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July 4th Proposal

The Idea:  After braining storming with Antonio about figuring out a way to propose to Jill we came up with this idea,  we would construct a huge ring box, build a parade float, & present it to Jill (with me inside) at the LaPorte, IN 4th of July Parade. 

The Construction:  With a TON of help from my family, construction began.  My brother-in-law Jim Hisick built the framework of the ring box (hinged top and all).  My dad cover the box in black felt and lined in the inside in red felt and my mom began work on the float.  My original idea was a bit smaller then what my family made it into. 

 

 Frame of the Ring Box

Early Float Construction

The Tuxedoes:  I then came up with the idea that my friends Ryan Woodruff and Antonio Amador and my nephew Josh Hisick should walk along side the float all dressed in tuxes (of course I would be in one too.)  Then once the float arrived at Jill's location, Ryan would bring her to the box, Josh would open it, and I would pop out and ask the big question.

Antonio, Ryan, Jim, & Josh

The Secret:  Keeping this thing a secret for months was quite the struggle, but we pulled it off... there were SEVERAL leaks, one major one being my fault, but in the end Jill didn't have a clue.

The Day of the Event:  (6:45am) After leaving the house (pretending to go to work) I actually went to work to meet Ryan and Antonio and to get my tux on.  Jill was picking up Ryan's wife Amanda to meet my parents and go the parade. (8:45am) After getting my tux on we all met my parents at Wal-Mart with the float and did final preparations and went to line up.  (9:30am) As the sky turned DARKER and weathermen warned of severe storms we worried as to how the float would handle the rain and wind.  After the clouds became as dark as they could, the skies went blue again with little or no rain at all.  (11am) For the first half of the parade I walked with Ryan and Josh on the sides of the float (Antonio drove), but when we started getting closer to Jill I climbed in the box and sat in it, in 90+ weather, for what felt like forever... I was roasting... I was waiting for the little thing to pop out of my bellybutton telling everyone I was DONE!  (12PM) When we arrived at Jill's location it went off without a hitch.  Ryan brought her to the box, Josh opened it, and I handed her a huge homemade ring (that my dad made) so people in the crowd could see what I was doing.  I then handed her the real ring and after having to explain to her that she hadn't said YES yet, she said yes!  :-)  We then flipped signs over on the float that read, "SHE SAID YES!" and "JUST ENGAGED!" 

 

The escort from Ryan Woodruff

The Question...

The kiss, finally after she says yes!