Real Engagement Stories
Real Engagement Stories
Read our real engagement stories and share the thoughts of memories couples as they revisit the day they became engaged!
Sarah and Alan
It was my usual yearly holiday with my parents to Malta (my Mum is Maltese and I was born there). When we checked in I noticed a group of people boarding the same flight and Alan was amongst them. I sat in the middle aisle with my parents when I heard an unusual but infectious laugh coming from my left. It was Alan talking to one of the stewards. I said to my Dad, ‘Hasn’t he got a funny laugh?!’ never thinking that I would meet him three days later. It was the last time I would ever be able to stay in Malta for a month as I would be starting my new job, fresh from college, in the new year. Alan was staying in Malta for two weeks. We met on the 21st July 1994 at a nightclub in Malta – I was 17 and he was 22. My friend and I were dancing and decided to go and buy a drink. Within seconds Alan was beside us and asked my friend if he and his friend could buy us a drink. We agreed and headed back to where they were sitting. Alan offered me his seat and our relationship started from there. On the day he had to fly home, I convinced my parents to take me to the airport to see him off. He gave me his gold bracelet as a promise that we would see each other again. Alan was a London boy and I was a Plymouth girl, so we kept a long distance relationship going for two years until it became unbearable. He called me one day and asked if I would like to live with him as he was looking to buy a flat. I agreed straight away and was so excited. Ten years have passed and we’re now living in a beautiful house. Last year was our first Christmas family gathering as us being hosts and I really wanted to make a feast for all, so I went completely to town and made everything from scratch and completely stressed myself out in the process! My surprise Christmas present was an all inclusive holiday to Egypt, where I have wanted to go for years. We all gathered round the table to Alan’s request with a glass of champagne each and my Christmas card containing the holiday itinerary. Alan asked me to open my card and read the contents. I was bursting with excitement. He then said to me that I had everything that I could ever want. Being cheeky (and this being a running joke), I said no and started waving my finger in front of him. He, as usual, asked why I was doing that so to me say that I wanted an engagement ring. In return he said, ‘It’s just as well that I got you one then!’. He then handed me a polished wooden box, by which point I was trembling and was completely dumbfounded. I opened the box to see a beautiful diamond ring. I looked at Alan’s tearful face and asked him to place the ring on my finger, which he did. Our parents then made a toast to us and the rest is history. Afterwards, I found out that he went to the pub that morning for some Dutch courage, while I was preparing the food, and asked both our dad’s for their permission to marry me, which I thought was so sweet. He also chose the ring and didn’t tell anyone his plans. My dream is coming true. Alan is my soul mate and I love him with all my heart.
Louise and Alan
I was working in a theatre on the south coast and the Technical Department were recruiting a new member of staff. I was very intrigued to find out who this new person was, as his predecessor was a bit of a woman’s man. I stole glances of the interviewees whenever I could, but didn’t see much, and when the big day came for him to start work, I was really excited. When he (Alan) was introduced to me on that first day and we shook hands, I went weak at the knees – it was love at first sight. He was tall, dark, and handsome – strangely not the sort of guy I normally went for. We got it together a few weeks later, but it didn’t work out as I had a long term boyfriend of 6 years and Alan didn’t want to complicate matters if I was not going to leave him. He started seeing someone else, who worked in the restaurant next to the theatre and I became very jealous. One evening at work, I saw him kiss her and when I was walking home, I called him and asked him to come to the train station. He did and we had a big argument. He walked away, and apparently hit a wall very hard on his way home. This carried on for 6 months and then they finished, although I didn’t know about this until a couple of months later. Then one weekend I was sitting at home on my own and a thought came into my head. What if I phoned Alan up and asked him to go for a drink? The worst he can say is “no”. So I did. And he said yes. After that, we met up for more drinks and started seeing more of each other, and getting to know each other better. We got on really well, and I was still very attracted to him. Alan then handed in his resignation at the theatre as he had been offered a job in London and asked again if I was going to stay with my boyfriend or start seeing him. It didn’t take me long to make a decision and we have been together ever since. We met in November 1998 and started seeing each other properly in November 1999. In February 2000, I moved up to London. In April, we went back to the town that we met to see some friends and that is when Alan proposed. I was very happy that day and we were in our hotel room when it happened. We had discussed marriage before, and we knew it was something we both wanted. I was attempting to ask him, but couldn’t pluck up the courage. He knew what I was trying to say and popped the question for me!! The next day Alan’s mum phoned him on his mobile and asked if everything was all right. “Is there anything you want to tell me?” she asked. How spooky!! We are now very happy – we have bought a house and have 2 cats. Our wedding date is set for August bank holiday 2001. This is forever.
