New street station witnessed a heartwarming Christmas proposal

Saturday, December 30, 2023

Darren and Rachael, a couple from Essex, received a surprise engagement while at Birmingham New Street station just before Christmas. As onlookers, including Mr. and Mrs. Claus and other passengers, watched in astonishment, Darren proposed to Rachael on Santa’s sleigh!

Originally in town to visit the Frankfurt German Markets with friends, the couple had planned to make the special moment happen at the Christmas markets. However, when they encountered Santa’s sleigh at the station, Darren swiftly changed his plans, realizing it was the ideal setting for Rachael, who adores Christmas.

Rachael, employed in finance and hailing from Brentwood, Essex, and Darren, a ground worker also from Essex, are ecstatic about their engagement. While they initially intended to propose at the Christmas markets, the unexpected sighting of Santa’s sleigh made the moment even more magical.

Darren said: “Rachael just loves Christmas and this couldn’t have worked out any better. We were with our friends when I spotted Santa’s sleigh and we then realised the photographer was our friend’s wedding photographer, so it was easy to get her over there without any questions. Better still, we would have a photo to remember it by! I was extremely nervous knowing I was going to propose to such a beautiful girl but she’s absolutely the one for me”.

Rachael who said yes to the proposal said: “I was completely shocked yet over the moon! He did so well with the surprise and beautiful ring! I’m so happy for our future together and the celebrations yet to come. Darren really is the perfect guy for me.”

The couple is eagerly diving into wedding preparations and intends to exchange vows within the next three years. In the meantime, they’re cherishing their engagement celebrations with loved ones.

Craig Stenning, Network Rail station manager at Birmingham New Street station, said: “The meet and greet experience with Mr and Mrs Claus has been really popular at the station throughout December and we were delighted that Darren chose this as his backdrop for their special moment. On behalf of everyone at Network Rail and New Street station, I’d like to wish them a happy engagement and all the best for the future.”

Birmingham-based events and production company OPUS (Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces) managed the delightful Mr. and Mrs. Claus meet-and-greet experience at New Street station. This free event, available on weekends throughout December, allowed guests to take home a free polaroid picture as a cherished keepsake.

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