A man's unconventional proposal has given new meaning to the phrase 'love is in the air': popping the question to his partner over the PA system at Auckland Airport last week.
To make sure the moment was one to remember, Aucklander Yashraj 'Yash' Chhabra, 26, proposed to his girlfriend Riiya Shukla over the public address system in the international arrivals area.
Chhabra's heartfelt proposal aired across the speakers as Shukla arrived back in Auckland from Melbourne, where she is currently living for her work as a project manager. As she entered the arrival hall, the team pressed play on Chhabra's pre-recorded message, which called for his girlfriend's attention before asking her the all-important question: "Will you marry me?"
The banking specialist said he and Shukla were friends for about eight years before recently taking their relationship to the next level, admitting he knew she was "the one".
"She's a hard woman to surprise and I really wanted to catch her off guard. I wasn't sure if Auckland Airport would go for it, but I was delighted they said yes to making my dream proposal become a reality," Chhabra said, according to a release by Auckland Airport.
After the pre-recorded message played out, Chhabra found his bemused but elated beloved in the crowd and dropped to one knee to present her with a ring, with the support of his friends and family behind him. Much to the delight of the couple's loved ones - and onlookers - Shukla said yes.
"Like any nervous guy about to do something a bit crazy like this, I'm so pleased, and hugely relieved, she said yes. It's a very happy time for the two of us, and I do feel like the luckiest guy in the world," Chhabra said.
"He literally made my dream come true with this beautiful proposal. What a whirlwind, stepping off the plane and coming home to such a special moment," bride-to-be Shukla added.
"It's the best thing ever - thank you, Yash, for making this memorable."
In a statement, Auckland Airport's chief operations officer Chloe Surridge said the team loved being part of the couple's special memory.
"As everyone knows, the arrivals hall is something quite special - it's often a really emotional place and carries a lot of nostalgic memories," said Surridge.
"We have teary goodbyes, joyful returns and now a successful marriage proposal to add to the list. We've really enjoyed being part of the fun."
Shukla said she plans to relocate back to Auckland so the two can start their lives together. The happy couple hope to get married in Shukla's home country of India, before enjoying a party with their friends in Auckland.
Definitely one to tell the grandkids.
Watch the video above.
