Popping the question is an elaborate ritual

Emily Tschiegg and David Burkhart hug after the proposal.

ELLEDA WILSON - The Daily Astorian
The boat bearing David Burkhart's proposal banner, in the NorthWest Natural Gas parking lot Tuesday.

Posted: Wednesday, November 26, 2008 12:00 am

By Elleda Wilson
Editorial Assistant

People were wondering why there was a boat with a sign on it saying, "Emily, will you marry me?" in the parking lot of NorthWest Natural Tuesday morning.

Carl and Dianne Burkhart had the explanation.

On Saturday, the Burkharts' son, David Burkhart, proposed to Emily Tschiegg.

It was during a family vacation in Altoona, Wash., when Burkhart took Tschiegg for a walk on the beach.

As he finished reading her a letter professing his love, a boat with his grandfather and aunt aboard cruised by, coordinated by walkie-talkie, with the large proposal banner draped along the side of the boat.

When the banner came into view, that was Burkhart's cue to get down on one knee and give Tschiegg a box with a key in it, saying it was the key to his heart. She wondered where the ring was - but not for long.

They lifted a string that was tied to the house on the cliff, and a lock came down to the beach. The ring was on the lock.

'Simply amazing'Tschiegg, impressed and thankful for Burkhart's creativity, says the ring is "simply amazing."

For the record, she said "yes."

The couple, who are seniors at George Fox University, plan to get married next summer.

The couple's blog can be found at (www.dbandet.blogspot.com)

Reprinted with permission of The Daily Astorian of Astoria, Oregon.