Wedding expert weighs in on public marriage proposals as they trend online

Irish Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Public marriage proposals seem to be the new trend after a hopeful groom-to-be got down on one knee at a packed-out Mayo pub and another at an Oasis gig in Cardiff.
As Taylor Swift-mania took place across the globe last year with her Eras tour, lovers also popped the question as she sang her hit Love Story. But it isn't just regular folk putting on these public displays.
Earlier this week, Kelly Osbourne's partner Sid Wilson surprised the star with a dazzling rock at her father Ozzy Osbourne's concert in Birmingham. The whole clan were in attendance, so the Slipknot star thought it the perfect time to pop the question.
But, are these public proposals a romantic way to show your spouse how much you love them, or is it all done for social media views? Wedding expert and co-founder of SaveMyDay Shell Holden thinks they can be incredibly special but only when it reflects the couple's personality.
She told the Irish Mirror: "For some, there's nothing more romantic than declaring love in front of a crowd, especially in a place that holds meaning, like a festival where they've made memories together or a concert of their favourite band.
"For others, a quiet, private moment will feel more authentic. So really, it all comes down to knowing your partner and what would make them feel most comfortable.
"Whether it's a big surprise moment on stage or a quiet gesture in the crowd amongst their friends or between the couple together, it's about knowing your partner and creating a memory that feels true to you both."
While public proposals are getting some attention at the moment, getting down on one knee in front of a crowd is nothing new. From Irish country favourite Garth Brooks proposing to his wife Trisha at a statue-unveiling event, to the Rose of Tralee proposal that nearly went wrong, here are some of the most memorable:
In May 2005, the country music star put on quite the show at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, a music hall in Bakersfield, California. Garth was in attendance at the star-studded Legends in Bronze event, where a statue of him and nine other country icons was displayed.
When his bronze art piece was unveiled, it featured a conspicuous wedding band on the left ring finger. It was then that Garth popped the question to his wife-to-be Trisha.
Despite being put on the spot, she appeared shocked but delighted, saying: "All I can say is that I am so happy". After being together since 1987, they tied the knot in December 2005, and have been together since.
While the Rose of Tralee has had some viral moments over the years, no one in Ireland will forget the marriage proposal that almost went terribly wrong. During the 2013 competition, New Orleans Rose Molly Molloy Gambel was given the shock of her life.
Her partner Kyle surprised her while she was on stage and dropped to his knee with a sparkler in his hand. Everyone in the country was on the edge of their seats then as she said: "No, no, no, no, no, no. Please don't. No."
It seemed like poor Kyle was being dumped on live television. However, the New Orleans Rose was just extremely shocked and managed to let out a "yes" before trembling off the stage.
It's no surprise that the controversial rapper went big when he popped the question to his reality star girlfriend. In October 2013, Kanye proposed to Kim on her 33rd birthday at AT&T Park in San Francisco. A 50-piece orchestra played Lana Del Rey's Young and Beautiful as fireworks went off.
The scoreboard read "PLEEEASE MARRY MEEE!!!" and Kanye presented his wife-to-be with a sparkling 15-carat diamond ring. While they share four children, their marriage didn't last as they got divorced three years ago.
Three months ago, Brendan planned the perfect proposal for his girlfriend Cat in Galway city. He enlisted the help of local busker Echo Harte who sang Beautiful Affair by Stockton's Wing as the couple walked by.
Having no idea it was for her, Cat can be heard on video saying "I love this song". It was at that moment that Brendan dropped to his knee and cheers could be heard from passers-by as Cat said yes.
While getting down on one knee during Taylor Swift's Love Story at her Eras tour became quite the trend, it was a very special moment for one couple. Tipperary lovers Jack Shealy and Melissa Keogh flew home to Ireland from Canada to see the pop star perform at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin last year.
But little did Melissa know that the night would be so much more special than seeing the singer. During Love Story, when Taylor sang, "He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring" Jack did just that.
Other concert-goers captured the gorgeous moment, and Melissa of course said yes - just like Juliet in the song.