Broadway Records President 'Proposes' A Merger

On Sunday, Broadway Records founder Van Dean got down on one knee and officially proposed to Alejandra Cardeñosa at EPCOT in Walt Disney World.

Mr. Dean surprised the love his life by taking her to the scene of their first date weekend in Orlando exactly one year from the day that they met there in person for the first time. They had been communicating via Skype and WhatsApp for two months before this first meeting.

The groom-to-be re-created some of the highlights of this first date, including a visit to EPCOT. He chose to propose on a scenic bridge near the beautiful Italy pavilion because the country of Italy will be the location of the honeymoon of the couple. Ms. Cardeñosa is from Bogota, Colombia.

"I proposed in Spanish," posted Mr. Dean, "and I am so grateful that she said “sí” (actually she said “absolutamente sí.”) [translation: absolutely yes!]

"I can’t wait to spend the rest my life with her," he added.

Reaction on social media has been swift and filled with good wishes in both English and Spanish.

I originally met Mr. Dean at one of the first shows put on by the 1214 Foundation (now called NewArts) in Newtown, CT where he has been a volunteer for many seasons. The children involved with the program continue to inspire him. He also was on the stage at an appearance of Stephen Schwartz at Trumbull HS that I covered.

"Felicidades" [congratulations] to the couple on this new chapter in their lives.

All photos courtesy of Van Dean