Hobby Airport Staff, Travelers Help Create Romantic Terminal Proposal

Aug. 28—Love was in the airport this weekend after a Texas couple became engaged with the help of Hobby Airport staff.

Russell Rainwater of Sealy, Texas planned to pop the question to his girlfriend Terri Jo Youngblood Sunday morning when her flight landed at Hobby Airport. He submitted a feedback form in early August to Hobby Airport asking for permission to propose with a sign. Instead, Houston Airports went all out by not only agreeing — but then adding live music, cake, champagne and even a painter to capture the joyous moment.

Rainwater originally planned to wait in baggage claim for Youngblood, but Southwest stepped in and gave him a gate pass. All the passengers for the next flight to board were in on the surprise as well and stayed seated until Youngblood got off the plane. A crowd of about 300 people had formed.

In a matter of 20 minutes, Rainwater got down on one knee, champagne was poured, a string quartet was playing music and a painter was capturing the moment. And Youngblood said yes.

"Thank you again for making this event unforgettable for us," said Rainwater in a note to Houston Airports. "This is more than I ever expected."

Rainwater, 51, said he never expected to get married but that changed after dating Youngblood for a year. She was a widow. The two met online on Facebook's dating platform. He is a banker and she is a dental hygienist.

"She is my travel companion, my dance partner, my best friend," Rainwater told the airport.

This is the first proposal Houston airport staff have been involved in, but they did pull off a wedding ceremony in March.

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