinner after the service was running late and the staff ran around hectically trying to get things ready. On top of that, the beautiful array of Vosges Exotic Caramels individually wrapped to put on the tables as gifts at the dinner, where left by my sister in a car while she got her nails done. So, all I had to offer the already grieving and stressed guests was melty-looking chocolate.

Hearing all about the uniqueness of the chocolate and caramel flavors, the guests where a little scared but really wanted to try them regardless of what they looked like. So, as we all sat around a very large table waiting for our food, feeling like a mess, we began to pluck out pieces of indistinguishable candy and placed them in our mouths. Instantly we all realized that the flavor well surpassed what we saw on the surface. It was at this point that our stresses melted away with each one we ate.

These flavors engaged us and challenged our palates to a point of awakening our souls and warming our moods. We all seemed to take a collective big sigh that opened us up and we were able to have one of the most warm and loving family gatherings ever.

Kate & Anthony, Sharpsburg GA
Not only did Vosges Haut Chocolat play a part in our courting, Vosges chocolates were a crucial part of our engagement and a yummy addition to our honeymoon!

My (now) husband and I first discovered Vosges Haut Chocolat when we were dating and took frequent trips to Las Vegas. One day, we passed the Vosges store in the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace, and recognizing the name from seeing it featured on Food Network, we stopped in for just one truffle. Needless to say, we left with far more than that and now make sure to stop by each time we’re in town!

In August of 2007, he took me to Las Vegas for a weekend, and we made our usual stop at Vosges. We picked out a box of our favorite truffles (Wooloomooloo, Balsamico, and Wink of the Rabbit, just to name a few) and some new ones, then we chose our favorite bars (Barcelona and Mo’s Bacon Bar). We contemplated a box of the Gaudi truffles but decided we’d already spent enough money and would try them another time. Anthony tried and tried to talk me into buying them, but I refrained. So, we made our purchase and left with our clear plastic bag of Vosges goodies and wandered on our way to more shopping. When we stopped at boutique upstairs for me to window shop, he said, “I’ll be right back,” and left me there to dream. When he returned, he had yet another Vosges bag in his hand, but this one was more like a small paper shopping bag that I could not see thru. I assumed he bought those truffles but really thought nothing of it.

Later that evening, we had a romantic dinner and walked to the Fountains of Bellagio (my favorite place in town!), and that pesky Vosges bag was still in his hand. He said, “pick your favorite spot in front of the fountains,” and I did. He then said, “let’s ask someone to take our picture.” I stood in front of the fountains while he asked a gentleman to take our photo and handed him the camera, but when he turned around, he’d produced a jewelry box from that Vosges bag and was dropping to his knee to propose to me! Not only did we get yummy Vosges treats that day, we got engaged in front of the fountains, had the proposal captured in a photo, and I got a box of the Gaudi truffles as a final surprise after he’d used that Vosges bag to hide my ring!

We were married in November of 2008, and our honeymoon was a trip to London followed by a trans-Atlantic crossing and a weekend stay in New York City. I took Anthony to SoHo to shop, and I told him we simply had to complete our honeymoon with a trip to Vosges! We found the little purple boutique and did our usual stock up of truffles and bars, and I asked the helpful sales person when the honey truffles would be available because I’d managed to miss them the past two years. I was surprised and THRILLED to find that the Volcano Island Honey truffles were available right then, and we got a box!

So, we started our engagement with a box of the Gaudi truffles and finished our honeymoon with the wonderful Volcano Island Honey ones! Needless to say, we LOVE Vosges!

Jim & Sharon, Wausau WI
Sharon and I met when one day she walked into my jewelry store. She batted her gorgeous eyes at me and the newly divorced, pathetic loser in me suddenly had a palpitation. She walked out of the store and I said, "I'm gonna call that long-haired knockout with the great legs and ask her out!"

After one month of dates we pretty much knew it was bye bye to single life for both of us. We were nuts about each other. So, never having formally proposed, we discussed flying off to Jamaica to get married... and that's what we did. I couldn't afford to pay attention much less buy her a gorgeous ring, so I had one made with a cubic zirconium and presented that on our wedding day. It was not a pretty ring at all.

Well finally after 5 years I wanted to give Sharon the proposal she dreamed of and I never delivered. I bought a box of Vosges chocolates on a business trip to Chicago and after becoming quickly addicted to this new chocolate experience, I knew Vosges was the delivery vehicle for Sharon's new 3 carat, platinum princess diamond ring. I booked the limousine (which she had never been in), booked the finest restaurant I could find 50 miles away, and when we went out the door on our 5th anniversary to go to the local "supper club", there waited a stretch limo loaded with the Vosges ammunition.

