ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Carlos Concepcion points to the billboard on the Lynnway that he used to proposed to his girlfriend Krystle Chisholm.
BY GABE MARTINEZ
LYNN — They say love is blind, but it would have to be to miss this Lynnway proposal.
Carlos Concepcion, 27, of Lynn, with a little help from his boss, purchased the loving message on the LED billboard on the Lynnway.
“I kind of told her before she saw it,” said Concepcion. “I bought the ring and proposed to her in front of her brother.”
Don’t worry folks, she said yes.
Krystle Chisholm, 28, of Saugus, said the couple had been talking about marriage for a while, but did not believe it until she saw the billboard.
“We thought this year would be a good time,” said Chisholm.
Chisholm, a student at Salem State University who is studying occupational therapy, says Concepcion is a hit with all of her family. He asked her father for his blessing and he enthusiastically said yes.
The couple has been friends for over 10 years and met at a carnival at Lynn English High School. The two decided to become a couple about five years ago.
Concepcion’s friend , Drew Hoffman gave him the idea for the billboard proposal.
Concepcion’s boss David Zeller, knew this was a story that had to be told.
“He’s a very quiet person,” said Zeller. “But he has a love story that is inspiring.”
Zeller said that Concepcion has been studying to become an insurance salesman, while growing his relationship with Chisholm.
“I was kind of nervous, but once it was up there I was just like’ it’s up there’,” Concepcion said.
Concepcion said he was very excited once he heard the idea, and his friends and family were excited, as well. He shared the photo of the billboard on Facebook, and said he received over 500 likes.
While the newly engaged couple has not yet started planning their wedding, the two are looking for a Summer 2017 date.
Gabe Martinez can be reached at [email protected] follow him on Twitter @gemartinez92.