A Harry Potter Meets Gilmore Girls Proposal at Pullen Park

One Creative Guy Pulls off a Show-Stopping Surprise Raleigh Proposal at Pullen Park – and She Said Yes!

To quote the bride, “Certainly, everyone’s engagement is perfect, but this was the stuff of fairy tales.”

Obviously, we here at Southern Bride & Groom hear our fair share of romantic proposals. But on occasion, we hear the most extraordinary engagement stories that make us teary-eyed and remember why we love the wedding world we live and breathe! That is this surprise Raleigh proposal at Pullen Park. It featured a band, a puppy, and a Golden Snitch. Intrigued? You should be.

Couple post after Harry Potter themed raleigh proposal at Pullen Park in Raleigh, Darby

How They Met…

Ben and Caitlin went to UNC-Greensboro together but even though Ben was friends with Caitlin’s best friend, their paths never crossed during their college years. Four years later, the same mutual friend dragged Caitlin along for a quick drink during a catch up with Ben. The quick drink ended up lasting several hours and in the coming months Ben asked Caitlin out on a date.

Couple gets engaged at Pullen Park in Raleigh with friends in band, Darby K

Raleigh Proposal at Pullen Park featuring the Historic Oakwood Second Line Band and The Awesomettes

Caitlin was escorted by her mother and a friend on a scavenger hunt through several of her favorite places: her cousin’s house, Boku, the Raleigh Little Theater Rose Garden and finally, Pullen Park. At each stop, Ben had left a rose with a clue leading Caitlin to the next location.

When she ultimately ended up at Pullen Park in Raleigh, Caitlin was greeted by the Historic Oakwood Second Line band and the Oakwood Awesomettes. These weren’t just cool additions – they were super personal. The band was started by Caitlin’s father in 2011 and still includes not only her father – but her brother, uncle and godfather. Her mother is a founding member of the Awesomettes. What are the Awesomettes, you might wonder? According to their official guidelines, “you have to be over 50, female, live in Oakwood, and be awesome.” Clearly, this festive family helped this Raleigh couple have a fantastic Raleigh proposal and engagement celebration!

Harry Potter themed wedding proposal at Pullen Park in Raleigh, Darby K3
The Raleigh Awesomettes at proposal, Darby K
Roses with special notes during elaborate proposal idea, Darby

A Harry Potter Themed Raleigh Proposal at Pullen Park

During this elaborate Raleigh proposal, the Historic Oakwood Second Line Band, and and the Awesomettes paraded Caitlin through Pullen Park. She was met by friends and family members from all across North Carolina, each with a rose and a card with words of wisdom attached. At the end of the route, stood a nervous Ben in a beautiful gazebo overlooking a lake.  He incorporated their sweet pups with bandannas saying, “Marry Ben!”, and, “Paw-lease say yes!” and had her ring stored in a Golden Snitch to share her love for Harry Potter.

dog incorporated into wedding proposal in raleigh
Couple gets engaged at Pullen Park in Raleigh, Darby
Groom waiting during Harry Potter themed wedding proposal at Pullen Park in Raleigh, Darby
Couple gets engaged at Pullen Park in Raleigh with elaborate proposal idea, Darby K3
Harry Potter themed Raleigh Proposal at Pullen Park in Raleigh, Darby K
Couple gets engaged at Pullen Park in Raleigh and pose on Merry go round, Darby K2

Congrats to these two on their Raleigh engagement. Ben and Caitlin will wed at The Merrimon-Wynne House in downtown Raleigh in August.

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