One New York couple’s romantic proposal story has become unforgettable for reasons no one could have predicted. What was meant to be a carefully planned, picture-perfect engagement ended with laughter, comfort, and a viral internet moment after nerves quite literally got the best of the groom-to-be.
Braydon Dewey, 22, popped the question to his girlfriend, Destiny Fajen, 22, at Halfmoon Town Park in New York. Determined to create a meaningful surprise, Dewey invited several members of Fajen’s family, including her parents, grandparents, and other close relatives, to watch the milestone moment unfold. The setup had all the ingredients of a classic proposal: a scenic park, loved ones nearby, and a diamond engagement ring ready to go. But even the most romantic plans can come with a side of anxiety.
According to Fajen, Dewey had been feeling intense nerves leading up to the big question. He later admitted he was worried “something would go wrong,” and ironically, that anxiety became the most memorable part of the day. Moments after Fajen said yes, Dewey suddenly felt overwhelmed and became sick in a nearby bush right in front of everyone.
Groom-To-Be Pukes After New York Proposal
“I was worried and slightly confused about what had just happened,” Fajen recalls to PEOPLE.
Despite the unexpected turn, Fajen immediately shifted into caretaker mode. She said Dewey quietly apologized before stepping away, and she followed to make sure he was okay. “He actually whispered ‘I’m sorry’ right as he stood up to go throw up,” she explains. “I took a second to realize what was happening then went to go make sure he was okay.”
The now-viral video captures the emotional rollercoaster in real time. Dewey is smiling while kneeling and asking the big question, but shortly after placing the ring on Fajen’s finger, his expression changes as nausea hits. He covers his mouth and rushes toward a bush while family members look on. Fajen, still smiling, bends down beside him, hugging him and rubbing his back. If anything, the awkward moment made the proposal feel even more real.
“Honestly, everyone kinda pretended it didn’t happen, trying to make him feel better about it,” Fajen says.
In today’s social-media culture, imperfect moments often resonate more than polished ones. Fajen later shared the proposal clip on TikTok on Feb. 5 with the caption, “POV: Your fiancé was so nervous to propose to you that the second you said yes he went and threw up.” The internet quickly fell in love with the story, sending the post to roughly 14 million views and more than 3 million likes within a day.
For Dewey, the embarrassment faded quickly once he realized the proposal itself had succeeded. “To be honest, I was just relieved that it all went perfectly and she said ‘yes,’ ” he says.
The Internet Couldn’t Get Enough
The couple, who first met in 2022 when Dewey visited the restaurant where Fajen worked as a hostess, officially began dating on Feb. 23 of that year. Now, the proposal mishap has become part of their shared history, one they can laugh about together. Fajen says they even keep a framed photo from the moment in their home.
With their wedding planned under Arizona’s Superstition Mountains on Feb. 23, the anniversary of when they made their relationship official, the couple seems to be embracing the lesson that love stories don’t have to be flawless to be meaningful.
“Great ! Now my girl will think I’m not fr if I don’t throw up when I propose,” one person joked on TikTok. “This may be the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen,” said another. “Who said romance is dead?” a third comment read.
And in New York, this proposal proves that sometimes the most memorable romantic moments are the ones you never see coming.
Preston Thomas 
Kenna Raye 
Nina Franklin 
