Today, as we celebrate National Drive-In Movie Day, we pay tribute to a pivotal chapter in cinematic history. It's especially fitting since the first patented drive-in theater opened its gates on June 6, 1933, in New Jersey. There's an undeniable magic to the drive-in experience—perhaps it's the tug of nostalgia, the unique shared experience under a canopy of stars, or simply the joyous freedom to savor a classic film with popcorn and a delicious cheeseburger! (More about cheeseburgers later. 😛)
On this special anniversary, I want to share my deeply personal connection to drive-in theaters. For my fiancé, Stephen, and me, drive-ins are far more than just venues for films; they're a cornerstone of our love story. Our journey with these nostalgic cinematic havens began early. One of our early dates involved a drive-in double feature of silent classics Nosferatu and The Phantom of the Opera at The Skyline Drive-In in Shelbyville, Indiana. Another memorable night saw us watching The Creature from the Black Lagoon in thrilling 3-D! Reconnecting with drive-ins was a blast, especially since my last visit had been as a little girl in the early 1980s. And it was at the beloved Starlite Drive-In Theatre in Amelia, Ohio, in August of last year, that Stephen proposed—a moment that perfectly wove together our shared passion.
The day unfolded beautifully. We'd spent the entire afternoon at Cincinnati Union Terminal’s 1940s Day, completely immersed in the era. My sister and nephew joined us, as did Stephen's family and acting students from the Cincinnati Actors Studio, making for a lively group. A true highlight was winning the costume contest – I was ecstatic! Even the local news was there, capturing all the fun.
As evening set in, friends, family, and students gathered at the Drive-In for what I believed was our "last hurrah" to summer. Seeing my name and my family's names proudly displayed on the outside sign was a sweet, personal touch, making it feel like the perfect end to a wonderful day. But as it turned out, the night was just beginning.
Just before the 1996 Twister film began, a video unexpectedly flashed onto the big screen. It was Stephen! I first thought it was some funny ad he'd made for the drive-in's concession stand, but it quickly became clear this was something else entirely. He strolls up to the concession stand to order food, and then, poof, he's suddenly the worker behind the counter. My jaw dropped when he appeared again, this time in his incredible Indiana Jones costume from 1940s Day, complete with the iconic theme music playing. "If you're getting food for Seleus," he said, in perfect Indy fashion, "you better get two of everything. You know how she likes to eat." What in the world is going on? I wondered. Then, the Indiana Jones character pulled out a ring. Seriously, you have to see the amazing video below.
As the video reached its crescendo, I felt everyone around me pulling out their phones, ready to capture the moment. Then, there it was – an engagement ring, sparkling on the big screen! Stephen was proposing!
Knowing my Popeye's Wimpy-esque love for cheeseburgers, it was the most fitting and hilarious addition to an already perfect moment. I exclaimed, "Yes!" again, and we kissed; then I took a triumphant bite of that cheeseburger! It was a truly magical night, so unique that our proposal was even featured in another local news segment about drive-in nostalgia! Watch the proposal and our interview from the local news below.
My love affair with drive-ins stretches back to the late 1970s. I must have watched countless films at the Whitestone Drive-In in The Bronx—from classic Bruce Lee and James Bond, to deliciously cheesy horror and sci-fi, and all the big studio blockbusters. Sometimes I'd go with my family, other times with my cousins, all piled into the back of a station wagon. The drive-in experience is truly unparalleled. It’s a place where families and friends could gather effortlessly, feast on movies and fun treats during intermission, and simply revel in each other's company.
It's intermission time, folks!
What a joy it is to find someone who loves them as much as you do.
That night was the ultimate full-circle moment, seamlessly weaving together so many elements dear to us. It was a perfect proposal on a perfect day at a perfect place. Words genuinely can’t express my gratitude to everyone who made that day possible, and most especially to my fiancé, Stephen, for making a dream come true!
This post is dedicated to the enduring magic of drive-ins and to my incredible fiancé, Stephen.]
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