Unsung Hero #71

Last Saturday was a big day for Erica Titlebaum — though she did not know it.

Jacob Elson was going to ask her to marry him.

He’d worked hard to create a special setting, at Sherwood Island State Park. The weather was glorious.

Jacob had planned everything out — including the photographer. He asked his father to hide nearby. But it was tough to coordinate that part.

At 5 p.m. — half an hour before Erica’s mom Michelle was going to show up — she had a flash of inspiration: Call Jerri Graham.

Michelle had met the talented photographer — just once. She knew her mostly through Facebook. But she called, and asked if Jerri could run over to Sherwood Island and get some photos of her daughter being proposed to.

By 5:20 Jerri was hiding in the bushes — and taking amazing shots.

Jacob Elson and Erica Titlebaum, moments after their engagement. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)

“What a community!” Michelle says. “I had no relationship with Jerri. I just knew she takes great pictures. But she ran out of her house to help me, at the very last minute.”

Yet Jerri is not our only Unsung Hero.

From Sherwood Island, Michelle headed to Layla’s Falafel. She’d ordered food for people coming back to her house to celebrate.

As she paid, she mentioned happily that her daughter had just gotten engaged.

The man behind the counter told her to wait. Despite a line of customers he turned around, filled many more containers with food, and sent Michelle on her way.

With a hug.

“Despite everything we hear, Westport still has a small-town feel,” Michelle says. “I love it here!”

And we love her story.

Thanks, Jerri Graham. Thanks, Layla’s.

And mazel tov to Erica and Jacob!