On October 28^th at the Slater Invitational in Cocoa Beach Fl, Donavon Frankenreiter and his band were joined on stage by surf artist Jay Alders.   Jay had joined them on stage before to do live art while Donavon and his band played their set and tonight appeared to be no different.  The surf music would play on through the night while Jay would paint away on canvas and by the end of Donavon’s set Jay would have a fresh piece of artwork completed on stage, but that night there would be a special twist.

Jay had been with his girlfriend, Chelsea, for 5 years and they had just completed their move from New Jersey down to Florida, Jay felt it was time to begin a new chapter in their lives.  Only a select few were in on the big secret.  The music played on and Jay went to work turning the blank canvas into a piece of art.  The piece that he had chosen to paint that night was of him and Chelsea embraced in each other’s arms.  Once completed Donavon called Chelsea up onto the stage and held up the painted to show to the audience, except Donavon held the back of the painting up to the audience which Jay had secretly painted “Chelsea will you marry me?” before the show had begun.  The crowd cheered, now everyone was in on the secret except Chelsea.  Donovan turned the painting around so that Chelsea could read the back and Jay dropped to one knee with ring in hand.  Chelsea fell to tears as Jay slipped the ring on her finger.

To Jay and Chelsea, we wish you guys nothing but a lifetime of love and happiness.  Congratulations!!

- Dan Chandler

Be sure to check out Jay’s artwork at his site www.jayalders.com.  You can read about the engagement in Jay’s words at http://jayalders.com/travels/she-said-yes.html

Click here to view the video.