Karen and Alan
Alan and I got engaged on the 3rd of January 2000, just over 1 year ago. We had met on New Year’s Eve 1994 and have been inseparable ever since. During the time we have been together Alan has always been studying, we were only 18 when we met, he was doing a degree in Civil Engineering when I met him. Because he was studying in Dublin, 80 miles from where I live in Wexford, we only ever saw each other at weekends and on holidays. In November 1998, he has conferred with his degree and he stayed on in University as a research assistant. In September 1999 he was offered a research Masters Degree in Galway, although it was good news for his career it had serious implications for our relationship, Galway was a 5 hour drive from Wexford for one thing. We muddled along until Christmas 1999 and over Christmas we had a very long heart to heart about where we were going as couple etc, at the end of the discussion we came to the conclusion that we couldn’t be without each other, but marriage wasn’t possible as Alan was still a penniless student, if we had the cash we’d be married in the morning! We decided to get engaged in June 2000, for my birthday, not very romantic I know, but there’s more! Over the millennium celebrations we had a rethink and on the night of the second of January 2000 we decided why wait so the following morning we told Alan’s parents and we went to town to buy the ring with a small budget made up of what was left of our credit card limits! The very first ring I saw in the window I fell in love with and when we checked the price, it was just inside the budget. We went in and tried it on, it fitted, it was perfect, and it took all of 3 minutes to buy it. Alan made a remark as to why I couldn’t buy clothes as quickly as that! When the jeweler asked if I wanted to wear it, Alan wouldn’t let me, he said he had a little surprise for me. We drove home to my parents house and before we went in he stopped me and said ” Five years ago on this doorstep I asked you to be my girlfriend, today I’m asking you to do me the honor of being my wife” I burst out crying I thought it was the most romantic thing he’d ever said. We went in and told my parents and family and they were over the moon. Now twelve months on I love Alan more that I ever did, he now only has nine months left in college and once he graduates we are going to set a definite date but at the moment all we know is that it will be in the summer of 2003 and I can’t wait but what I really can’t wait for is the everything that will come after our Wedding day. I’m really looking forward to sharing the rest of my life with the most wonderful man I will ever know
Eilidh and Pete
My boyfriend Pete and I had just been up to visit my parents and I was sure he was going to propose as we’d skirted round the subject for long enough… when he didn’t – even when we were standing on the beach in the moonlight at midnight I was a tad disappointed. The next weekend we went up to the West Coast of Scotland and I’d put all thoughts of getting engaged out of my head after the let down the week before. When we arrived, he seemed to be getting increasingly agitated and said he wanted to go for a drive somewhere nice. So we went to the beach where the film Local Hero was made. We were running through the sand-dunes in a race and I slipped and landed with my head an inch away from a pile of dog dirt. After that little mishap we raced to the end of the beach and, just as the sun was going down, he got down on both knees grabbed the wrong hand and popped the question. I couldn’t believe it – it was so unexpected, which made it a million times better! I later found out the reason he kept making me race him was so we could get to the nice bit of the beach before the sun set!! He did admit to having second thoughts when he saw me flat on my back next to a pile of doggy doo though!
Lori and Keith
Keith and I met in August 2002 through a very popular online dating service here in the US (Match.com). I’d been out with several rather boring chaps, meeting them for coffee but leaving within 30 minutes. I’d expected Keith to be much the same, but to my surprise and delight, we spent a full five hours talking, laughing and getting to know each other. In September of ’02 I knew I was falling in love with Keith (a commercial pilot) when he took me for a ride in a single engine plane. We moved in together later that month and have been nearly inseparable since. On the 11 of this month, my best friend and the love of my life proposed marriage. Later this year I’ll become the happiest woman alive when I take his name. Loving Keith has expanded my heart and made me want to be a better person. It may be a cliché, but he truly does complete me.
Suzanne and Mat
Date of proposal. 25/12/07. How old were you both when you got engaged? I was 27 and He was 22. Who proposed? He proposed to me. How did your partner (or you) propose? About 3 months before Christmas he was saying that he wanted to cook me breakfast, with our 2 year old, and that I was to stay in bed. Great – I thought! I came down on Christmas morning to a full English breakfast, champagne, cup of tea, silver clothed table and proper napkins, our 2 year old munching on a hash brown and him in the middle of the kitchen on one knee. Who did you share the news of your engagement with first? His mum. Describe your ring. Plain white gold band with a large cluster of 7 diamonds. Did you have an engagement party? We would rather spend money on the big day. When do you plan to marry? 29/08/2009. What are you looking forward to the most about planning a wedding? the whole thing!
