So I have really big news – Ryan and I are engaged! You’ve probably already seen my posts on social media but I thought I’d write our engagement story since it is such a special and pictures and a video only go so far as to show what happened and how it all unfolded.
Last weekend, Ryan surprised me with a weekend away and I was so excited to spend some time together since his schedule has been rather chaotic since July. I had absolutely no idea where we were going. I soon saw the sign for Hartbeespoort and the views in that area always take my breath away and this time was no different. We arrived at Chateau la Mer on Friday afternoon to a gorgeous room and a wonderful balcony where we had a drink and sat chatting for quite some time before Ryan said we should freshen up for dinner. Ryan had made dinner reservations at the Silver Orange which is such a superb restaurant and we had such an incredible evening.
On Saturday morning, we sat reading books back on the balcony for most of the morning before we headed out all afternoon to Die Vette Mossel which is the most delightful seafood restaurant that is an absolute MUST if you’re in the area. I think they served about 9 courses so we were there for quite some time enjoying every minute. Once we had left the restaurant we drove over the dam wall, parked the car and took a walk.
As the sun started to set, we headed back to the hotel and as I climbed the stairs, Ryan pulled out my camera and started filming me and this seriously confused me. As I turned and saw that the stairs had been covered in antique books, candles, arum lilies and rose petals, however, the penny dropped and my legs turned to stone. I had to build up the courage to keep walking and not collapse in a heap. As I carried on walking, I couldn’t believe that the moment had finally arrived after so many happy years together.
As I arrived at the balcony, I couldn’t believe my eyes at the view of the sun about to set over the water and this spectacular set up with white flowers, candles and a very special book tied together with a ribbon. I then caught a glimpse of my family on the other side of the balcony, ready to watch everything unfold and again my legs turned to stone and I had to build up the courage to walk out on to the balcony.
Staggering with shock, excitement and so much love and emotion, I finally stepped out on to the balcony. Ryan grabbed my hands and told me that the time had come. He took to one knee, turned to the book beside him, opened it up and there lay the ring of my dreams and the man of my dreams pulled it out, said it was time to start our next chapter and asked me to marry him.
My family cheered and came to congratulate us and the hotel brought up sparkling wine and platters to celebrate as we watched the most spectacular sunset. It truly felt like a fairytale and I have not stopped smiling since. It turns out that Ryan, my dad and my sister had been to our hotel to scout it out as a potential proposal location ages ago and they’ve been orchestrating the entire thing since. It’s honestly so special to have had my family so involved in the process. It was incredible to have them there with us on the most important day of our lives so far.
We’ve been so overwhelmed by the amount of love that you’ve shared with us since we’ve been engaged and I can’t thank you enough. I can’t wait to start planning the wedding and I’ll be documenting the process with you every step of the way. If you have any wedding planning tips or advice, please leave them below 🙂
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