The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is an iconic New York City tradition, marking the start of the holiday season. This year, amidst the twinkling lights and festive cheer, a romantic spectacle unfolded as Philip Cho orchestrated a breathtaking proposal to his girlfriend, Heather Nguyen, under the majestic Norway Spruce. The elaborate surprise, costing $1,650 for a mere five minutes on the ice, showcased the magic of Christmas and the power of love.
A Surprise Under the Stars: The Proposal at Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a towering 74-foot Norway Spruce adorned with 50,000 multicolored lights and a dazzling Swarovski crystal star, served as the backdrop for Cho’s meticulously planned proposal. On December 6th, just two days after the official tree lighting, Cho lured Nguyen to the ice rink under the guise of a “romantic date.” Unaware of the grand surprise awaiting her, Nguyen, a 29-year-old working in cinema advertising, had just returned from a trip to Thailand for an airline crew reunion.
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Navigating through the holiday crowds, the couple arrived at the bustling rink. After 40 minutes of skating, an announcement called for the rink to be cleared for ice resurfacing. Cho, however, had a plan. He cleverly engaged a rink worker, requesting a few photos with Nguyen, prolonging their time on the ice. As the last couple remaining, bathed in the glow of spotlights, Nguyen’s favorite Taylor Swift song, “Enchanted,” filled the air.
A Dream Proposal: Family, Friends, and a Flash Mob
Cho, 32, had spent nearly two months orchestrating this magical moment, coordinating a secret gathering of 27 family members and friends, most of whom flew in from Nguyen’s home state of South Carolina. As the music swelled, Cho pointed towards a group holding large signs that spelled out the question: “WILL YOU MARRY ME?” Overwhelmed with emotion, Nguyen witnessed the culmination of Cho’s meticulous planning and heartfelt dedication.
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The “Special Moments” package at The Rink at Rockefeller Center, priced at $1,650, provided Cho with five minutes of exclusive rink access, VIP skating tickets, and the opportunity to choose the proposal song. This extravagant gesture, a testament to Cho’s love and commitment, created an unforgettable memory for the couple. The surprise extended beyond the flash mob, as Cho delivered a heartfelt speech incorporating wisdom about love shared by his late grandmother.
From Tinder to “I Do”: A Future Filled with Love and Celebration
The couple, who first connected on the dating app Tinder, are now planning their future together. Considering a City Hall elopement in the near future, followed by a larger celebration combining Vietnamese and Korean traditions in South Carolina a year later, Cho and Nguyen are eager to embark on their journey as husband and wife. This Rockefeller Center Christmas proposal, a perfect blend of holiday magic and romantic grandeur, has set the stage for a lifetime of happiness.
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The Rockefeller Center proposal serves as a heartwarming reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, love can blossom in the most unexpected and enchanting ways. Cho’s grand gesture, a testament to his deep affection for Nguyen, transformed a public space into a private haven of romance, creating a Christmas memory that will last a lifetime. The couple’s story, a modern fairytale set against the iconic backdrop of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, is a testament to the enduring power of love and the magic of the holiday season. This grand romantic gesture set a new standard for holiday proposals, capturing the hearts of onlookers and inspiring countless others to dream of their own fairytale endings.
