And now for something a little different – a surprise proposal at Rip Van Winkle Gardens / Jefferson Island, complete with a flash mob! Yep, you read that correctly! A while back, my friend Jon, an amazingly talented cinematographer who created my sister’s wedding video almost 15 years ago, contacted me about some big plans he had. He is already engaged to his partner Damon, but he wanted to surprise Damon with his own proposal and he wanted to do it in typical, grand “Jon style.”
The surprise took place at the beautiful Rip Van Winkle Gardens in New Iberia. Originally, everything was supposed to happen outside but the weather didn’t cooperate and it was moved indoors. Damon arrived, blindfolded, by limo and was escorted to the venue space by his daughter Emmie and Jon. Jon had set up a giant screen in the middle of the room and 3 chairs for them. I just love Emmie’s face while she’s walking with her dad and then while she’s watching him see his surprise!
Once the blindfold was removed, a slideshow of the three of them began and suddenly, a group of beautiful lyrical dancers ran out and began performing for them. After a few minutes, they grabbed Jon and Emmie, who began a choreographed dance of their own. Jon then knelt down and presented Emmie with her own little ring. Suddenly there was a pop of petals from either side of the screen, the screen collapsed and revealed all of their closest family and friends performing a choreographed flash mob together! Just look at Damon’s face when he saw all of this! Jon and Emmie then ran up to Damon, Jon went down on one knee and proposed to Damon. It was such a special moment and I’m so grateful Amanda and I got to be a part of it, especially after knowing Jon for so long!
After all of this and some portrait time, they partied the night away with all of their family and friends. Can you just imagine how amazing the wedding will be if this is just the engagement party?! Jon tells me it will be a huge affair and I don’t doubt it for a second!
Congratulations Jon and Damon!!
