Imagine you're going with your boyfriend for what you think will be a typical holiday gathering. Then your visit takes a surprising -- and delightful -- literary turn. That's what happened this past Christmas Eve when Bethany Albert and her boyfriend, David Slater, of Washington, D.C., went to visit her parents in Tacoma, Washington. Little did she know she would soon find herself re-enacting the romantic proposal scene from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." Click through to watch the story unfold:
A 'Pride and Prejudice' proposal —
Imagine you're going with your boyfriend for what you think will be a typical holiday gathering. Then your visit takes a surprising -- and delightful -- literary turn. That's what happened this past Christmas Eve when Bethany Albert and her boyfriend, David Slater, of Washington, D.C., went to visit her parents in Tacoma, Washington. Little did she know she would soon find herself re-enacting the romantic proposal scene from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." Click through to watch the story unfold:
Courtesy Lisa Hepfner
"Mr. Bingley has returned to Netherfield at last," her sister said, quoting Austen's novel as Albert walked through the door. The 23-year-old was met with a Regency dress and a script. "I was not aware of what was being said in the next few minutes," she told CNN. "I was shocked."
A 'Pride and Prejudice' proposal —
"Mr. Bingley has returned to Netherfield at last," her sister said, quoting Austen's novel as Albert walked through the door. The 23-year-old was met with a Regency dress and a script. "I was not aware of what was being said in the next few minutes," she told CNN. "I was shocked."
Courtesy Lisa Hepfner
For the next half hour, Albert, who works for a children's nonprofit, would be playing a part for which she hadn't rehearsed. She was Elizabeth Bennet, the beloved heroine in Austen's classic novel of life and love in early 19th-century England. Slater, a 29-year-old engineer, played the romantic hero, Mr. Darcy.
A 'Pride and Prejudice' proposal —
For the next half hour, Albert, who works for a children's nonprofit, would be playing a part for which she hadn't rehearsed. She was Elizabeth Bennet, the beloved heroine in Austen's classic novel of life and love in early 19th-century England. Slater, a 29-year-old engineer, played the romantic hero, Mr. Darcy.
Courtesy Lisa Hepfner
"My mother made five dresses in two weeks. Other costumes where either rented or pulled from thrifts stores," Albert said.
A 'Pride and Prejudice' proposal —
"My mother made five dresses in two weeks. Other costumes where either rented or pulled from thrifts stores," Albert said.
Courtesy Lisa Hepfner
"One by one the members of my family joined in," Albert said.
A 'Pride and Prejudice' proposal —
"One by one the members of my family joined in," Albert said.
Courtesy Lisa Hepfner
Albert's parents played the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.
A 'Pride and Prejudice' proposal —
Albert's parents played the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.
Courtesy Lisa Hepfner
"I figured out what was going on because it had my boyfriend written all over it," Albert said. "I knew we were getting engaged but I didn't know when."
A 'Pride and Prejudice' proposal —
"I figured out what was going on because it had my boyfriend written all over it," Albert said. "I knew we were getting engaged but I didn't know when."
Courtesy Lisa Hepfner
"I laughed a lot, but the members of my family managed to stay in character," Albert said.
A 'Pride and Prejudice' proposal —
"I laughed a lot, but the members of my family managed to stay in character," Albert said.
Courtesy Lisa Hepfner
And finally it was time for the proposal scene! Slater took Albert to a small field in the neighbor's back yard. "It was only at that moment that he left his character and proposed to me," Albert said. "It was so nice because even though my whole family was involved, it was private and personal in that moment."
A 'Pride and Prejudice' proposal —
And finally it was time for the proposal scene! Slater took Albert to a small field in the neighbor's back yard. "It was only at that moment that he left his character and proposed to me," Albert said. "It was so nice because even though my whole family was involved, it was private and personal in that moment."
Courtesy Lisa Hepfner
Albert and Slater plan to wed August 9 in their home state of Washington, where they originally met while attending University of Washington in Seattle. They will not be having a "Pride and Prejudice"-themed wedding.
A 'Pride and Prejudice' proposal —
Albert and Slater plan to wed August 9 in their home state of Washington, where they originally met while attending University of Washington in Seattle. They will not be having a "Pride and Prejudice"-themed wedding.
Courtesy Lisa Hepfner