Couple gets engaged on extinct volcano during eclipse totality

There was another special event that happened during the eclipse Monday morning on top of the South Menan Butte. The crowds cheered the eclipse when the sky went dark, but KIDK Eyewitness News 3 anchor Todd Kunz found a couple that was cheering for a different reason.

“We just got engaged,” said Ken Lazara, of Phoenix.

“Did you have this planned?” asked Kunz.

“Yeah, I had it planned for a couple months,” said Lazara.

“Did you have any idea?” Kunz asked the bride-to-be.

“I knew it was coming, but I didn’t think he would do it today,” said Cindy Taylor, also of Phoenix.

“Really? And there’s a story behind this because you’re a geologist and he gave you the gem?” asked Kunz.

“I’m a geologist. I found the stone. It’s a piece of pure rose quartz that I hammered out of a big boulder in South Dakota,” said Lazara.

“That’s cool,” replied Taylor.

“I’m a geologist and I proposed to my jewelry-maker girlfriend on top of a volcano, during the solar eclipse totality. I think I’m pretty much the most romantic man alive,” said Lazara.

“Except I have to make the ring,” laughed Taylor.

“Uh, I think he’s up there at the top of the list. That’s hard to beat because I don’t know what you’re going to do to top this now?” said Kunz.

“I have some expectations,” replied Taylor.

“You’ve got that bar way up,” said Kunz to Lazara.

“I’ve set the bar. I’ll live up to it,” replied Lazara.

“Alright,” said Taylor.

“If I don’t live up to it, I’ll limbo under it stylishly,” said Lazara.

“So when everybody was looking at the diamond ring?” asked videographer Dave Barrington, operating the video camera.

“I know. And that was kind of a bummer. I was like ‘OK, alright, but I want to look at this real quick, but yes,'” laughed Taylor.

“Best of luck to you both,” said Kunz.

“Thank you,” said Taylor.

“Take care,” said Kunz.

The couple has not set a date for marriage, but said it will be sometime within the next year.