Jamie and Mark
My boyfriend and I had known one another for almost three years. He knew that Valentines Day was my favourite holiday, (even more than Christmas,) so on Valentine’s Day this year he wanted to send me to school a happy woman. He called me that morning, as usual and we talked and cooed and purred at one another. Then he asked me, “Jamie, I love you – will you marry me next year on Valentine’s Day?” I was so surprised, happy, shocked and ecstatic. I said, “Yes!” The day before Valentines Day I received a package from him. He also knew that I loved Pooh bear. In the box was a Pooh key chain from the Disney store. On the keyring was a ball of cotton, which I thought to be nothing… until my finger accidentally knocked it off and revealed an engagement ring… to this day I am the proudest woman in the world to wear Mark’s ring.
Steph and Jason
Your first name? Steph. Your partner’s first name? Jason. Date of proposal 14/02/10. How old were you both when you got engaged? Steph 23, Jason 26. Who proposed? Jason. How did your partner (or you) propose? Jason and i where having lunch in a restaurant in South Africa and he leaned over to me and said ‘ so, … will you marry me’ . i was in shock and shaking. Who did you share the news of your engagement with first? Steph’s family, and everyone on Facebook. Describe your ring. White gold, princess cut 1/4 caret diamond, size j. Did you help choose the ring? Yes. Will your partner wear an engagement ring as well? Nope. Did you have an engagement party? nope. When do you plan to marry? 3 april 2011 – mothers day, also Stephs parents wedding anniversary. What are you looking forward to the most about planning a wedding? marrying the man i love and spending the rest of my live with him, and wearing the dress.
Laura and Kevin
Date of proposal 25/12/04. How old were you both when you got engaged? 20 and 27. Who proposed? Kevin. How did your partner (or you) propose? On Christmas day, by the kitchen bin as he was nervous and didn’t want anyone to see! Who did you share the news of your engagement with first? My parents. Describe your ring. A beautiful white gold band set with seven diamonds. Did you help choose the ring? Yes. Will your partner wear an engagement ring as well? Yes, it was his idea too. Did you have an engagement party? Several small family gatherings as it was Christmas time. If so, where was it held? Family homes. How many people were invited? Only a few. Did you have a particular theme for your party? Christmas. When do you plan to marry? We’re getting married 26th April 2008. What are you looking forward to the most about planning a wedding? Everything! I’m making all of the invites myself and I’m excited about that.
Hannah and Tom
Tom was away serving with the Royal Navy, when he phoned me and said he had something to ask me but unfortunately his phone lost its signal. The next thing I know I had my mum on the phone screaming and congratulating me on my engagement. I just thought: “What is she going on about?” About an hour later Tom phoned me back so I told him what she had said. It turned out that he’d phoned her to ask her permission to marry me, and then went off to play football as he planned to ask me later on that day (typical man!).
I didn’t mind that my mum told me before he did. I was so happy that I cried and all my friends cried with me! Tom is currently away with the Navy again, but we have set a date for the wedding in September 2004 so my mum is now having a field day organising everything. I can’t wait!
Vicky and Carl
We had recently bought a house together, and had not long got the computer set up. While waiting for Carl to come out of the shower I started to play this Chinese game, which involves removing stones with the same picture on until you have none left. Anyway, it’s a difficult game and it took me a long time. By which, Carl was waiting by my side for me to finish. For once, I actually beat the computer and a little fortune cookie came up on the screen, which said, “You must accept the next proposal you receive”. To which Carl said, “will you marry me?” (I think the water had got into his brain!!!!!) It really shocked both Carl and I. After about two hours of stunned silence, I agreed to marry him. We are getting married in 2002 and I can’t wait!!
Katie and John Paul
Date of proposal 01/01/07. How old were you both when you got engaged? I was 23, JP was 26. Who proposed? JP. How did your partner (or you) propose? He took me to Paris and got down on one knee at midnight on the 31st December under the Arc De Triomph. Who did you share the news of your engagement with first? Two random strangers we’d met in a bar earlier that night then my little sister by phone. Describe your ring. 18ct white gold with 3 diamonds set in a swirling clasp. Did you help choose the ring? Nope ‐ he designed it himself! Did you have an engagement party? Yes. If so, where was it held? The Royal Oak in Crofton. How many people were invited? 100. Did you have a particular theme for your party? Love! When do you plan to marry? 08/08/08. What are you looking forward to the most about planning a wedding? Getting everyone together and having lots of fun.
Jane and Chris
Chris and I have been together for just over two years but have known from the start that we wanted to be married. He propsed to me in Portchester Castle on 17th February 2002, after getting me there on the pretext of having some photos taken for our medieval swordfighting group. I was therefore not at all suspicious as to why he was wearing his armour and sword.He went down on one knee and asked me to marry him and when I said yes, most of our drama grouped appeared from several hiding places to clap and cheer. I was then taken back to my parents house where more of our friends had gathered for a surprise engagement party, which, amazingly, my 5 year old daughter Elsa hadn’t breathed a word about for the previous two weeks! It was a romantic and magical day, never to be forgotten.
