Julia and Ian Real Engagement Story

Ian was one of those setting off fireworks from one of the sixteen barges on the River Thames on New Year’s Eve 1999.I was sitting on a tug holding the barge and had a fantastic view of it all. We eventually got off the river at Embankment at about 2am and walked to Ian’s mother’s house where we were staying the night in Belgravia.As we approached Buckingham Palace, Ian suggested we stop for a few minutes rest. He started fumbling around in his bag and before I realised what was happening, he was proposing on one knee. I started crying and accepted … of course! He then gave me a bag and, in my confusion, I thought (for some unknown reason) that he was giving me a chocolate mouse. It was a heart-shaped ring, which is absolutely beautiful. It was one I had seen previously in a shop in Hatton Garden, aptly named “Hamiltons” – Ian’s surname.Ian had been carrying the ring around in his kit box all week whilst he was building the fireworks barge for the display!It really was a night to remember!!