Indianapolis man gets the result he wanted as he re-proposed to his perfect match with help of Inverness Caledonian Thistle fans
DANIEL Bryant combined two loves of his life to create a truly romantic weekend on his trip from the United States while watching Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
The 50-year-old salesman from Indianapolis was realising a lifelong dream as he travelled around 4000 miles to watch Caley Thistle play for the first time in their 4-1 win at Forfar Athletic in the KDM Evolution Trophy on Saturday.
Travelling on the Caley Thistle supporters bus back from the game, he used it as an opportunity to re-propose to his perfect match Danielle in front of fellow fans during a pit-stop.
Getting the result he wanted both on and off the pitch, they renewed their vows at Inverness Cathedral on Sunday, 21 years after the couple were originally married.
Bryant says it was thanks to the support he received from the Inverness Caledonian Thistle Supporters Travel Club, and the fans on the bus, that made it one of the best weekends of his life.
“I was celebrating my 50th birthday during my trip and I wanted to see Caley Thistle before I turned 50 by watching one of their games,” he said.
“I wanted to do the proposal at Caley Thistle’s stadium during half time at a game, unfortunately our original schedule did not allow it.
“So we switched gears and were able to ride the supporters bus down to Forfar and it was great to chat with the fans.
“Along the way, I asked one of the girls from the supporters club if I could do something special during the trip.
“I told my wife that I asked the organisers if we could get a picture with everyone since this was going to be the only trip we would take with them.
“The team photographer was on the bus and whenever we stopped he would get his camera. When the bus stopped, that gave me the floor to re-propose to my wife.
“It was a chance to embrace our love with a team that we love and combine that.”
Bryant has been an Inverness fan for a number of years since looking into his family history which found links to the area.
He regularly follows Caley Thistle matches online as well as watches their highlights on YouTube.
He said: “I had been looking into my family heritage and it had led me to Inverness. I wanted to know what people in Inverness supported and when I did my research, I found out Caley Thistle.
“As an American, I wanted to embrace what people in Inverness embraced and Caley Thistle was the first thing that I latched on to.”
On Sunday, Daniel and Danielle renewed their vows at Inverness Cathedral and said it was a perfect weekend.
He said: “I had contacted Inverness Cathedral who agreed to renew our vows. It was nice to tie that all in and we had a beautiful day.
“Caley Thistle winning was a blessing, renewing our vows was a blessing and proposing in front of Caley Thistle fans, I could not have asked for anything else. I am truly blessed.”
The happy couple are extending their trip so that they can experience a Caley Thistle home game when they face Kelty Hearts on Saturday at the Sarens PSG Stadium.
In addition, they are also visiting the stadium on Thursday to meet management and the squad.
They were also at the Sarens PSG Stadium on Friday night for the 10th anniversary reunion of the Scottish Cup winning team which featured former manager John Hughes and several members of the cup winning team.
Bryant said: “It was great to meet the players and also meet John Hughes and see the Scottish Cup.
“As a fan from America it is a once in a lifetime opportunity I got to experience with Caley Thistle that I will cherish forever.”