The lovely Leianna Seals from New Orleans thought she won a VIP trip to pick a free ball gown at MCAS Miramar’s 8th Annual Ball Gown Giveaway, but my goodness was she in store for much more?! Leianna’s doting Marine, Lance Corporal William Bell, shocked her with a down-on-both-knees marriage proposal and a stunning Robbins Brothers diamond wedding ring set to go along with it.
It turns out that William, not Leianna, was the winner of a contest. Robbins Brothers and MCCS Miramar asked Marines to share their love story for a chance to win a gift certificate towards the ring purchase and a unique marriage proposal. Lance Corporal William Bell’s story touched the hearts of judges and then the planning began (first step: William visited Lindsey Nourse at Robbins Brothers San Diego to pick a ring). Even Leianna’s excited and proud mother, Vera Seals, was in on the surprise and flew to San Diego with her daughter to witness this life-changing moment.
Lance Corporal Bell’s Winning Story:
“I feel that my love and best friend, Leianna Seals, is extremely deserving of an amazing proposal. We met our senior year and what makes our story unique is that we met as a result of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. The unfortunate events of the storm brought us together. It was difficult transitioning to a new school our senior year, but she served as my calm in the storm. We feel and believe that even though unfortunate events took place during that tragic time that there were blessing in the aftermath. If it had not been for the hurricane our paths may have never crossed. We learned that life is unpredictable, can present incredible challenges and that with love anything is possible.
Leianna supported me unconditionally when I made the decision to become a Marine. She has been an unwavering source of encouragement. I, LCpl William Bell, Jr. thank God every day for having placed this remarkable young lady into my life. After the hurricane, we knew that we needed to embrace life and live it to the fullest. Leianna is still in Louisiana and we remain true and faithful to one other because we know how lucky we are to have been brought together. I would love to surprise her and give her a beautiful ring as with everything we have been through she has remained so strong. I will never forget the tragedies of Hurricane Katrina, but I thank God for blessing us with a prosperous relationship that has brought amazing light to my life. I hope that our story touches your hearts, the way that she has touched mine.”
WATCH THE SURPRISE PROPOSAL!
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