Love was in the air at Dallas Love Field on Wednesday, January 7, as staff and visitors waited for an incoming flight to touchdown from Baltimore.

Everyone except Natasha Potts, 35, knew what would unfold as she exited a Southwest Airlines aircraft with her two boys and soon-to-be fiancé Greg Schmutz, 39.

“It was so perfect for it to be on the same trip, on the same day, where we met exactly 11 months ago,” Schmutz said.

The couple both work in Southwest Airlines’ ground operations department, but sparks flew between them in February 2024 when they returned from a work site visit to Baltimore.

“On that flight back, we sat next to each other and just hit it off over a crossword puzzle,” Schmutz laughed.

Proposing at the airport after another trip from Baltimore was a full-circle moment for the couple. This time, however, they weren’t returning from a site visit. Potts and her young boys traveled with Schmutz to meet his family.

Once they caught wind of his plans, Dallas Love Field staff eagerly volunteered to help Schmutz pull off the surprise proposal with pomp and circumstance by setting up an elegantly draped arch in a tucked-away corner of the aptly named Love Landing, a pre-security waiting area featuring a grab-and-go food and beverage option, a bar, and an observation deck.

The arch featured a lime green backdrop representing Potts’ favorite color. To up the ante, the million-dollar question – Will You Marry Me? – took on a life of its own, prominently propped up on a table in bright lights.

As Schmutz got down on one knee and held a shocked Potts by the hand, staff, visitors and friends of the couple erupted in cheers.

She said, “Yes!”

“I’m happy because I know I found my partner in crime, my happy ever after,” a teary-eyed Potts said. “I was surprised. I’m lost for words.”

The couple explained that their next step is to plan a life together.

“We were excited to use our creativity to create lasting memories for Greg and Natasha,” Terminal Engagement Supervisor Renata Merritt joyfully shared. “We plan on having more terminal engagements here at Dallas Love Field.”