We enjoyed champagne and the drive and I presented the box of Exotic Truffles having replaced one of them with the Real ring. Tears flowed, champagne was toasted, dinner was enjoyed and the Chocolates were the perfect appetizer as well as aphrodisiac for the evening.

Today, it's all about the phenomenal drinking chocolates and the dark chocolate truffles. When friends of ours present us with boxes of chocolates from their local candy maker, we just laugh inside because Sharon and I live in a completely different world. A world that knows a whole new meaning to the world "Chocolate".

Oh, and our marriage is pretty awesome as well.

Reena & TJ, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Last year I was introduced to TJ via Facebook by mutual friends. After only a few conversations, I quickly realized that something just clicked with him. Every day we would talk about anything and everything; conversations were just easy with TJ. Our relationship remained a friendship though even four months after our initial introduction for the simple fact we still hadn't met. TJ lives in the U.S.; I live in Canada.

One Thursday morning I got a message from TJ. He was so excited for his trip to Chicago for the weekend, even sending me the link to the swanky hotel he was staying at. Since TJ's birthday was that coming Sunday, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to try and send him something. It was too late to go out and buy an item to send by courier, so I went online.

I'm a big believer in having something sweet on your birthday, so my online search basically consisted of chocolate shops (being a self-professed chocoholic, it was only natural). I wasn't looking for any run-of-the-mill truffle box, I wanted something unique. And I found it. I came across the Vosges website and saw the Flying Chocolate Pig. It was PERFECT! Considering I needed it to arrive at TJ's hotel the next day, I thought it best to call Vosges. The representative, who's name I unfortunately forgot, was incredibly helpful. He told me all about the pig and truffles I wanted to order, which left me more assured that this will in fact be a fantastic gift. Arrangements for a local courier to deliver the following day were also made.

The next day after confirming with Vosges that the gift arrived at the hotel, I sent TJ a text message letting him know a birthday surprise was waiting for him at the concierge desk. TJ texted back with the unfortunate news: he and his friends were now staying at a different hotel. Luckily the new hotel was a close walk from where the chocolates were delivered, so the next day TJ went and picked up his package. Upon opening the box, TJ called me. He was absolutely ecstatic! The chocolates, he told me, were packaged beautifully. And the Flying Chocolate Pig? He was over the moon! This lead TJ to say, "I have to meet you now."

A month later TJ came to visit me and we just clicked. Seven months and several trips later, we're together in a committed relationship falling more and more in love each day. Vosges will always be an integral part of our relationship, because if it weren't for that pig we wouldn't be where we are today. I will never again underestimate the power of bacon and chocolate.

Jen & her Boys, Chicago IL
I am such a huge fan! Back in the day I would sneak away from my job at the CSO and head to the Peninsula for your chocolate truffles and bars. Secretly I coveted the purple purse with the secret compartments for your chocolate stash!! (Still do!!) So when I became pregnant while living at Plaza 440, I would escapeto the North Bridge location for my Biancas (my justification was the caffeine free indulgence soothed my queasy stomach... so I had to go every other day, right?!!)

As the big day approached, all my girlfriends suggested I peruse the Tiffany catalog for husband's thank you gift. A necklace, ring, new bracelet? Nope. I had one request... I want Veuve Cliquot & Vosges as my post delivery treat. Save your baubles... I want my champagne & chocolate! Lo & behold Oct. 29, 2003 I had a gorgeous baby boy named Jack and an enormous box of truffles with my bubbly. Worth it? Absolutely!

Repeat Dec. 7, 2005 when I had my second Chaz. And to this day I feel this sense of decadence and delight when buying my Vosges. I give it as gifts, as thank yous, as treats and as my own special getaway where I can treat myself without remorse. I can indulge in Vosges knowing that I am supporting a woman owned business that focuses on organic products and charitable contributions as much as the bottom line. Trust me, I have forever ditched my blue box in favor of purple!

Janalee & Family, Milwaukie OR
My husband and I are desperately in love. Our anniversaries have always been extra special, even when time and money have been scarce. One such year, our work and school schedules conflicted so that we would not even catch a glimpse of each other on our special day. My husband found a way to make it memorable despite. When I arrived home that night, I found a bottle of the cheapest champagne and a small bag of M&M's tied to its neck with plain string. A note read:

"Because our love always deserves champagne and chocolates..."

The romance that still stirs so deeply in our hearts has been fueled far more by countless precious gestures than extravagant gifts. And this has been especially true since having children. For us, a single rose on the family dinner table, a clinking of milk cups, bare feet, and candlelight have been essential elements of our fondest occasions.

