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Police In Massachusetts Arrest Man… For Wedding Proposal

Before you get outraged by that headline – read on – it’s a good thing! The events were chronicled on the Whitman Police Department’s Facebook page. I’ll share what was…

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(Photo by Daniel Bockwoldt/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Before you get outraged by that headline - read on - it's a good thing!

The events were chronicled on the Whitman Police Department's Facebook page. I'll share what was written, and creatively written with lots of heart and humor I must add, in just a sec. Before I copy/paste that I just want to say THANK YOU to the Whitman Police Department. This isn't something you see every day. It's not something we should see every day. And actually they make it clear that this is a "one-and-done" situation. DO NOT flood them (or any police department) with copycat requests. Now, back to the thank you. Seeing this humanity and connection is fantastic. And to Wayne & Kristen, congratulations! On the proposal... and on the happy tears you gave me and hopefully more people so I'm not happy tear-ing alone. Alright... on to the copy/paste. This is all from the Whitman Police Department from their Facebook page from here on out! (Video of the proposal is below the description from the PD.)

"On Saturday September 3, 2022 I received a call from a friend, “Swifty”, who works at another Police Department on the S.Shore. Swifty told me that he has a friend named Wayne who would like us (Whitman Police) to help him propose to his girlfriend. Of course the easy response is flat out “No”. But I had to hear more. “Hey Swifty, have Wayne give me a call”.
Wayne calls me, I said “how can I help you?” Wayne said that he wanted the Whitman Police to arrest him so he could propose to his girlfriend Kristen. As you can imagine this was followed by a long silenced pause…. I then asked Wayne to repeat that again, please. “I want you to arrest me” he said. Wayne then began to tell me his plan to propose to his girlfriend “Kristen”.
Wayne had plans to go out to eat at The Patio at McGuiggan's in Whitman with his girlfriend and her parents (yes, you read that correctly) on Friday September 9th. He told me that he wanted WPD to come to the restaurant, lock him up in front of his girlfriend and her parents, and then when she comes over to the police cruiser to find out what is going on, he would exit, drop to a knee, and propose.
If you are a regular to our Facebook page then you already know that at this point I’m “all in” for this bizarre idea.
We agreed to talk about it again in a few days as I would need to get it approved by Chief Hanlon.
Chief Hanlon had to be told the idea twice just like I did, but he approved and said “Sure, go ahead. What could go wrong?”.
I relay the green light to Wayne. He seems happy at the prospect of getting locked up in a busy restaurant in front of his girlfriends parents and a bunch of strangers.
Now comes the planning. Lots of things can go wrong here. What if we’re busy answering calls when the time comes? What if Kristen wants nothing to do with her boyfriend who just got arrested? Some of our officers asked, What if Kristen freaks out and becomes disorderly?
Wayne later tells us that the owner of The Patio, Richard Rosen, is in on the gag and so are his future in-laws (we would have loved to have heard that conversation).
The Big Day,
Friday September 9, 2022
The 4-12 shift is compromised of:
Sgt. Andy Stafford
Officer Jeff Cormier
Officer Rob Silva
Wayne has forwarded a picture of himself and what he is wearing so we don’t have any mistaken identity issues. The picture is forwarded to Sgt. Stafford.
A little after 6pm The Patio is starting to fill up. Wayne, Kristen, and future in-laws are sitting at a table by a window. Three Whitman Police cruisers pull up out front. This causes a bit of a stir in the restaurant. Sgt. Stafford, Officer Cormier, and Officer Silva all enter the restaurant, locate Wayne, and attempt to arrest him. Officers Cormier and Silva tell Wayne that he is being placed under arrest. Officer Silva tells Wayne to “stand up, you’re under arrest”, but Wayne does not stand up. Uh oh, somebody is not following the script. Officer Silva repeats his command a couple of times and Wayne finally stands up after his future father-in-law tells him to. They cuff him and walk him out, and place him in the back of a cruiser. Officer Silva quickly and discretely takes the cuffs off Wayne before locking him in the backseat.
At this point Kristen is wondering what is going on and ask to speak to Wayne.
Sgt. Stafford & Officer Cormier escort her to the cruiser. Officer Silva let’s Wayne out of the cruiser, where Wayne proceeds to drop to a knee, produces a large shinny ring, and proposes to Kristen. Some colorful language is heard and Kristen says “Yes!”.
We were very grateful to participate in Wayne and Kristen’s unique proposal. We were fortunate to have some quiet time (no calls) that enabled us to do it.
This was a one-and-done occasion for us. Please do not flood our answering machines with all sorts of crazy request. Wayne fooled us once. It won’t happen again! 😉
To Wayne & Kristen,
The Whitman Police Department wishes you much love, health, and happiness in your future. Congratulations!"

