Swimmer thought underwater proposal in a shark-filled aquarium was dreamy — what her boyfriend pulled out instead of a ring proved he was ‘the one’
Big moments can appear in the most unexpected places, especially when love and planning come together. One swimmer's special trip turned into something unforgettable inside a shark-filled aquarium. Michigan natives David Balasa and Haley Wiewiora were on a carefully planned road trip when David chose the perfect moment to propose to his girlfriend underwater, turning a shared love for water into a memory that would last a lifetime. Reported by Wonders of Wildlife, the proposal took place during the couple’s visit to the aquarium on December 15, 2025, marking the final stop of a journey that began as a thoughtful holiday gift.
David and Haley had been together for two years when he planned a “bucket list” road trip across the Midwest as a Christmas surprise. The route included fun and unusual stops, but the true destination was Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. David had a clear vision. “I have known since the first summer with her that I wanted to propose underwater,” he shared with the outlet. Haley’s life always revolved around swimming, from growing up in pools to working as a lifeguard and managing a swimming school. After learning the aquarium was named America’s Best Aquarium for the seventh time, David reached out to staff with an idea no one had tried before.
The plan came together during the aquarium’s Out to Sea Shark Dive, the only experience of its kind in the Midwest. Once underwater, surrounded by sharks, David pulled out a ring box. Inside was not the real ring, but a shark tooth used as a placeholder. “I was nervous but confident,” David said. “Wonders of Wildlife helped everything go off without a hitch, and I knew she would say 'Yes.'” Watching from outside the tank were Haley’s family members, who had secretly driven 10 hours to surprise her. Haley later shared, “This proposal was not only unique, but it showed me how deeply he sees and understands me. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to share life with.” David added, “It was the happiest moment of my life. Nothing less than a proposal with sharks would have been worthy of her.”
The power of love goes beyond illness, as one man proved when he proposed to his partner. At just 27, Brett Fine Jr. was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an incurable form of brain cancer that changed his life overnight. When he received financial support meant to help with treatment, Brett made a deeply personal choice. Instead of spending the money on himself, he bought an engagement ring for his girlfriend, Alyssa Kempf. Surrounded by family and friends at a quiet lake in Indiana, he asked her to marry him. The moment became even more meaningful when a surprise guest, Jay Allen, who founded the "This Time Tomorrow Foundation," arrived to sing for the couple, turning the proposal into a shared celebration of love and hope. Alyssa said yes, and their story moved many who witnessed it, reminding people that love can shine even in the hardest times.
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