Surprise Proposal Warms Hearts at La Grange's Hometown Holiday

With the help of old St. Nick, one couple that attended the got a great present this year—a marriage proposal.

Josh Studzinski, 24, of Tinley Park, dropped to one knee on the steps of to propose to Kimberly Zydek, 24, as a smiling crowd anxious to see Santa gathered below. Just moments before, Santa Claus himself had called out over the crowd telling onlookers he had a special present for a Kimberly Zydek.

"I was definitely nervous," Studzinski said of waiting for St. Nick to give his girlfriend the gift. "She was wondering why I wanted to stay for so long to see Santa."

Zydek opened the wrapped box before the crowd to pull out an oversized plastic diamond ring. As she wondered exactly what it meant, Studzinski came up from behind, tapped her shoulder and dropped to one knee to give her the real ring and ask for her hand in marriage.

"I wanted to do something special for her," Studzinski said after it was all over. "I wanted it to be something we would always remember."

The couple said they've been considering marriage for about a year, but Studzinski was waiting for the right moment to propose. He made the decision only a few days earlier and called Nancy Cummings at the to see if it could be coordinated.

Was the bride-to-be surprised? You could say that.

"Surprised? Yes, I was very surprised—and very happy," Zydek said with a look that said it better than words. "I would have done my hair at least!"

After they had moved away from the many well-wishers on the steps of Village Hall, the couple and their family all talked excitedly.

"We're thrilled," said Josh's father, Jeff Studzinski. "We're so excited to have Kim in the family. There's not a better couple in the world."