Leigh and Iain
Iain and I got engaged on the 28 September 2000. One year after we met. We had gone out for a meal this particular Thursday night to a beautiful Indian restaurant near his hometown. We had had a gorgeous meal that night and it was at the end of the meal, when I went to freshen up, I came back to the table, and Iain produced this gorgeous platinum diamond solitaire ring. He took my hand from across the table and asked me to marry him. He told me he had wanted to ask me for ages, but it was just a matter of the money. It took a few seconds for it actually to sink in, but after leaving him wondering what my answer would be, I said yes. It was the most exciting night of my life, and we are now preparing for our wedding day, which is set for the 29th of June 2002.
Karen and Kevin
My girlfriend had no idea that I was going to propose. I’d asked her what her perfect ring would be (princess cut diamond solitaire on platinum) and I was winding her up that it was more likely to be a ‘Kinder Egg’ ring. We went out to our favourite restaurant (a monthly treat to ourselves) and I’d been joking through the meal that one day she’d be my wife. After the main course we got the dessert menu and I said I had something to ask her – she thought I was going to ask to share a slice of chocolate cake! I asked her if she would do me the immense honour of marrying me and being me wife. We have set a date of 7th October 2006 (six years to the day since we met, four years after we started going out almost to the day and exactly two years from the engagement).
Kelly and Richard
I met Richard just before my 18th when I was surfing the net at college, that led to phone calls and we eventually decided to meet up. I was gob smacked when I first saw him. Tall, slender, black curly hair and the most amazing green eyes. We talked constantly for hours. Over the months, I had a really bad rough patch and he stood by me. I then realised that he was the most considerate, sweetest bloke I’d ever met. So one time in my local pub, I went down on one knee (whilst wearing my short black dress and huge black boots) and proposed. He didn’t know what to say at first, and then blurted out yes several times. We’ve been living together for nearly a year and we’re as strong as ever. I wouldn’t want to part from him. He’s my soul mate and the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Oil and Nick
We’d gone away for the night to the lakes and on the drive home, we went to look for some waterfalls. We clambered about two miles uphill in the heat of a Bank Holiday Sunday and found nothing, just lots of people and more paths downhill. I refused to walk any further and sat down on the grass and promptly fell asleep.When I awoke, we headed back to the car and spotted another sign, just by the car, pointing to the waterfall in the opposite direction. So down we went, at what seemed to me to be an unnaturally fast pace. When we found it, he made me sit down on a rock and said, “Shall we get married then?” so I said “Why not?”. I failed to take a photo of the spot he proposed at.This may not sound very romantic, but I can still hear the water rushing if I close my eyes.
Atina and Steve
I’d been hinting for ages and I was getting rather impatient! We had talked about getting married at some point but Steve hadn’t actually proposed. He’d been dragging me around jewellery shops for ages so I knew it was going to happen but I didn’t know when! We often go away to the Lake District (mainly to get some peace as our mobile phones don’t work too well there!). We booked in to our favourite hotel for three nights and were taking it easy. On the second day we decided to have a drive over to Grasmere. We started walking around the riverside path and spotted a duck on the river so we sat down on a bench to watch it. Steve then pulled out a platinum diamond ring and (finally) popped the question! Of course I said yes and instantly burst into tears! We’ve booked the venue for our wedding and set a date of 2 June 2007.
Natalie and Chris
I’m a ‘girl power’ lass from Newcastle-upon-Tyne living in London. I just told my boyfriend, after knowing him eight months, that I want to get married! He was seriously shocked, so I told him to think about it.He said yes. I then told him to call his parents in New Zealand and tell them we had got engaged, to which he replied, “How do you get engaged?”. My reply was simple, I told him by planning to marry, we have already got engaged and hastily added, “Then you buy me a ring!” His reply…”Is that right?”Easy peasy! I am now sporting a lovely 18-carat-gold diamond solitaire! We are having a church wedding up North in a local village church on 24 June, 2000. Sadly, his family will not be able to attend because they all live halfway across the world, but we are getting a good videographer, so they can get a glimpse of what it was all about.
Emma and Andy
It was 7 days until he was being posted to the Falklands for four months and he was hung-over from a night out with the lads. He booked us into our favorite restaurant as a treat as he was going away for so long. As he had a hangover, he decided not to drink, while I got merry. After the meal, he went very quiet and started to fidget. After many questions of, ‘What’s wrong?’ he replied “Shall we make this official, will you marry me?” I have never been lost for words before, and never felt so happy as when I replied ‘Yes.’ That was a month ago and every time I think about that night, it makes our time apart easier, as it always brings a smile to my face. He is definitely ‘the one’ and worth waiting for.
