"Idyllic New England- Welcome to my homepage" Tom81's Profile

Rockport Proposal

I am very new to Virtual Tourist but I’m already captured by it! Not just from the fantastic information provided by members, their tips and pictures across the world but with the friendships I’ve made in the most unusual circumstances!

This story begins only a short time ago when I planned to propose to my girlfriend. Of course I wanted to do it as perfectly as possible so we could both have great memories of the proposal for many years to come. The only problem was setting it all up and identifying the perfect place to propose and ensure that it all went like clockwork. We were due to travel to New England on holiday from Wales on a 9 day tour of the six New England States. The plan was to propose on Saturday 10th October 2009 while we were visiting the town of Rockport, Massachusetts. I wanted to have a banner asking her to marry me! However, I wasn’t sure where I could have this banner placed in Rockport!

It was at this point when I discovered fabulous photos of Rockport, MA on Virtual Tourist. The Virtual Tourist member ‘Pawtuxet’ kindly helped me identify locations and town members that had the authority to permit the banner to be placed on a public building. After many emails to and from Pawtuxet (Janet) and with the kind help of the Board of Selectmen’s office, Interim Town Administrator, Harbor Master and Office of Public Works it was arranged to have my personalised banner to my girlfriend placed on the Motif #1 Fishing Shack on Bradley Wharf. This is one of the most recognisable buildings not just in Cape Ann but has been described as ‘the most often painted building in America’. I couldn’t think of a better place to ask my girlfriend to marry me!

In the meantime I had arranged for a personalised banner to be created in Peabody MA and shipped to the Interim Town Administrator’s office. After a month of getting things sorted it was all set up and the banner was to be placed on the Motif #1 building in Rockport. To round it off Janet had arranged for her to come to Rockport on the day.
On Saturday 10th October 2009, our bus trip left Boston to visit Salem and onto Rockport. I was a little nervous to say the least. At the same time Janet, her husband and dog Aussie left Rhode Island and made their way to Rockport. Our bus arrived in Rockport around 12pm but already Janet had arrived and had seen the banner like many visitors to Rockport that day. Although I initially thought our bus was to arrive at 10am, people had gathered to watch - not just the Harbour Master, Rockport visitors but also a newspaper reporter! Almost all had given up as they thought we would be there for 10am. However Janet, Hoot and Aussie were there and thankfully caught everything on camera! I had a stand in ring as I wanted us to choose the ring together. As we walked towards Motif #1 I remember passing Janet, Hoot and Aussie and nervously said ‘Hello’. Rosalind walked just ahead of me and down the side of Motif #1 where she thought I was just going to get some photographs of the harbour. As we approached the banner Ros saw her name. She turned around to find me on my knee and I somehow managed to get the words ‘Will you marry me?’ out! I am happy to say that she is now my fiancée. Immediately after we met Janet, Hoot and Aussie and celebrated with them although it wasn’t long until we had to leave Rockport for our next stop!

We are now back in Wales after a great New England tour and have a wedding to arrange! Thank you for all your great comments, Ros and I both really appreciate them.

Intro Updated Oct 28, 2009
Report Abuse

Personal Pages (3)

1 - 3 of 3

Comments (13)

Reply
- Report abuse
Pawtuxet Jul 1, 2012 at 5:24 PM

Hope we see you in New ENgland soon again. Such darling newlyweds...while Hoot and I will celebrate our 50th anniversary this year!! Can you believe it??? Yikes.
Reply
- Report abuse
Martin_S. Jan 31, 2010 at 5:24 AM

What a fantastic and beautiful story, wishing you guys all the happiness in the world. Of course with many more VT travels included... ^O^ Martin
Reply
- Report abuse
suron Oct 31, 2009 at 2:48 PM

Hi There from two more of your tour companions. Super photos. We had a great time on the tour - such a friendly group of travellers, a fantastic tour director, excellent driver and lots of fun and celebrations. All good wishes for your future. Sue & Ron
Reply
- Report abuse
papadave Oct 28, 2009 at 12:49 PM

We were on the bus tour with you. What a surprise we ALL had (no one not even our guide knew). Again our best wishes. You both made a great trip even more memorable.
Reply
- Report abuse
ranger49 Oct 26, 2009 at 4:41 AM

Hi Tom - I hear you have a new Welsh fiancee and live in Wales. Good choice - it's a great place to be! Best of Luck to you both.
Reply
- Report abuse
Rhondaj Oct 26, 2009 at 4:18 AM

Great story! I wish you many happy years together!
Reply
- Report abuse
jumpingnorman Oct 24, 2009 at 2:58 PM

T and R!!! So glad you will be jumping during your wedding for the jumping galleries...congratulations again and the galleries will be waiting....Norman :)
Reply
- Report abuse
SONG Oct 22, 2009 at 5:35 PM

WOW...what a wonderful and fun story. Not many grooms can top that. Please keep us posted since as a VT family we feel like we were a Part of your engagement!!! Congrats!!!!!!! Kathy in Sunny Florida
Reply
- Report abuse
monina_c Oct 20, 2009 at 9:32 PM

Congratulations! I'm excited to read the next chapter of your and Rosalind's story. Welcome to VT Tomas!
Reply
- Report abuse
nezz Oct 18, 2009 at 2:56 PM

Welcome to VT and congratulations too!!! Sandra