At a Glance
- Luis and Alyona celebrated their love with a private proposal at Denver’s Capital Hill Books on January 16.
- The event featured roses, charcuterie, a custom diamond ring, and a song that played from a boom box.
- A video of the proposal quickly went viral on TikTok and Instagram, inspiring romance-seekers nationwide.
A Colorado couple’s romantic bookstore proposal went viral on TikTok and Instagram, sparking joy and inspiring love stories across the country.
A Bookstore Proposal That Captured Hearts
Luis, 29, and Alyona, 27, chose a quiet, intimate setting to ask the question that mattered most. Their favorite moments together are simply “sitting and enjoying each other’s company,” and the bookstore’s shelves and soft lighting felt like the perfect backdrop.
Planning the Perfect Moment
Luis scoured Denver for a bookstore with character and charm. He eventually found Capital Hill Books, a locally-owned shop in the city’s heart. The owner happily agreed to let him use the space for a private after-hours proposal on January 16.
- Bouquet of roses laid beside a small table.
- Charcuterie and wine set for two.
- String lights and candles draped over bookshelves.
- A vintage-inspired, east-west oval diamond ring custom-designed with a local jeweler.
Luis admitted he was nervous, but he practiced his speech for months. He said, “I had thought about and practiced what I was going to say to her in those moments for months, but looking at her beautiful face begin to well up in emotion I must have only managed to say a fraction of what I had wanted.”
The Big Moment: Lights, Love, and a Ring
When Alyona walked into the bookstore, Luis’s fears vanished. He recalled, “The moment I saw her walk up to the bookstore, all of those fears faded away. I was reminded that all I really ever need is Alyona, and with her there now, the world more or less melted away.”
Luis got down on one knee, addressed her by full name, and asked, “Will you marry me, sweetie?” He added, “You are quite literally my best friend, and I choose you today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life.” Alyona’s reply was a tearful nod and an embrace, and she later said, “I was so overwhelmed with emotion, pretty much the second I walked in the door of the bookstore.”
The ring was a special piece: a custom-designed oval diamond that symbolized eternity, a detail Luis and Alyona had chosen together with a local jeweler.

Behind the Scenes: Notes, Music, and Details
A few weeks before the proposal, Luis left Alyona a note on their kitchen counter. The note contained a riddle about books, rings, and eternity, inviting her to “meet him in the city” at the bookstore at 6:15 p.m. sharp. The note referenced one of their favorite songs, “Meet Me in the City” by Junior Kimbrough, and a cover by The Black Keys that played softly from an old kitchen boom box.
The song underscored the moment, providing a personal soundtrack that made the proposal feel even more intimate. The video of the proposal, captured by a photographer, later went viral on TikTok and Instagram, where fans shared their own romantic stories.
A Love Story in Context
Luis and Alyona met through mutual friends at a board game night in September 2022, shortly after Luis moved from Texas to Denver during the pandemic. Their first dates were filled with laughter and adventure, and they quickly realized they were “obviously” perfect for each other.
They officially became a couple on Valentine’s Day 2023 and have celebrated each anniversary with flowers, balloons, and sweet treats. Alyona reflected on their relationship, saying, “I am so beyond thrilled to continue on this journey with him.”
Luis shared his admiration, describing Alyona as “my support, my life, my best friend.” He added, “What a privilege it is to be able to be by her side to watch her succeed and thrive.”
Viral Video and Public Reaction
The proposal video captured the raw emotion of the moment, from Luis’s nervous preparation to Alyona’s tearful acceptance. The clip quickly spread across social media, garnering millions of views and inspiring couples worldwide to think creatively about their own proposals.
Followers praised the authenticity of the setting and the heartfelt delivery. Many commented that the proposal felt “real” and “so sweet.” The video’s popularity highlighted how personal, well-planned moments can resonate with a broad audience.
Key Takeaways
- A well-thought-out proposal can turn a simple location into a memorable experience.
- Personal touches-like a custom ring, a favorite song, and a handwritten note-add depth to the moment.
- Authenticity and emotion often lead to viral success on social media, inspiring others.
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