PROPOSAL PLAN HITS HEIGHTS
SEEN from hundreds of feet above the ground, a message on the beach will shape the future of a lucky Townsville couple.
Rhys Mccully, 30, took to the air to propose to his fiancee Victoria Twivey above the heads of many beachgoers and dog walkers along Pallarenda on Saturday.
He did not have to say a word, with the words “Marry me?” spray-painted on the sand in bright pink.
In an elaborate plan, Mr Mccully scouted the perfect spot for the proposal on a reconnaissance flight earlier in the week.
“I organised a little flight earlier this week. Townsville Helicopters looked after me,” he said.
“All my mates helped me, we tested shovels and paints, deciding on a water-based line-marking paint which is environmentally friendly.”
Ms Twivey was surprised by the gesture and said she had no idea her fiance had plans on popping the question. “He told me he won it (the flight) on the radio. I didn’t think there was any more to it,” she said.
Flying over the beach at Pallarenda, it didn’t take long for her to spot the message but still she had no idea it was meant for her.
“I didn’t think it was for me,” she said.
It only dawned on Ms Twivey what was happening when she turned around to see Mr Mccully with a box revealing a gleaming ring.
“I turned around and the box was open. I didn’t say a thing, I just cried,” she said.
“The pilot must have thought something was wrong because he had to turn around and check if everything was OK.”
Fortunately, Ms Twivey said yes. The lucky couple, who had been together for two years, flew over Magnetic Island and The Strand before being met by friends on the beach where the sign was painted.
The pair plan on getting married next year.