This adorable little boy helped his family friends tie the knot, just as the unsuspecting bride did for his parents a decade ago.
While visiting her parents in Durham, North Carolina, Caroline McSwain was welcomed by a very special knock at the door from her next-door neighbour, 7-year-old Elijah McDonald.
Clutching a bouquet of handpicked flowers and adorably dressed in a smart shirt and bow-tie, Elijah throws off his ‘big sis’ McSwain by asking to be her ‘ring berry’.
Seven-year-old Elijah McDonald surprised his neighbor Caroline McSwain by helping her longterm boyfriend, Alex Ryskiwich, propose at her parents’ Durham, North Carolina, home.
Clutching a bouquet of handpicked flowers and adorably dressed in a smart shirt and bow-tie, Elijah throws off his ‘big sis’ McSwain by asking to be her ‘ring berry’. Little did she know, her boyfriend was kneeling behind her with an engagement ring
McSwain turns around to see Ryskiwich, down on one knee, causing the 27-year-old to erupt into a flurry of tears
Confused by the proposition, McSwain, who has been incredibly close with Elijah since he was born, pulls the preschooler in close, proclaiming ‘of course’ while laughing perplexed.
However, quickly the meaning of Elijah’s request – to be her ring bearer – becomes apparent, as McSwain turns around to see her long-term boyfriend, Alex Ryskiwich, down on one knee, causing the 27-year-old to erupt into a flurry of tears.
Overwhelmed McSwain, who now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, said: ‘Elijah is such a huge part of the family, I wasn’t surprised to hear the doorbell ring and see him standing there – he’s always in and out of my mom and dad’s house.
‘When I saw him in his little handsome outfit, I just assumed he was coming back from a fancy dinner.
Overwhelmed McSwain, who now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, said yes immediately, saying she was ‘stunned’ at her boyfriend’s proposal
McSwain thought her boyfriend would propose on their holiday in the coming weeks, but was happy to say yes earlier
‘Even when he handed me the flowers, I didn’t think anything was out of the ordinary, he’s always doing sweet little things for me.
‘I felt really awkward and confused when he asked to be my ring bearer, I thought his parents had misunderstood my visit to my parents but I’ve always wanted him to be involved in my wedding whenever it would be, so I said “sure”.
‘I was absolutely stunned when I turned around to see Alex on one knee, I’ve never been so surprised in my life.
‘We’re going away on holiday in a few weeks to a remote beach, and I was sure Alex was going to propose then.
‘After doing the same for his parents ten years ago, I was so happy to have Elijah involved in the happiest day of my life.’
McSwain helped Elijah’s parents get engaged ten years ago, when she helped Elijah’s dad set up the proposal
McSwain and Elijah’s family crossed paths over 20 years ago, when her Dad worked as a youth minister at Elijah’s dad, Tony’s, high school.
Since then, the two families have been inspirable and now live next door to one another, making McSwain a very important part of Elijah’s life.
McSwain said: ‘Ten years ago when Tony proposed to E’s mum, Miranda, I was involved with the proposal and helped Tony set up the big question.
‘It just goes to show how life comes full circle, it’s amazing to think that both of our families have had an involvement in each of our proposals.
‘Needless to say, Elijah will be our ring bearer when we get married in May 2018.
‘We’ve been so overwhelmed by the love we’ve received from the proposal, many of my friends have asked to be E’s date.
‘We’re so excited to spend our futures together.’