Louise and Matthew
I have been with Matthew for two and a half years. We had talked about getting engaged, but I never thought that I would get the proposal that I did! I was on holiday in Nice, in the South of France with some girlfriends. We’d just had a lovely dinner and were relaxing with a cocktail, when at 10.30 pm someone said my name. I turned round to find Matthew on his knee with a ring. He then said, “Will you marry me?” I couldn’t really say much as I was so shocked. I eventually said yes and found out that all the girls knew! They had been planning it for months!! We have set the date for 2004. We had our engagement party on Saturday and have been very lucky with all our presents.
I thought that romance was dead! Obviously not!!!
Colin and Jayne
I was checking my emails when i came across a very pleasant one from a guy called Colin, he was local and looking for some company. We emailed a few more times before deciding to meet for a drink. From that moment we never looked back, we became soul mates very quickly and spent every minute we could together. He moved in with me a matter of weeks later.
Having returned home from work one evening (8 September 2005), we were sitting chatting when he told me that he couldnt wait any longer and taking a beautiful ring out of his pocket he proposed to me, i immediately said yes as i couldnt imagine life without him. We had been together just over 9 weeks. Our wedding is planned for 23 June 2007.
So for all those out there, internet meetings do work!
Emma and Phil
My boyfriend Phil and I had been going out for six months when I went away on holiday to Scandinavia for a month. I’d been away for two days when he called me with a ‘surprise’ but told me I wasn’t going to find out what it was until I came back. Anyway, I bugged him and bugged him and eventually, he relented. So, with me in a hotel room in Coventry (on my way to Norway) he phoned me from a nightclub toilet in Hexham to tell me he thought we should get engaged! I spent the next three and a half weeks manically waiting to go home to see him again and when we finally met….. he gave me the ring in a service station car park! And they say romance is dead.
Katherine and Wayne
After months of hints and creeping and I guess not-so-subtle questions to guess what my response would be, Wayne finally popped the question on New Year’s Eve. He explained later that his hope to propose at midnight failed due to the fact he couldn’t wait. He had woken up early that morning and had spent hours walking about the house. Knowing that we were spending the day together, by the time I woke up, he was bursting to ask me and virtually blurted it out to a rather bleary-eyed, half asleep girlfriend!!! Luckily, he was prepared, and after a few sips of Champagne, I was able to respond with a definite yes. The best decision I’ve ever made. I just can’t wait now for all the preparations etc, and of course the actual day, some time next summer….
Bob and Norma
Bob and I decided to get engaged last May when we were staying with friends in Hedel, Holland. We went on a day trip to Amsterdam convinced that I would find the ring of my dreams. We didn’t but we did discover the Anne Frank House which we would thoroughly recommend to everyone. What a humbling experience. While shopping in our home town of Peterborough in the middle of June I did find the ring of my dreams so we ordered it straight away. We officially got engaged on 22 June 2004 and Bob slipped the ring onto my finger in the car park of a solicitors of Peterborough – what a romantic venue! Our wedding is planned for 13 August 2005 which will also be my 50 birthday so it’s a double celebration.
Abigail and Lee
We were in Prague on a lovely romantic weekend when, on our final day we took a stroll along the river where he stopped, pulled out a gorgeous diamond ring and asked me to marry him! He would’ve got down on one knee but he had been up all night talking to the ‘big white telephone’ (he had managed to catch food poisoning!) and didn’t feel very well at all. I wanted to go and celebrate straight away with a bottle of Champagne, as I was so excited. I’d waited 5 years for this but the only thing he could stomach was a cafe latte! So we celebrated in a side street cafe drinking lattes and I couldn’t have felt happier! The wedding is planned for next August.
