An Ohio farmer spent months planting a massive corn maze to spell out an aerial marriage proposal for his girlfriend.
Tim Sullivan, 23, first began planning the surprise for Caroline Liggett, 24, back in April.
He then took her on a helicopter ride over his family’s Circle S Farms in Grove City earlier this month.
But as they soared above the farm’s popular corn maze, Caroline had no idea a hidden message was waiting below – a carefully crafted design woven into the fields.
Spanning 13 acres, the maze spelled out ‘Will You Marry Me, Caroline?’ surrounded by three intricate flower patterns above the message and detailed pumpkin designs woven throughout the lower portion of the maze.
The answer was an easy one – yes.
‘I wanted to do something big, something she’d never forget,’ Sullivan told WSYX News. ‘Seeing her face when she realized what it said – I’ll never forget that moment.’
The pair, who work at rival agricultural films had known for months that they were meant to spend their lives together, but Sullivan struggled with how to ask.
His desire for a truly unique proposal saw him decide to propose during his family farm’s annual corn maze.
Tim Sullivan, 23, spent months planting a massive corn maze on an Ohio farm to spell out a marriage proposal for his girlfriend, meant to be seen from the skies during a helicopter flight (pictured)
Sullivan surprised his girlfriend, 24-year-old Caroline Liggett, with a spontaneous helicopter ride over his family’s Circle S Farms in Grove City earlier this month
Then came a sudden spark of inspiration: what if the maze itself asked the question?
‘We both really like corn a lot, not to be corny,’ Sullivan told NBC News. ‘I wanted to do something that we would both be able to remember for the rest of our lives.’
By June 3, Sullivan, along with fellow farmers and consultants, began planting the 13-acre maze in carefully planned, rows of corn – all guided by a computerized tractor to bring the design to life.
Just weeks later, the message was there – etched into the earth, clear as day from the sky above.
But a new worry set in – anyone flying overhead could spot the message and snap a photo, potentially spoiling the carefully planned surprise before he had the chance to pop the question.
‘I’ve been super nervous about other planes or helicopters flying over and possibly them seeing it or taking a picture,’ Sullivan told The Columbus Dispatch.
‘So, I felt like every time I opened up my Facebook, I cringed a little bit hoping that the image wouldn’t be there and somebody hadn’t ruined the surprise,’ he added.
Fortunately, the secret stayed safe.
The one-of-a-kind proposal was fitting for the couple (pictured after proposal), who work at rival agricultural companies
Sullivan, along with fellow farmers and consultants, began planting the 13-acre maze in carefully planned, romantic rows of corn – all guided by a computerized tractor (pictured)
Sullivan’s elaborate plan began to take shape in April, when he decided to propose during his family farm’s annual corn maze, inspired in part by their shared love of corn
By August 5, with the engagement ring in his pocket, Sullivan borrowed a friend’s small plane to finally turn his dream into reality.
To get her in the air, Sullivan told a small white lie – claiming he was curious about learning to fly – and convinced Liggett to join him on what she thought was just a casual flight over the farm.
However, Liggett completely missed the message on the first pass, prompting Sullivan to ask the pilot to circle around again.
Finally, Liggett spotted the man-made question – the one that had been growing just for her all summer long.
‘I’ve never seen her face light up as much as she did,’ Sullivan told NBC.
Liggett echoed his excitement, telling the outlet: ‘I was just so shocked.’
‘I was just like so amazed that somebody put that much effort in planning into a proposal like that,’ she added to The Columbus Dispatch.
‘You know, I expected he would do something quite elaborate and intentional, but nothing to that extreme by any means.’
Liggett (left) said yes, and after they landed, Sullivan (right) made sure to get down on one knee, offering a more traditional proposal
With their wedding planned for early summer 2026, the couple’s unforgettable proposal will soon be visible to all when the farm’s fall season begins this September (pictured: Circle S Farms)
After they landed, Sullivan made sure to get down on one knee, offering a more traditional proposal to go along with the unforgettable moment.
‘It was definitely one of the coolest experiences that we’ll be able to tell for all time,’ Sullivan told NBC.
‘I thank God everyday for bringing a best friend and life partner all in one. Last night was unforgettable and a memory we look forward to sharing with all of you!’ he wrote in a Facebook post announcing the engagement.
‘It truly took a team of planners to make sure the design turned out just right. We look forward to celebrating this special time with all of you and what is to come!’
Sullivan and his now-fiancée spend plenty of time in cornfields – fitting, given that he works at Corteva Agriscience and Liggett at its competitor, WinField United.
‘It was only fitting that our proposal would happen with the cornfield,’ Liggett told The Columbus Dispatch.
With their wedding planned for early summer 2026, the couple’s unforgettable proposal will soon be visible to all when the farm’s fall season begins this September.
