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Green signal for wedding plans as bride says yes on 19.57 to Watford
Mark Prigg, Science and Technology Editor4 Nov 2011
The 19.57 Overground service to Watford Junction has become the unlikely setting for one of the world's most unusual marriage proposals.
Commuters were stunned when a full choir broke into song as the packed commuter train left Euston.
Midway through the rendition of Bill Withers's hit Lovely Day, tailor Adam King, 34, got down on one knee to propose to his amazed girlfriend Lucy Rogers, 25, who promptly burst into tears and said yes. A video of the proposal - complete with a romantic opening sequence - has now become an online hit on YouTube.
Mr King, who started planning the proposal in April, enlisted the help of the Adam Street singers, a show choir he is part of. They spent weeks rehearsing the song, even building a re-creation of the carriage in a rehearsal space.
"I knew I wanted to do some kind of flashmob, but wanted it to be quite intimate - so I came up with the idea of the Overground train from Euston, where we live," said Mr King.
"The biggest problem was making sure Lucy made the train. There was only a three-minute window to get the choir, me and Lucy on. A lot of the choir are our friends, which made things even harder - we had to make sure she didn't recognise people."
A last-minute change in plans also meant the proposal was brought forward a week to Tuesday evening.
"Lucy decided she wanted a dinner that evening with friends in Kilburn, which meant her getting exactly the right train, so we brought things forward."
However, the scheme almost fell apart when Miss Rogers changed her plans.
"At the last minute she decided she wanted to drive, so I disconnected the car battery," said Mr King.
Following the proposal, the couple were handed champagne, and fellow commuters congratulated them.
"What you don't see on the video is that the choir went back to their seats and carried on as if nothing has happened - there was complete stunned silence, apart from a few members on the public congratulating us.
"When we got to Kilburn High Road, Lucy had to be helped off the train as she was so spun out - we were both in a bit of shock. I was so elated it had actually happened. Lucy had absolutely no idea it was about her until I went down on one knee."
Mr King, originally from Cobham, and Miss Rogers, who was brought up in Caversham, met at a friend's party six years ago.
They have not yet thought about their wedding day, says Mr King. "We've not really had time to think about the wedding at all as I only proposed on Tuesday - but I guess the pressure is on to make it memorable now."
Reader views (13)
Sue, that is an absolutely ridiculous comment. The London Evening Standard has stupid stories that are not even worth reporting, and when they do they blow it out of proportion. However, this is an absolutely brilliant story to report on. What is wrong with having some good news once in a while. Too many people complain about the fact that good news is being reported.
You should be happy for these people. The guy spent so much time and effort into asking the woman he loves to marry him. Surely you can be happy for them.
If not, then do one and leave this website..
- Rob, London UK, 05/11/2011 22:16
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Very romantic. Wish you all the best that life has to offer!
- Gurc, London, 05/11/2011 19:41
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I can't believe anyone would complain about this snippet of good, light hearted news ... there is always a kill joy ready to dampen other peoples parade - Sue!!!
- Claire, Reading Berkshire, 05/11/2011 09:00
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What a fantastic way to be proposed to. :o) It bought tears to my eyes.
I wish the best of luck to you both.
- Sean, Eltham, LONDON, 05/11/2011 06:47
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Oh Sue lighten up!! This is a feel good story and deserves to be told. No need to sound so bitter! Good luck to the couple is what I say and I think its beautiful. Gives us something to smile about.
- Lynn, Enfield, England, 05/11/2011 01:42
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This is NOT a top news story. I can't believe it made the front page of a serious newspaper with all the major stories going on in the world. It should be a mid-paper selection.
If he really wanted an "intimate" proposal, he wouldn't have staged it on a public train. They just wanted their 15 minutes of fame which causes most guys to feel inadequate and most girls to feel unloved.
Shame on you Evening Standard for giving this YouTube farce way more coverage than it deserved. Stick with the serious news you are good at and save the fluff for the rags.
- Sue, London, 05/11/2011 00:08
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You can tell they are all friends as they aren't hidden behind newspapers - looking as though the others aren't all nutters...
- Richard, Surrey England, 04/11/2011 18:16
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thankyou nigel, lovely
- julia, london, 04/11/2011 16:40
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That is sooo cute... lovely!
- Claire, Tooting, 04/11/2011 16:30
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Absolutely brilliant. Made my day. May they have a long and happy life together
- Elaine, London, 04/11/2011 16:26
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Brilliant and congratulations 
- Goggs, London, UK, 04/11/2011 16:23
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Good news, I wish you both a very happy life.
- Prophet of doom, UK dustbin of Europe, 04/11/2011 15:52
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Wonderful !!
Made my day and proves romance isn't dead.
Best of luck and mazeltov to them both
- Nigel, St Albans, St Albans, 04/11/2011 15:52
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