[photogallerylink id=99095 align=right]Last Thursday night in Grand Rapids was a night to remember for 99.5 WYCD‘s Jason the 300lb Cowboy as [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Taylor Swift[/lastfm] gave him direction in his surprise proposal to long time girlfriend Kelli. See photos, watch video, and read the “Love Story” that unfolded at  Van Andel Arena.

[pullquote quote="Next time I see you two, you'd better be engaged!" credit="Andrea Swift (Taylor's mom to Jason and Kelli)"]Back in February of 2010, when Taylor Swift’s Fearless Tour was at The Palace of Auburn Hills, many of us from 99.5 WYCD were backstage before the concert in Taylor’s Vibe/Tea Party Room.  The best way to describe this room is that it’s decorated like the inside of Jeannie’s bottle on I Dream of Jeannie.  The Vibe room is  utilized for radio personnel and a place for Taylor to greet and thank Radio stations for their support. Taylor graciously and generously comes out and walks around the room, says hi to everyone and poses for photos. Its a small, intimate setting where you an actually have a conversation with Taylor and her mom Andrea, who is always a gracious hostess as well, if she happens to be on tour with Taylor that particular night.  So last year, when we were in the Vibe Room, before Andrea and Taylor left the room, Andrea said to Jason and Kelli, “Next time I see you two, you’d better be engaged!”

Fast forward now to Taylor’s current Speak Now Tour at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids last Thursday night, July 28th.  Jason and Kelli, Mini Rach (my daughter) and I went to the Grand Rapids show and were lucky enough to be able to join the Grand Rapids radio people in the Vibe Room backstage before the show. (Thanks to our good friends at Big Machine Records.) Both Jack Purcell from Big Machine Records and I were both aware that Jason was considering proposing to Kelli in front of  Taylor and her mom, since this would be he next time they saw Jason and Kelli. But that night, when we would ask Jason if he was going to propose, he never gave us and yes or no answer. I don’t know at that point if  HE knew if he was going to do it or not.  He was really quiet. I’ve known Jason for 12 years and nothing makes him nervous. I’ve NEVER seen him as nervous as he was.

When Taylor entered the Vibe Room, she worked her way around the room, saying hello to the Grand Rapids radio people. Those of us from Detroit were hanging back to say hello last. When Taylor and mom, Andrea, got to us, we said hello and hugged and took photos and visited for a few minutes. Then . . . I saw Jason reach into his pocket and pull something out. My heart started racing, because at that moment, I knew he was going to propose.

[pullquote quote="Get down on your knee!" credit="Taylor Swift (to WYCD's Jason during proposal)"]He pulled the ring out, and said to Taylor and Andrea, “The last time we saw you, you told us we’d better be engaged the next you saw us, so Kelli . .”  Taylor and such a surprised look on her face, then she said to Jason, “get down on your knee.” Jason joked he may not be abe to get back and and I told him we’d help him. So he dropped to his knee and proposed to Kelli!  We were so happy and congratulating them, then Taylor joked that we hadn’t even waited for an answer from Kelli! BTW . . . she said YES!

So, on Thursday, July 28th 2011, backstage in The Vibe Room, prior to Taylor Swift‘s concert at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Jason and Kelli became engaged. Myself , my daughter, Jack Purcell (VP Promotions with Big Machine Records), Taylor Swift ,and her mom, Andrea, all witnessed the beautful event! It was an honor! You can leave your Congratulations for the happy couple in the comments below!

As far as the concert goes, Michiganders got quite a treat as Taylor performed a medley of songs from some of her favorite Michigan artists. Watch her performance of [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Eminem[/lastfm]‘s “Lose Yourself” and [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Uncle Kracker[/lastfm]‘s “Smile.”

The crowd screamed and sang along as Taylor performed a mash-up “happy instrument” medley of her “Fearless” with [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Train[/lastfm]‘s “Hey, Soul Sister” and [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Jason Mraz[/lastfm]‘ “I’m Yours.”