ABOVE: Watch Jared Lekkas propose to Sofie Obermüller via flash mob (recorded by Braedan Houtman).
VANCOUVER — A marriage proposal in Whistler this weekend will certainly be remembered by more than just the happy couple.
Jared Lekkas popped the question to his girlfriend Sofie Obermüller Saturday in an epic, Lion King-style flash mob proposal that he managed to keep a secret until the very end.
“We have a huge sense of gratitude to everyone involved,” said Lekkas, who started preparing five months ago.
“She was extremely shocked, and we’re still trying to process everything.”
Rehearsals for the proposal took place over several weeks, and Lekkas took communication methods to ensure the secret wouldn’t get out.
It happened while Obermüller was in the Whistler Village Square on March 22 with some friends.
A few people began dancing to the opening strains of “The Circle of Life,” before the song transitioned to Imagine Dragons’ “On Top of the World,” followed by “Marry Me Baby” by Krista Siegfrids.
With over a hundred people surrounding the square, the song changed to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” Lekkas, dressed in a lion suit, appeared from the mass of dancers and walked up to Obermüller.
Taking off his mask, he hugged Obermüller before going down on one knee and revealing a ring.
She said yes.
“In real time it went real quick,” said Lekkas. “My idea was just to look her straight in her eyes and let it happen. There was a lot of relief, a lot of pride that everything went off well.”
The two Whistler residents, who work at Whistler Blackcomb, have been going out for close to four years. Lekkas said proposing in the square was a natural fit.
As for the Lion King theme?
“We both love it, we both saw the musical in Hawaii recently,” said Lekkas.
“It’s a good story, a lot of love, and the songs just made sense.”