Inevitably, the years of home renovation nightmares, school schedules, and problem pets accumulated. It was getting harder to embrace those magical moments, even if we were tracing sweet nothings in the plaster dust. So, once upon a time, this busy, happy family wished for a tad more enchantment. Our wish came true, and it all started with Vosges...

It was April, 2005--the month of our fourteenth wedding anniversary. I racked my brain to come up with that meaningful little something that would honor how far we had come together. Thinking back more than a decade to that sweet little bag of M&M's, I set upon an internet search for a box of chocolates that could rival the depth and richness of our devotion. There, before my eyes, the stylized pages of Vosges undraped. Each truffle description was a seduction. I could only imagine how teasingly the chocolate would release its heady, captive spices. I purchased the 16 Piece Exotic Truffle Collection, and the anticipation of sharing it with my family made me positively giddy. I felt inspired to add a little more to our celebration.

I had once read a review about The Mallory, an old hotel in downtown Portland. I was charmed by the description of a forgotten jewel in the heart of the city, and had always wanted to explore it. On a whim, I called and booked a room--for four--and for just one night. Would it be possible, somehow, to squeeze in a romantic getaway between chores and weekend projects with children underfoot? Armed with that extraordinary box of chocolates, I was willing to give it a shot.

The night of our escape, I asked our kids to remind me which games they had wanted to play with us recently. I packed them all in the car. Then we dressed for dinner, yes even with shoes on our feet, and set out. We were thrilled to find the hotel exactly as it was described. When we whooshed through the heavy glass doors it was like taking a step out of time, and we left the busy world behind.

Our room was perfect. Beds with layers of fluff awaited, simply begging for pillow fights and blanket wrestling. We ventured down for an impeccable meal in the dining room, then explored the quirky, dignified hallways with great curiosity. Back in our room, ensconced in the warm-aged tones of the walls, our pleasures seemed protected, as if we were cavorting within a treasured sepia photograph.

Then, at last, came the chocolate. We read the descriptions aloud and marveled at how far each flavor had traveled just to burst in our mouths. As if cutting diamonds, we carefully sliced each truffle into four quarters and savored it together. The evening was simply unforgettable. Indeed, there was no shortage of enchantment that night. It was the perfect family romance all wrapped up in a purple satin bow.

We feel so fortunate to have seized that dream. Of course, the next year we all wanted to go back again. Sadly, we learned that the hotel had been closed down for renovation, and would not reopen until some time after our anniversary, with all new and improved vintage Hollywood glamour themes. That humble, timeless elegance, like a secret the Mallory whispered to those who would listen, was gone forever.

The new hotel is stunning, but our memories are too precious to be colorized like a classic film strip. And so many other perfect little adventures await... Just please pass the Vosges!

Kristin & Tim, New York NY
On December 30th, the love of my life Tim O'Shea asked me to marry him. We were in Sun Valley, Idaho and it was the most beautiful day, bright sunshine and crystal clear skies. We were riding up the chairlift after we had just skied our favorite powder run and he pulls the most gorgeous diamond platinum ring out of his ski parka and asks me to marry him. I could hardly contain myself and almost fell off the lift!

I said yes after I caught my breath and we celebrated by drinking Vosges Aztec Elixir Couture Cocoa and sitting in the hot tub after an excellent day of hard skiing. Tim knows my favorite thing in the world is deep, dark chocolate and anything spicy. He had the Vosges Mini Dark Exotic Candy Bar Library stashed away for me in the freezer (my favorite way to enjoy them icy cold with a glass of red wine or champagne) as well as one of the new Organic Enchanted Mushroom bars (knowing my commitment to yoga and organic products.)

He brought out the chocolates as a special after dinner treat. Vosges is the best aphrodisiac and it made our engagement day so very special. I am thrilled I've discovered Vosges and I know what gifts I'm giving to all of my wedding guests next December at our winter wedding Dec. 19, 2009 in Sun Valley, Idaho at the River Run ski lodge.

Amy & Kenneth, Cerritos, CA
In my life I have always had a love affair with chocolate, but as strong as my passion is for chocolate nothing compares to the love I have for my fiancé Kenneth. We have been in a long distance relationship for over four years now, even though it can be hard with him living in Northern Virginia and I in Southern California, when we get time to spend together in person we make the most of it. February 2008 was one of these times, and besides chocolate being involved much more was in store for us as well.

They say a way to a man’s heart is through is stomach, and I find this saying all to much to be true. I have been an avid follower of Vosges Haut-Chocolat for a few years now. When I came across Mo's Bacon Bar, I knew I had to share it with my boyfriend and family. I did so and they all have become addicted to the salty sweet goodness.

