Will you 'merry' me?

Melanie Forest looks forward to the Santa Claus parade every year.

It's a tradition she and her sisters have been carrying on for years.

“I love, love, love the Santa Claus parade,” the Sudburian said.

This year, the parade was made even more special when Forest's boyfriend, Sean McDonald, jumped off Santa's float to ask if she would marry him.

Holding a sign saying “Melanie will you marry me?” he made his way through the crowd, ring in hand.

“It was a complete surprise,” Forest said.

At least, the bride-to-be didn't know about it. Everyone around her was in on the proposal, helping to ensure it went as smooth as possible. Forest said it couldn't have been better.

The couple, who have been together for a year-and-a-half, are planning to tie the knot in June, 2014.

People around the happy couple were snapping photos and videos of the proposal, and taking in the magic of the moment.

“Everyone around us was cheering,” Forest recalled.

Anyone who may have footage of the proposal is invited to send photos to [email protected].