Christian Guerrero surprised Susie Sass with a proposal that included hundreds of hot air balloons, fulfilling a dream she had shared early in their relationship
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —
Love was in the air when Christian Guerrero surprised Susie Sass with a proposal at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
The Denver couple met through mutual friends and remained that way for more than a year before they started dating. Guerrero said his feelings were clear from the start.
“I had a crush on her since day one,” he said.
For Sass, the romance was more of a “slow burn.” The two began spending more time together, often going to restaurants and hanging out one-on-one.
“Somewhere along the way, I was like, ‘What? I kind of like him,” she said.
Sass had wanted to attend the Balloon Fiesta since the couple met. Early in their relationship, she also told Guerrero she had always dreamed of being proposed to in a hot air balloon.
Guerrero began planning the proposal months in advance. He contacted a photographer about three months before the event and told family and friends about his plan. He persuaded Sass to make the trip alone by presenting it as a birthday surprise.
Keeping the proposal secret in the crowded park proved challenging. Guerrero had to discreetly coordinate with the photographer, find a clear place to kneel and retrieve the ring, which he had hidden in his sock.
Guerrero said he remained composed until it was time to ask the question.
“I was cool, calm and collected until the last second,” he said. “And then I got nervous. And then I couldn’t speak. And then I think I blew it all. I don’t know why she said yes.”
The proposal began with one memorable question: “What are you doing for the rest of your life?”
Sass recalled Guerrero telling her, “I love you. I always have.”
“And then I think I blacked out because I don’t remember you actually asking me to marry you,” she said. “But I said yes.”
Sass said the look on Guerrero’s face is one detail she will always remember.
“He just seemed so happy, and it made me really happy,” she said.
The couple also marveled at the sight of hundreds of balloons rising over Albuquerque.
“It’s just waves after waves of balloons,” Sass said. “It was beautiful.”
Guerrero said the proposal required careful planning but encouraged others considering a Balloon Fiesta engagement to go for it.
“It’s a little nerve-racking to do, but it’s doable,” he said. “If I can do it, anybody can do it. And then you just have really cool pictures after.”
His other advice: Arrive early because the park fills quickly.
Guerrero and Sass said they hope to return to Balloon Fiesta, possibly for a group camping trip with friends. For now, they plan to enjoy their engagement before beginning the wedding-planning process.
“It was incredible,” Sass said. “I kept saying, ‘Best weekend ever.”