Vikki and Jonathan
I met Jonathan in the ‘Walkabout’ Australian bar in my home town of Liverpool. I knew I wasn’t after a local lad, so when Jonathan approached me and started chatting to me in the most sexy Yorkshire accent I knew I’d met someone special. Two years later we went to Italy to visit his sister, Joanna. Jonathan suggested that we took a few days out to visit Venice which is a half hour train journey from Joanna’s house. He knew that I had always wanted to go there so I agreed. We got to Venice and spent the whole day sight seeing the beautiful city. I did have thoughts that this would be a lovely setting for a proposal but as we hadn’t discussed it for a while nor did he have a ring (I packed all the luggage and hand luggage) I knew it was not going to happen. And it didn’t. The next day we carried on with the sight seeing. Jonathan mentioned that he’d read about a cafe in St Marks Square that dates back to the fifteen hundreds and had some original artwork and decor and it would be nice to go and visit so I agreed. What I did not realise that it was also quoted as being one of the most expensive places to eat and drink in Venice. When we got there and I looked at the prices and made a big fuss about how expensive it was and how we should go somewhere cheaper. So we compromised and he just ordered some drinks at the bar while I went to the loo. When I got back I had the most delicious tangerine champagne cocktail waiting for me served with olives. When we had finished, he suggested we go for a walk round the square as the lights were lovely at night. As we walked around there was a man selling roses. Jonathan took a big handful of pink ones from the man and gave them to me and kissed me and gave me a big hug. As I hugged him I could feel him shaking. Suddenly my stomach flipped…. Venice…. St Marks Square… Ancient Cafe……Cocktails…..Roses…..I knew! He got hold of my hand and walked us to the centre of St Marks Square. He took a deep breath and said…….. “I love you you know, you make me so happy. I could never imagine my life without you and I hope that one day you will marry me” At this point he got down on one knee and pulled out a big solitare diamond ring. I typically burst into tears and then said yes! If you want to know how he did it…..he had hidden the ring box in some socks that he stuffed into his shoes that were in the suitcase. I remember him giving me the shoes to put in the suitcase whilst packing and he said “I’ve stuffed some socks in there to save space!” We are getting married on 6th August 2005 and, to keep in with the tradition of where we met, we’re going to Australia for four weeks for our honeymoon.
Yvonne and Sean
My name is Yvonne and I am a flight attendant. My (then) boyfriend Sean lives most of the year in Los Angeles. My schedule was to fly to LA on 6 October, 1999. Sean phoned me that morning from LA to make sure everything was OK and to see that my flight had not been changed. He told me that when I arrive in LA, I was just to go to the crew hotel and he would pick me up there. (This I found odd, as I always do that anyway.) On arrival into LA, I proceeded through immigration and customs, as always, with the crew (21 of us). Where we go to get the crew bus at the airport, we have to go up a flight of escalators. I was the third last crew member up the stairs. I could see something going on at the top of the stairs, but I didn’t know what it was. When I got to the top, there was, to my surprise, someone standing in a FULL SHINY METAL SUIT OF ARMOUR (breast plates, helmet, the lot) and they were holding a placard with my name on it. Straight away, I thought, this is a joke – Sean’s either sent me a strip-o-gram or he’s dressed up for a kids’ party. He took the helmet off and it was him. I asked him what he was doing dressed up and he flipped the placard over and it said, “Will you marry me?” I almost peed my pants because in 3 1/2 years, we had never once spoken about marriage. I was so excited, speechless, breathless and shocked and I’m quite sure I could think of many more words to describe how I felt. He had actually hired a horse too, but the stable people wouldn’t let him take it to the airport for it might get scared, so he drove for an hour along LA freeways with the full suit of armour on, on his motorbike. Even the cops were laughing at him and giving him the thumbs up!! He is the most loving, caring, madder than a march hare man I have ever known and I love him with every little mm of my heart. The real strange thing about all this is that after it, my mother reminded me that when I was a little girl, I said that I would marry a knight in shining armour, just like a fairytale, and that I certainly am doing. From the happiest, most loved fairy princess in the world. Yvonne xxxx
Zoë and DT
The proposal was originally planned for Millennium Eve, as was the case with so many couples, but DT decided there was a better way to do it.He took me out onto the cliffs to watch the sun rise. We must have looked a strange couple that morning, dressed in our finery, but smothered in blankets as we sat on a bench looking over the finest panoramic view of the coast in that area.As the sun rose, we were able to see the first rays struggling from behind the cloud-laden sky, highlighting the wall of mist that was slowly rolling in from the sea and would cover the cliffs in a few hours time. As the sky turned a beautiful shade of pink and yellow, DT dropped down on his knee and, holding out a ring that I had bought months ago (the actual one was still in the shop being made), he asked me to be his wife. The rest, as they say, is history…
Vicky and Dan
I met Dan just over a year ago, through friends in a nightclub. After about 8 months we decided to buy a house together, which I’m still waiting to move into. After a busy day out shopping we were lying in bed watching TV when Dan just came out with, “So will you marry me or what” ! He then gave me my engagement ring and of course I said YES! We are currently planning our wedding for June 2004 which so far I am enjoying. At the moment Dan has been sent out to Iraq to peace keep for 6 months, I’m just hoping and praying that he will come home safe for our wedding.
Sharon and Simon
We were at a New Years Eve party at my parents and just after the stroke of midnight Simon pulled out a ring from his pocket. As the fireworks were going off on our street he got down on one knee and proposed, bearing in mind that we had both been married before and neither of us were in a hurry to remarry. Of course we had talked about it and said that one day we might. Simon proposed in front of all our friends and family. It was perfect… just the way I would have wanted it to happen. Thank you Simon. You have made me the happiest woman in the world. XXXX.
