Lincolnshire man proposes at Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show
Vincent Baran and Alicen Keaskowski grew up in the Lake County area and consider the Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show in Vernon Hills a tradition for both their families.
The memory of those formative years has taken on another dimension as Baran decided the annual drive-through light show would be the perfect place for a big surprise. Spoiler alert: She said yes.
"She was completely floored," said Baran, 23.
The couple had been going out for about four years. Baran, a Lincolnshire resident, this past fall started thinking about popping the question. He considered the Chicago Botanic Garden, where they had their first date, as well as the Brookfield Zoo as possible locales. But the logistics of having family on hand without spoiling the surprise wouldn't work.
So, Baran decided to go retro. The idea of asking Keaskowski, 22, of Wildwood to marry him at the light show became particularly appealing when he learned this likely would be the last year at the present location on the grounds of the Cuneo Mansion & Gardens, which is owned by Loyola University Chicago.
"That was a blow to our childhood. We wouldn't see it next year. I figured this would be the best way to wrap up the history of our childhood and our lives so far," Baran said.
Baran said he had known he wanted to marry Keaskowski for awhile and wanted to deliver the news in "the most special way, and in the most creative," he could think of.
He was directed to Mark Fleishman, a village public works employee and point person for the annual show. Fleishman made a three-foot square hinged wooden box designed to look like a big Christmas present, including a big "to" and "from" label. Inside was a hand-painted "Marry Me?" message on canvas.
With the surprise in place, on Dec. 10 the pair and their families visited the light show. The box was highlighted by a spotlight and set in front of Santa's Workshop. As the caravan approached, her family pointed out the gift with her name and told her to look inside.
As she read the message, Baran emerged from his hiding place behind Santa's sleigh, dropped to a knee and produced the ring.
By that time, onlookers had stopped to see what the celebration was about.
"She was completely shocked," he said. "It was the most magical and special night of my life, and I cannot believe I get to spend a lifetime with the love of my life."
No marriage date has been set as the couple plans to save for a down payment on a house.