Now let US help you with your first dance! Hahaha:

25 Best Country First Dance Songs For Your Wedding

The bells are ringing, it's wedding season! There is so much that goes into planning a wedding, picking the venue, finding the dress, asking your wedding party, choosing flowers, the list goes on and on. And of course, there's the music. Whether you go with a DJ or a band the choice in playlist can determine what your guests say about your nuptials.

According to The Knot, couples want to give guests a celebration tht they'll remember. Couples will spend, on average, $266 per guest. That's up from $214 in 2019... and 26% of couples in 2021 even hired musical performances.

One of those memorable moments guests will be looking out for is your first dance. Choosing a song can be tough, I have had friends who have found it really challenging to agree on a song before the big day. But country music, in every era, has had great songs for weddings.

From classics from Dolly Parton and George Strait to newer hits from Luke Combs and Dan + Shay we've compiled a list of 25 romantic songs that would make any country fan swoon. So if you're getting married this year or know someone who is check out these country songs to use for your first dance.

"Speechless" Dan + Shay

Dan + Shay released "Speechless" in 2018 after both got married to their wives and were inspired by the big day.

"Forever After All" Luke Combs

Luke Combs was inspired to write "Forever After All" after he and his wife moved into their home in Tennessee.

"I Will Always Love You" Dolly Parton

"I Will Always Love You" was written and originally recorded in 1973 by Dolly Parton and was later recorded by Whitney Houston in 1992 for the film The Bodyguard.

"Die A Happy Man" Thomas Rhett

omas Rhett pens a love song to his wife Lauren with this 2016 hit.

"I Don't Dance" Lee Brice

Lee Brice wrote "I Don't Dance" for his wedding to perform for his wife.

"Take My Name" Parmalee

"Take My Name" is a song about finding your person and is a sweet sentiment to the love of your life on your big day.

"Made For You" Jake Owen

The Jake Owen ballad was written for his one and only and tells the story of falling in love with your soulmate.

"Beautiful, Crazy" Luke Combs

According to Country Aircheck, Luke Combs’ “Beautiful Crazy” was the most-played song of 2019.

"God Whispered Your Name" Keith Urban

"God Whispered Your Name" tells the story of a being lost and meeting your true love who helps you find your way.

"You" Dan + Shay

When Dan + Shay wrote "You" they didn't initially think of it as a wedding song but it has become a popular pick.

"Better Together" Luke Combs

Luke Comb's "Better Together" is a love letter to his wife, Nicole.

"In Case You Didn't Know" Brett Young

"In Case You Didn't Know" was inspired by one of Young's cowriter's moms who would always tell him in case you didn't now, I love you.

"Forever To Go" Chace Rice

Chase Rice's song, "Forever To Go," is especially appropriate for weddings: it's about a long lasting relationship. "Our song never gets old," he sings. "The honeymoon phase/And butterflies fade/But I'll never let you go." 

"You're Still The One" Shania Twain

"You're Still The One" was inspired by her marriage to former husband Robert John “Mutt” Lange.

"To The Moon And Back" Luke Bryan

"To The Moon And Back" also looks at a long-lasting relationship. "Until our song is over/Til the stars all fade to black/I'm gonna love you/To the ends of the Earth/To the moon and back."

"10,000 Hours" Dan + Shay

Co-writer Jessie Jo Dillon told us about writing the song. "Dan had the title '10,000 Hours'; he liked the way it looked. And we just started talking about the adage of how you’ve mastered something if you’ve done it for 10,000 hours. I was just like, this needs to be a simple song. 'Keep it simple, stupid!'" 

"Joy Of My Life" Chris Stapleton

Stapleton reinterprets the John Fogerty song from 1997.

"Carrying Your Love With Me" George Strait

The 1997 classic will have your guests in their feels.

"Amazed" Lonestar

Since it's debut "Amazed" has been a popular wedding song for many couples.

"Cover Me Up" Morgan Wallen

This cover of Jason Isbell's song tells the story of two lovers reuniting.

"Change Your Name" Chase Bryant

This Chase Bryant song has sweet lyrics fitting for a big day.

"H.O.L.Y." Florida Georgia Line

Florida Georgia Line's "H.O.L.Y" is a love song with inspiration from their musical roots and singing in church.

"God Gave Me You" Blake Shelton

The song recorded by Blake Shelton was written as a love song and as a thank you.

"Bless The Broken Road" Rascal Flatts"Wanted" Hunter Hayes

The 2004 song was penned after a conversation about the roads life takes us on before we find our person.

"Wanted" Hunter Hayes

Written as a love letter, Hunter Hayes "Wanted" helped him find the words he couldn't say.

Jackson Blue has been on Boston airwaves for over 20 years. He is a foodie family person with a passion for having fun forever. Jackson likes to write about food, restaurants, Massachusetts and Boston happenings.

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