Jo and Steve
Here’s the story of how Steve and I got engaged. I used to work with his friend, and so I had gone out with his friends outside work a couple of times. Then one night we had a beach party. Only my work colleague and Steve showed up in shorts, while the rest of us were dressed for a night on the town! We started seeing each other from then and moved in together after six months…three years later we have been through a lot together, including my completion of my degree two years ago and his father dying of cancer. The proposal took place in a five star hotel in the Cotswolds after a lovely meal by a roaring log fire.
Rachel and Haydyn
Haydyn and I had talked about for a while. We had bought the ring with the intention of getting engaged on Bonfire night – but Haydyn’s sister got there before us. So with a diamond ring in the draw, Christmas soon came round. My birthday is the week before Christmas Eve and so with my breakfast and the single red rose that he always buys me, he said, “Well, I suppose you can wear the ring now then” and that was it. Two years on, we are planning the wedding for August 2001 and I could not be happier.
Ellen and Matthew
Mathew and I were on a self-drive holiday in South Africa in October 2000. Part of the trip was a five-day stay at Cape Town, during which we ventured up Table Mountain, late one afternoon. Whilst enjoying the view Mathew said “so shall we get married then?” To which I replied, “well only if you get on one knee and propose properly”, which he did! (Which was more of a surprise). This was a very romantic gesture from Mat who is usually as romantic as a wet fish! Anyway, it was very special and we stayed on the mountain until sunset. We have set a date for August 2002 ten years after we started going out together.
Michelle and Rob
My boyfriend proposed to me on Christmas Day. In the morning, his mum and dad gave us a lift to my mum and dad’s house. We all went in and were gathered in the lounge when Rob suddenly announced that there was a reason why his mum and dad were there and he brought out this box and opened it up.I did not know what to say and got really choked up. He couldn’t pop the question because as soon as I started crying, he got a bit choked and couldn’t speak. It was really lovely and moving. A special day to remember.
Maria and Jarmo
When I met my partner four years ago, he proposed after only three weeks. We postponed one wedding in 1998 and put away our engagement rings for safe keeping. Although life has not been easy, we’ve been really happy together so, I did the Leap Year thing, but it wasn’t really romantic.We were cooking dinner (together!) and I just said, “So, are we getting married or what?”He replied, “I guess so” and disappeared upstairs, only to return with our rings. We exchanged engagement rings standing in the kitchen, with the pasta boiling over and the sauce sticking to the pan! Planning for a Finnish Wedding in June 2001.
Eleanor and Paul
We got engaged whilst on holiday in Thailand. Sounds romantic? Read on… It was in a Japanese Karaoke Bar, at 1am in the morning, in our hotel which happened to be in the red light district of Bangkok, to the sound of ‘Feelings’ sung by a drunken Japanese man. I still don’t know if this is what inspired the proposal! On my saying yes, we ordered Champagne, following which the bar staff decided to play all the most cheesey love songs they had. It was quite romantic in a very cheesy, funny sort of way. And we had the mother of all hangovers when we had to fly out Bangkok airport only five hours later!
Becki and Chris
My husband-to-be took me away to Euro Disney for a romantic weekend!During our visit, we decided to go on Space Mountain, which, as many people know, is a very fast ride in complete blackness, which means you are unable to see what twists and turns are coming up next. We had great fun, as you could imagine, but then just before we were about to twist upside-down, Chris, my boyfriend at the time (little did I know this would soon be changing) shouted at the top of his voice, “WILL YOU MARRY ME????”Well, let’s just say the wedding is now booked for 19 August 2000.What a way to start!
Charlotte and Dennis
It was an absolutely perfect and most memorable time. The weather was fabulous and the hotel was perfect and so romantic. We were sitting in an outdoor jacuzzi on a roof terrace. Out of the blue Dennis looked into my eyes and asked me to marry him. It was the perfect moment. I love him so much I did not hesitate to say yes! Dennis asked me on 28 April 2003, the day after his birthday, and a day we will never forget for the rest of our lives. The picture was taken in Nice where we got engaged.
Claire and Christopher
I knew about the ring because I’d chosen it, but he had told me that as it was being made and wouldn’t be ready for a few months. One Saturday several weeks later he booked our favourite restaurant and a very exclusive hotel about 40 miles away, but as I was feeling a bit ill I decided I didn’t want to go. He put up some resistance but agreed in the end (I didn’t know he was going to propose). The next morning I woke up and found he had put a little jewellery box in my hand while I was sleeping ‐ my engagement ring. It was such a surprise I cried and it was far better than any swanky restaurant anyway.
