Have you ever noticed that today’s moment can be a magical memory tomorrow? The beautiful, natural setting at a Virginia State Park is a great canvas for making magic. 

And it’s also a fun place to return to re-live them. Hart Hagen must have kept that in mind as he planned his big surprise.

Hart recounts a life changing moment at High Bridge Trail State Park: 

“A few years ago Jenny and I rode our bikes from Longwood University to the pre-renovated High Bridge and talked about how pretty it would be to see the leaves changing when they finish the much anticipated project. When it came time to deciding where I wanted to pop the question I decided I wanted somewhere that would hopefully last as long as our marriage in a town that will be fun to visit, good food and with a lot of history both for our country and our relationship. Much of our relationship is based around lakes and parks so I couldn’t think of a better place than High Bridge Trail State Park. Guys should take note, we were blessed with beautiful weather and the changing leaves were amazing!”  

             A Surprise Awaited Jenny on High Bridge (photo by Lindsey Burlew)

Here’s Jenny’s version of their magic moment:

“After eight years and a long distance relationship between Indiana University and Longwood University, I knew I had found someone pretty special. Realistically, after eight years, I didn't think he would be able to surprise me...Boy, was I wrong!  

Hart and I had been to visit High Bridge Trail before the bridge was restored in 2010, so when Hart suggested going there to "look at the leaves," I thought nothing of it! I just thought it would be a fun date! When we were walking toward the bridge, we started talking to a couple who had been in church with us that morning. They had hung back to go to the information area, so they walked up right as Hart was proposing. After the proposal, the husband even said to Hart, "You scoundrel you! I could just tell there was something on your mind!" Apparently, Hart had his heart on his sleeve all day and it still took him getting down on one knee for me to clue in to what was going on.

Yet, Hart had another big surprise for me. As if a ring and a beautiful proposal on a spectacular bridge weren't enough, he turns around, points to a woman I've never seen before, and says "She's been taking pictures this whole time!" WHAT?!?! I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was to find out that Lindsey Burlew had been there taking beautiful pictures the entire time. It was truly the perfect touch to a perfect day,” says Jenny.

“I can’t wait to visit for many years down the road” says Hart (photo by Lindsey Burlew)

To read the story behind the proposal, “Life Happens, Love Helps” by photographer Lindsey Burlew, click here.

Engaged!  (photo by Lindsey Burlew)

The handsome guy with the hot red convertible

Shirley Waldrop had a date at High Bridge many years ago when the railroad line was still active. High Bridge is now the centerpiece of High Bridge Trail State Park, a rails-to-trails park featuring 31 miles of trails. Shirley married that gentleman who won her heart at High Bridge on June 17, 1950 and shared a life with William Linwood Waldrop until he passed on February 14, 2008. 

Shirley’s daughter Karen tells the tale:

“My Dad walked out on the rails (at High Bridge) that day of their date to take pictures and see how far he could see. My mom heard the whistle of an approaching train and started screaming at him to run. She said it was the most terrifying of all their dates even if it was beautiful. My Dad was always the romantic adventurer. He was an avid historian and loved the beauty of nature.

But to my Mom he was the really tall (6’4”) handsome guy with the hot red convertible.” Shirley was recently able to re-live her magic moment when her daughter, Karen decided they would take advantage of High Bridge Trail State Park’s guided access service to visit High Bridge. Karen said, “We are all hoping to brighten our parent’s spirits, so that if even for a moment they can forget their challenges and enjoy the beauty of nature.” They drove behind Chief Ranger Craig Guthrie’s vehicle along a service road to get to High Bridge.

Shirley had a romantic date at High Bridge in 1950    

“My Mom had the time of her life that day!” said Karen. “Rangers Craig and Flippen were so wonderful! I could have never asked for a better day. The weather was wonderful (80 with a bit of a breeze), the leaves were beautiful, and the historical narrative of the bridge was told in a way to hold everyone's interest.” 

 Shirley relives her magic moments with daughter Karen at High Bridge

Now there’s a magic moment re-lived that just created a new magic moment. 

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN, TELL US YOUR STORY!