House candidate Frank Lago recently secured one critical “yes” vote.
That’s when his girlfriend of three years, Natasha Tejera, accepted his surprise engagement proposal on a scenic late afternoon at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club.
“I was nervous, absolutely; it’s a nerve-wracking thing trying to hide it,” Lago said Saturday after he and 40 campaign volunteers canvassed some 950 residences in the Village, hoping to stir up publicity for the August primary election that includes four other candidates.
The surprise engagement to Natasha came complete with a large “Will You Marry Me?” sign, and family, friends and many Sunday afternoon Yacht Club guests waving and cheering from the verandas.
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Frank used the guise of Natasha’s brother being recently appointed to the Yacht Club’s Board of Directors.
“I told her this would be his ‘swearing-in day,’ but there’s really no such thing, so that’s how I got her to dress up,” he said. “I didn’t realize they had a Movie Night for kids, so the place was packed and they had used the lawn I was going to use.
“We went on the sunset side, the west side, and it worked out even better, although I missed the mark where I was to kneel down. Anyway, she said, ‘Yes!,’ and that was a big relief.”
Natasha quickly realized it was going to be a special moment, although she admitted she was completely caught by surprise.
“It was the most beautiful sunset, and I truly had no idea what was about to happen,” she said. “When he got down on one knee, my heart just knew this was about to be one of the best chapters of my life. In that moment, I felt a rush of excitement, joy and pure happiness all at once.”
The invitees included her brother and sister-in-law, her cousin and her husband, her 96-year-old grandmother, her parents and aunt and uncle, Frank’s parents and his sister and her husband.
“When I looked up and saw my family gathered there and the beautiful ‘Will You Marry Me?’ banner, it made an already perfect moment feel even more magical,” Natasha said, remembering “so many” of her childhood memories having taken place at the Yacht Club. “It was one of the most beautiful and meaningful moments I’ve ever experienced, and one I will cherish forever.”
Frank had wanted to propose in Mexico City back in October — “Natasha’s favorite holiday is Halloween” — but plans changed, postponing the proposal until this year.
“So this was a challenge,” he said. “The day came out really spectacular.”
Natasha said she felt like the happiest girl in the world, enjoying an unforgettable Valentine’s weekend.
“I cannot wait to start this new chapter and hold his hand through every step of this journey,” she said.