Emily and André
We had gone to The Castle Hotel in Windsor to see in the new Millennium in style and had enjoyed a four-course meal, string quartet and plenty of Champagne by the time midnight came. The bagpipes were playing and everyone was cheering just after midnight when André pulled me to one side and asked if I would marry him! I immediately said yes and shared the news with our friends who were all thrilled and insisted on starting the toasts all over again!I will never forget the moment as it was so romantic; bagpipes, Champagne, fireworks, the lot. Now all we have to think about is the wedding…
Farisayi and Charles
I’m getting married to Charles Knott on the 7th August. I love him very much and he has shown me what true love is. We are both looking forward to this day and we are planning to have a good time. My parents are coming from Africa to witness this wonderful event.What makes it even more special to me is that Charles has had no problems in partaking in some of the traditions of my country, such as paying a dowry to my parents before we can have our wedding. He did exactly that and now, according to my culture, we are husband and wife already!
Jan and Andy
My name is Jan and my guy, Andy, proposed to me on the beach. It was in Cyprus on 11th Aug 2002 that, with the sunset behind us, he went down on one knee to propose. I am over the moon. Now how romantic is that? Although it was unexpected, I had broached the subject before. He had said he’d needed time and that we would marry…one day. We have now been together since January 2000 and living together for 18 months. Our families are naturally as over the moon as we are. We plan to marry in August of next year.
Jodie and Adam
The most wonderful man in the world proposed to me and made me the happiest person on the planet. I’ve had a brilliant time organising everything and he’s been just as involved as I have. I’m so excited for our big day and not a bit nervous. Adam has just been a tower of strength to me over the last couple of months when my mother died suddenly. The wedding seemed so irrelevant at that point, but Adam supported me through the most difficult time of my life and made me realise that I can be happy again. This has made me even more determined to have the best wedding day ever and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with this wonderful man.
Kery and Austin
We hiked 6 miles up a mountain. When we got to the top, Austin had me sit on a big rock. He took off my shoes and socks and handed me a little bible and had me read the scripture where Jesus washed His disciples feet. He pulled out of his backpack a bottle of soap and some water bottles and started washing my feet and telling me what kind of husband and father he wanted to be to me and our children one day. Then he went for what I thought was going to be a towel but instead pulled out a ring box and asked me to be his wife.
Kerry and Paul
I met Paul nearly three years ago through a mutual friend and we have lived together for two of those years. In September 2003 we went on holiday to New Jersey in America to stay with his aunty and uncle. We spent the day sightseeing in New York and whilst driving round the most amazing city in the world in an open top car, Paul turned to me and said: “Let’s get married!” I agreed once I realised he wasn’t joking. We then spent the rest of the afternoon diamond shopping on Fifth Avenue. It was a dream come true and we’re getting married on 11 September 2004.
Liane and Steve
Steve and I spent Christmas 1999 in southern France, near Bordeaux. On the night of 27th December, a hurricane hit the region, devastating the area and cutting off the electricity and telephones.We were blissfully unaware of the devastation caused. The lights had just gone out and we were sitting in the dark with a roaring log fire and a glass of vino when Steve popped the question. It was very romantic! To end our holiday, we spent the Millennium under the Eiffel Tower, slugging Champagne, grateful that we had escaped the worst of the storm, blissfully happy about our engagement.
Lisa and Stuart
After quite a hectic year, Stuart insisted we went away for a couple of days. So being keen walkers, we decided to go walking in Derbyshire. We arrived on the campsite on the 1st of July 2002 to a very chilly, wet and windy welcome, but still decided to stay. That evening we went out to dinner, and Stuart seemed to be deep in thought and kept looking at me with what seemed to me as if I’d got something in my hair. On the 2nd of July we walked up Kinder, some very nice countryside. During this walk we had brilliant sunshine, a little rain, and as we reached the top the clouds came in. We decided this was a good time to stop for lunch, and as we did so Stuart started a conversation about love and life. The next thing I knew he was on one knee asking me to marry him! I was a little surprised. To start with I thought that it was just a normal conversation about the future, so I replied with “Of course I would, all you have to do is ask me!” So he asked me again, to which I said yes! He later remarked that out in the countryside would be the only place I would believe him! The family was also a little surprised, many of them thinking that we would possibly just keep living together. Following our announcement there was a frenzy of activity culminating in numerous engagement parties happening as we told people. We are mid-way through our wedding plans and are getting married on 23rd August 2003, and are extremely happy! It is a pleasure to share our story with you.
Sarah and Stuart
I proposed to my boyfriend Stuart last week. Sadly, I wasn’t able to do it on the 29th, but did do it on the 1st of March. I wrote him a poem and gave it to him 400ft up in the London Eye. He says I only did it up there so he couldn’t run away!!!! Luckily, he said yes. Then I took him on a dinner river-boat cruise up the Thames, that was lovely and well worth doing.I always said I would never propose to him, but the urge over took me and now, I am glad I did it.