Engagement proposal lights up Sele Bandstand, Hexham

David Alaka, 27, proposed to his partner Oyin Adeshina, 26, at the Sele Bandstand in Hexham on the evening of September 7 in an elaborate set-up comprising a red carpet, an arch of roses and champagne. 

The couple, who had just moved into their first flat together in Derby, travelled three and a half hours to get to Hexham, for what Oyin believed was a meal and to attend a church event.

David hired Carlisle-based Dream Come True Wedding Prop Hire, who set up the props at the bandstand.

The proposal scene at the Sele Bandstand (Image: Dika O'Real)

Dream Come True owners David Sanders and his wife Dika set up the display while Oyin and David enjoyed a meal at Cilantro.

Oyin, a doctor, met David, a post-graduate medical student, while he was working in Carlisle as an orthotist and she was studying in Newcastle as a medical student.

READ MORE: Hexham resident 'honoured' to receive award for communal garden

"Our first date was in the middle, which was Hexham, at the bandstand in March 2021 when you could meet up outside and go for walks with up to six people at a distance, so we met there in the lockdown," she said.

Oyin explained how David planned the surprise engagement.

"I was unaware, he said we were going for a nice dinner in Hexham, on the way to a church event because when he was living up there we were both part of a community church in Carlisle and he told me they were doing an event in Hexham.

"We were going on a nice date night first so went for dinner at Cilantro. We had a lovely meal and he told all the waiting staff to kindly keep me in the restaurant so they pretended there was an issue with David's payment, they played their role really well," she said.

David and Oyin after their engagement (Image: Dika O'Real) David's card was 'declined' so he had to get his other card from the car, and on his way back, he called Oyin to say he had seen the church meeting had begun.

"David told me to walk past the bandstand and I'd find the meeting. I was shocked to see the elaborate proposal design, I couldn't see it clearly at first. I just saw some lights, and by the time I got close, I saw David standing up there, and I realised it was for me. I was inconsolable, I was crying so much. It was an automatic yes," Oyin added.

There was a small audience of approximately 20 people watching, who all cheered when she said 'yes'.

The bandstand scene also featured a scrapbook David had made for Oyin and a Polaroid camera so they could take some pictures.

The couple took pictures at the bandstand before returning to Cilantro, where they enjoyed a free bottle of champagne and cake. 

"David and the Dream Come True team were so nice, he helped me along the way. Hexham Town Council allowed us to go ahead with it at the bandstand which was very kind and Cilantro's staff were incredibly helpful. Nabs got us the best seats in the restaurant," David added.

Dream Come True owner David Sanders said: "We were so happy to be part of such a special occasion for a wonderful couple. David came to me with his plan weeks ahead of the big day, and we managed to bring his dream to life, the look on Oyin's face when she realised was priceless. Many congratulations to them both."