Eclipse engagement: North Carolina man proposes during 'once-in-a-lifetime happening'

Hunter Sawyers proposed to his girlfriend, Elaina Bullard, with a picture-perfect backdrop during Monday's total solar eclipse. (FOX8 WGHP)

When Hunter Sawyers heard about this week’s total solar eclipse two months ago, he saw an opportunity even greater than the chance to view the rare and remarkable celestial event. As the moon crossed in front of the sun Monday during a once-in-a-lifetime interplanetary pas de deux, Sawyers sought a memorable moment of his own: asking his girlfriend’s hand in marriage.

He and his now-fiancée, Elaina Bullard, went to North Carolina’s Hanging Rock State Park Monday. She thought they were going for a picnic and to watch the eclipse like everyone else.

Sawyers and Bullard take in the historic eclipse. (FOX8 WGHP)

The couple climbed up to their vantage point high in the rocks. And when it was time for totality, Sawyers helped Bullard put her glasses on from behind.

Her shielded eyes pointed skyward, Bullard was completely taken with the view, unaware of the events about to unfold.

When Sawyers heard about the eclipse, he knew it was the perfect opportunity to propose. (FOX8 WGHP)

“It was really beautiful and everything and she was distracted looking at the beautiful eclipse,” Sawyers said in an interview with FOX8 WGHP.

“While I was looking at it, that's when he quickly pulled (the ring) out,” Bullard said. “When I turned around, he was kneeling.”

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“It's a once-in-a-lifetime happening and you’re a once-in-a-lifetime girl,” Sawyers said during his proposal. “I said, ‘I want to grow old with you and tell our grandkids about this day.’"

Sawyers and Bullard have known each other since they were 3; they grew up together attending the same church. Sawyers, now 20, said he knew instantly that the eclipse was the perfect moment to propose.

“I’ve been wanting to do this for quite a while,” Sawyers said. "I just kept it a big secret because I didn't want anything to spill out."

Sawyers and Bullard hope to tell their grandchildren about the unforgettable proposal. (FOX8 WGHP)

Even though he was ready with a ring, solar eclipse sunglasses and a picture-perfect panoramic view, Sawyers said he was "very, very nervous but luckily I got the words out."