Movies can be inspirational and author Elaine Overton's favorite flick just happens to be one of mine:

My favorite romantic scene is not one I have lived or even written. It is the scene from Pretty Woman when Richard Geri's character sweeps the Julia Roberts character away to San Francisco for a night of dining and the theatre.

It was not the extravagance of the act itself (although that was nice touch) that I loved about the movie. It was the childlike anticipation in Julia Roberts's expressions. Through her character the movie watcher got to share the experience. Everything from the presentation of the diamond and ruby necklace, to the short jet ride, to the emotionally charged operatic performance. The Gere character wanted to give her a night to remember and his enjoyment seem to come from just allowing her to bask in the moment. It left the viewers with a warm, fuzzy feeling of being "happy for them."

I think this element of romantic excitement is something romance authors are constantly trying to create between our characters. And it's not enough to create chemistry between the characters, you have to do it in a way that allows the reader to experience it as well, just as the movie watcher shared Julia Roberts' experience.

The anticipation of what's next? The feeling that these two people are suppose to be together ultimately leaves the reader feeling "happy for them."  So, I guess, my idea of a romantic evening is any that leaves you walking away with that warm fuzzy feeling.