Trying to make the marriage proposal memorable and romantic can sometimes lead to awkward situations that leave a lasting impression. Public proposals tend to lend themselves to potential embarrassments, as in the case of the woman who ran away from her boyfriend’s proposal on the basketball court, in front of a crowded stadium at half time. Proposals in public spots can be hard to pull off with so many different variables, from engagement rings in martinis to dessert at restaurants, to sports proposals. Luckily for Don Walling, his proposal, while initially side-tracked, ended a bit more happily.

Maybe He Should Avoid High Places?

Mr. Walling picked the pedestrian walkway on the Brooklyn Bridge to bring out that little velvet box. It was a spectacular setting that offered a view of New York, while cars sped below. In a moment’s nervousness, that picture-perfect proposal turned into a comedy of errors as the ring dropped into the traffic below.

Nothing He Won’t Do For Love?

Undaunted, Mr. Walling wasn’t going to let that be the final say, especially because he had the entire mishap videotaped. In a feat of chivalry unmatched by medieval knights, he determined to recoup the ring from the traffic below by scaling the side of the bridge to get to the area where the ring had fallen. Eventually, his antics drew so much attention that motorists were stopping short to beg him not to jump, assuming he was obviously suicidal. The cops got involved after that, and they helped to stop traffic long enough to grab the ring and end the proposal misadventure. In the end, it finished with a resounding “yes.” They plan to marry near the end of April, despite the rocky beginning. What else could she say after such a public and crazy show of love and fidelity?