A Mid-Air Movie Magic Proposal: A Romantic Comedy Brought to Life
Sam Riber, a 34-year-old CEO from Pennsylvania, orchestrated a surprise proposal for his girlfriend, Lissy Alden, 37, that could have been lifted straight from the script of a romantic comedy. Drawing inspiration from the 1998 Adam Sandler film "The Wedding Singer," Riber recreated the iconic mid-flight proposal scene, complete with a serenade and a prop guitar, turning a routine birthday trip to Mexico into an unforgettable moment. The couple, both self-proclaimed cinephiles, share a love for movies, a passion that played a crucial role in Riber’s meticulously planned proposal. This shared appreciation for cinematic romance set the stage for a real-life love story unfolding thousands of feet above the ground.
The seeds of this grand romantic gesture were sown months before the actual proposal. Riber, having decided to pop the question in October 2024, began strategizing how to incorporate the "Wedding Singer" theme into his plan. Knowing that Alden hadn’t seen the film, he cleverly orchestrated a movie night, casually suggesting the title without revealing his ulterior motive. Fortunately for Riber, Alden loved the film as much as he did, paving the way for his elaborate plan to unfold. The couple’s shared enjoyment of quoting and reenacting movie scenes further solidified the theme’s appropriateness, making the surprise all the more impactful. Little did Alden know, their playful movie-inspired interactions were laying the groundwork for a real-life romantic scene she would never forget.
The execution of the proposal required careful planning and coordination. Riber, with the help of the flight attendants, managed to smuggle a prop guitar onto the plane, keeping it hidden from Alden until the opportune moment. A secret code word, "juice," was established between Riber and the flight crew, signaling the time for him to retrieve the guitar and commence his performance. The flight attendants, particularly Teri Ramirez, went above and beyond to facilitate the surprise, showcasing a heartwarming display of collaborative spirit in bringing Riber’s romantic vision to life. Their assistance was crucial in ensuring the smooth execution of the proposal, turning a routine flight into a memorable event for everyone on board.
Mid-flight, en route from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Mexico City on Christmas Eve, Riber put his plan into action. As the plane cruised at altitude, he serenaded Alden with the song "Grow Old With You," mirroring the scene from the movie. The surprise performance culminated in Riber getting down on one knee, presenting Alden with a ring and asking for her hand in marriage. Overwhelmed with emotion and joy, Alden responded with a resounding "Yes!" The meticulously planned proposal unfolded flawlessly, creating a magical moment that neither of them would ever forget. The mid-air setting, the serenade, and the element of surprise combined to create a truly cinematic proposal.
The couple’s journey to this pivotal moment began less than a year earlier, in February 2024, at a Shabbat dinner. Both Riber and Alden admit to having had extensive dating histories, but their connection was instant and undeniable. Alden, owner of MYNDY, a mental and organizational fitness provider, almost didn’t attend the fateful dinner due to fatigue, but a gentle nudge from her mother led her to the event where she met Riber. This chance encounter proved to be serendipitous, altering the course of their lives. The rapid progression of their relationship, from a first meeting to a proposal within just ten months, underscores the intensity of their connection and their shared desire for a future together.
While Alden had sensed the possibility of a proposal on the horizon, the timing and the elaborate nature of the surprise caught her off guard. Initially, she attributed the special treatment, including an upgrade to first class, to her birthday. However, as Riber began his serenade, she realized the true significance of the moment. The surprise element, combined with the heartfelt gesture, amplified the emotional impact of the proposal, transforming it into a "peak life moment" for both of them. The couple is currently basking in the joy of their engagement, relishing the excitement of their future together without any concrete wedding plans yet. Their focus remains on savoring the present moment and the magic of their mid-air movie-inspired engagement.
