Times Square Celebrates Valentine's Day With Surprise Proposals, Live Weddings And Vow Renewals

NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- This Valentine's Day, thousands of New Yorkers and visitors looking for romance in New York City found a cause for celebration at the Crossroads of the World. Matches were made, vows were said and couples found their happily-ever-afters – all in the heart of Times Square.  

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140214/NY65296)

"Times Square has always been about love, desire, and putting on a show. Today we have all three," said Tim Tompkins, President of the Times Square Alliance.

At the foot of the Valentines-colored Red Steps, real life romance was revealed as three lovers popped the question on Times Square's giant American Eagle screen. One, Tom Schwab from New Jersey proposed to his now-fiance, Long Islander Mary Nubla. Then, they got an extra surprise. They were announced as the winners of an early honeymoon aboard a 7-night cruise for two with Celebrity Cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska or Bermuda.  Tom entered them into the contest by submitting a video about why he wanted to propose to Mary in Times Square. 

Schwab said, "I've always wanted to propose in Times Square.  Doing it on Valentine's Day is one of the most romantic and grandiose gestures I can think of – and that's what Mary deserves.  I chose Times Square is because it's the iconic center of the world, and Mary has become the center of mine."

Surprise proposals were only part of the celebration today, as wedding bells rang throughout the afternoon for seven different lucky couples.  Brides and grooms from all backgrounds showed up in personalized wedding attire - from formal to eccentric - to say their I Do's with all of New York City cheering them on.  Some of the most epic weddings of the year took place right in front of the Sixth Annual Heart Design Match-Maker sculpture conceived by Young Projects and fabricated by Kammetal.  One ceremony even had a surprise celebrity guest walk down the aisle: the iconic Snuggle® Bear got in on the action by serving as "Ring Bearer" for one special couple.

Daniel Leal and Manuel Valdez were among those who got hitched in the Valentine's Day ceremony.  After 26 years together, the pair, hailing all the way from San Antonio, Texas, wanted to take the next step in their relationship in New York City not only for the romance and excitement – but because it is one of 17 states that supports and recognizes same sex marriage. 

"We've been through a lot together, and every day our love grows," said Daniel Leal.  "Getting married in Times Square is about making this moment as big and as beautiful as it can be – because we are just so excited to spend the rest of our lives together.  Sharing a moment like this in Times Square is something we'll hold onto forever."

As newlyweds head off to celebrate, lovebirds of all types – including those whose kisses bridge boundaries, be they religious, political, racial, or national – are expected to renew their vows this evening as pink, white and red heart confetti flutters around them.  Couples re-tying the knot will enjoy an exclusive performance from the Official Broadway Show of Valentine's Day in Times Square and one of the most romantic shows to open on Broadway: The Bridges of Madison County. Celebrity Cruises will honor one of the vow-exchanging couples with a romantic, complimentary 7-night trip aboard one of its luxurious ships to either the Caribbean, Bermuda or Alaska.

As sponsor of theSixth Annual 2014 Valentine Heart Design,Snuggle® fabric softener offered a variety of activities for guests of all ages in Times Square on Valentine's Day. The "Heart to Heart with Snuggle Truck" was available throughout the day, allowing visitors to warm themselves and the hearts of their loved ones by creating personal video valentines, which were uploaded to their social networks like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Meanwhile, those still looking for love, stopped by to check out the "Match-Maker" sculpture, on display through March 11 at 46^th Street and Broadway, Times Square.  The sculpture, this year's winning Times Square Valentine Heart Design, guides visitors to arrange themselves by their zodiac signs. Peering through colorful, interwoven periscopes provides glimpses of each viewer's four most ideal astrological mates, offering potentially novel connections between lonely souls or settled lovers.

These romantic activities are all part of "Love in Times Square" – a month-long promotion running from February 1-28 in Times Square filled with steamy offers, special shows, and romantic deals designed to keep love hot during the cold winter months. Visit TimesSquareNYC.org/LOVE, follow #LoveTimesSquare or connect with @TimesSquareNYC on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for further details.

SOURCE Times Square Alliance