THE mum of a Bradford woman who received a surprising marriage proposal during a drone display was gobsmacked when the news of her daughter's impending marriage was shared with her.
Megan Greenwood, 27, got a huge surprise when Rhys Whelan, 30, produced his own personalised message during the Fireworks Championships at Newby Hall, near Ripon, on Saturday evening.
The display, set to the couple’s favourite song, 6 Words by Wretch 32, saw the drones form several love-themed images in the sky, including champagne bottles and love hearts, before spelling the words 'Marry me' and 'Megan'.
Ms Greenwood said: “It said ‘Marry me’ in the sky and he pushed me forward slightly, then he turned me around and he was on one knee.”
The couple, from Eccleshill, have been together for more than nine years and shared the moment with friends and family.
Megan's mum, Derrian Watson, who is from Bradford but now lives in Filey, met up with Ms Greenwood and Mr Whelan after the dramatic proposal and she was stunned when the happy couple shared a video footage of the unusual marriage proposal.
Proud mum Mrs Watson's reaction to her daughter's wonderful news was priceless and she capped the stunning reveal by giving her new son-in-law to be a big hug.
“It was such a wonderful and lovely big drone display," said Mrs Watson.
“I can’t believe this happened to my little girl," added Mrs Watson. "She’s still on Cloud 9. She couldn’t believe it.
The proud mum couldn’t be any happier for her daughter.
“It’s like a dream come true for me. I’m so happy for her.”
Mr Whelan's unusual proposal was well planned out, as he said: “It had been six months in the making, so all the planning and preparation all of a sudden came down to five minutes worth of display."
Mr Whelan said he “tried my utmost to be as sneaky as I possibly could” to keep the proposal a surprise.
That included secret meetings with the show organisers and speaking to Ms Greenwood’s father on Friday.
Ms Greenwood said: “We’ve talked about it (getting married) but only in a joking sense. I’d always make jokes that he needs to put a ring on it, and my mum and friends would all do the same.
"He didn’t tell anybody," added Mrs Watson. "He kept it to himself the whole time.
“I’m so happy and emotional about it. It was amazing."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here