My boyfriend was coming for a visit for Valentine’s Day and I knew I must somehow use Vosges in my culinary experimentation for a new breakfast recipe. He is a very picky about breakfast, not liking eggs, so that always it tossed out the window as an option. I started going through my stash of Vosges Chocolate bars. What is more Valentine’s Day than chocolate?! I knew then that nothing would be more perfect then to use his favorite bar of chocolate in pancakes.

I chopped up my trusty Mo's Bacon Bar and created my fluffy bacon chocolate cakes of goodness. To go along with such an awesome pancake, there needed to be an equally awesome topping. Again Vosges to the rescue! I grabbed a Woolloomooloo Exotic Candy Bar, melted it and tinkered with it until I had a lovely chocolate cream syrup sauce. Now would come the true taste test.

The first thing he said when I brought him the lovely creation was, "What? No bacon?" I told him he just had to try it… he did and LOVED IT! He was so surprised by the use of the bacon and Woolloomooloo bars. But, I was the one in for a big surprise in the days following. He had been snacking on my stash of chocolate bars for the week of his visit. Not that a blame him, Vosges addiction is very hard to stop, but I couldn't understand why he was so adamant about me not going near the open Mo's Bacon Bar he had brought with us up our trip up the coast.

We had a lovely lunch and decided to go sit on a bench to watch the ocean. Only then did he pull the Mo's Bacon Bar from his jacket and asked if I wanted an after lunch treat. Finally! And there, placed inside the half eaten bar wrapper was an engagement ring! It was the perfect setting with the man I loved and chocolate. Truly, what more could a girl ask for?

I said yes, of course, and we are planning a Spring wedding next year, with Vosges wedding favors. After February of 2008 we both love Vosges even more, and we will never forget our adventures in the culinary temptation of pancakes spiked with your haut-chocolat, and the special treasure that lay hidden inside its wrapper. Now every time I open up a Mo's Bacon Bar whether it’s to make our special pancakes, or just as a treat, I can’t help but smile.

Valerie Shares Her Mother's Story
My once-upon-a-love story began in the mid 1960's with my first trip to Europe. It was a time of wonder & delight for seven of us from an all women's Catholic College. They say a whiff of fragrance can spur a reverie. For me it is a whiff of chocolate… 
That tour of Europe turned into a holiday of the heart for I fell in love with a pair of eyes the color of robin's eggs.

In my 60's now, my youngest daughter Valerie, born in Switzerland, suggested I send my story to you. It is an opportune time I suppose. What could be better as we nestle into these snow-bound days, replete with only the best mugs of hot chocolate & Zingerman's home-made marshmallows than to unpack memories?
 
Nostalgia has its own sort of whimsy as my mind goes back. Doesn't everyone worry those scenes will diminish before they are put to paper?

v I married my blue-eyed Frenchman and lived abroad for 14 years in a French canton in Switzerland, the land of milk and chocolate. The charming patisseries & tea rooms with their dark, rich ambience called out to me like the siren's song as I strolled lazily through small villages & towns and those exquisite molded chocolates were so unlike anything I'd experienced in my homeland.
 
 On visits to my in-laws I was introduced to another unheard of surprise. "Pain au chocolate"! On the beach of St. Lunaire in Brittany, my sister-in-law Annyck would call the children away from their "discovery excursions" at low tide. My oldest daughter, Chantal, and her four older boy cousins would drop their shrimp nets and run squealing delightedly over to us as we sat on the cornflower blue sheet spread on the sand. Petit pain au chocolate was eagerly gobbled up by the hungry five.

My youngest, not yet a year old, played nearby in a tidal pool oblivious to the scrumptious treat. The area was private & nearly deserted. Everything was so safe. Everything was so precious. I can't help but associate those days with the taste & smell dark chocolate. Belgian, Swiss & French delights permeated that charmed episode in our lives. 
 


Chocolates, flowers & a diamond from my beloved who proposed to me with Marlowe's poem "Come Leeve weeze me & be my love" in New York City after having visited my family in Connecticut, is forever ingrained in my mind's eye. The chocolates? French of course. 
 


When my daughter discovered Vosges chocolates she simply had to introduce me to your delectable delights! Whether in the lingering light of unforgettable summers, on autumn afternoons when darkness is falling fast, in verdant spring or in my dimly lit room with crackling flames from the fireplace where one is as cozy as a chipmunk in his nest, it is always the best time for chocolate. Is it any wonder Chocolat is one of my favorite movies? Had I not met my soul mate, I'd probably be contented with Russell Stover or, heaven forbid, a Snicker's Bar. Am I being a snob? I can't help it if I am a chocolate foodie and I've no regrets whatsoever in having passed it on. Viva les Chocolat Vosges!