In a heartwarming revelation, Mike van Reekum has shared with PEOPLE the profound emotional impact of witnessing his partner PK Creedon’s parents at his surprise proposal. This significant moment was particularly poignant for van Reekum, who reflects on having lost his own father at a young age, making the presence of Creedon’s family all the more meaningful.
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The unexpected proposal unfolded dramatically when Creedon, poised to ask for van Reekum’s hand in marriage, casually gestured towards the crowd, revealing that his parents had secretly flown in for the occasion. At first, van Reekum appeared bewildered, but upon spotting Creedon’s parents, he was overcome with emotion and broke down in tears. Captured in a TikTok video, viewers resonated with his stunned reaction, as van Reekum repeatedly exclaimed, “Are you kidding me right now?”
Expressing his feelings to PEOPLE, van Reekum stated, “Words can’t really explain it. When I saw his parents had flown in, it hit me.” He continued to explain that the significance of their presence transformed an already life-changing moment into something indescribably profound. “I’ve been so lucky to have the relationship I do with his parents, and in that instant, it made everything feel so much more real.”
Creedon, a marketing consultant aged 34, noted that including his parents in the proposal was never up for debate. “Having them there was always part of the plan,” he stated. “They are my best friends and have loved me unconditionally, even after I came out to them 16 years ago.”
Planning the proposal required careful consideration, particularly given the unique dynamics of their long-term same-sex relationship. Creedon acknowledged the excitement van Reekum often felt made it difficult for him to keep a surprise. His strategy involved discussing the timeline for their engagement, which they had agreed upon would not happen until they purchased a house together. “I only made him agree to that so I could plan something special for him,” Creedon admitted with a laugh.
The couple’s love story began 13 years ago when they matched on Tinder. They spent months forming their bond through Skype calls while living in different cities. Creedon recalls a moment of enthusiasm when he revealed to his parents, “I think I just found my husband,” after one of their calls. Their first in-person meeting was a swift journey, culminating in the pair officially dating by day two and hearing “I love you” by the third.
Years later, Creedon’s proposal speech echoed this narrative, bringing their journey full circle. Both individuals recognise that their commitment to family is crucial to their relationship. “We’re incredibly lucky to both have such loving and accepting parents,” Creedon commented, adding that their families have amalgamated to form one large, supportive family unit.
“Our families have become intertwined,” van Reekum mentioned. He elaborated on the closeness they have achieved, noting that during a recent family cruise, their mothers shared accommodations, reinforcing their belief in the importance of “love is love.”
However, the surprises did not conclude with the proposal itself. Van Reekum later discovered that he and Creedon had been secretly working towards the same goal for months. Van Reekum had approached Creedon’s parents for their blessing and even shared his own proposal plans without realising that Creedon had a similar idea already in motion. In an amusing reveal, Creedon’s mother later apologised, saying, “Sorry, when you were telling us your plan, we couldn’t tell you PK already had one in motion!”
Revisiting the joyful moment on video brings forth different emotional responses for the couple. Van Reekum still finds himself tearing up at the sight of Creedon’s parents, while Creedon treasures the instant when van Reekum repeatedly asked, “Really?!” reflecting the surprise, love, and joy in his partner’s voice.
Now, four years into their marriage, the foundation of their relationship remains strong, built on the same values that sustained them through years of long-distance courtship. Open communication is pivotal, with Creedon stating, “There isn’t a thought we have independently that we don’t share with each other.”
As they navigate the journey of love and partnership, the couple demonstrates how profound connections, family support, and shared values can enrich even the most impactful moments in life, illustrating their belief that love truly knows no bounds.