In the beginning
Asking someone for their hand in marriage is one of the biggest moments in life. In what is said to be the most romantic month of the year, Paula Hulburt asks three couples how they got engaged.
Rachael and Chris Hughes
How did you meet and how long were you together before getting engaged?
We met on Tinder of all places - both each other’s first Tinder date, and last as it turned out. We got engaged rather quickly, only five months after first meeting - I guess when you know, you know!
When and where did you get engaged?
We got engaged at Brancott Estate Cellar Door and restaurant in April 2016.
Who popped the question?
Chris popped the question. It was super romantic! He had organised the cellar door after hours and set it up with champagne and beautiful food and music, he then played a video of all our family and close friends with little messages saying “say yes”. I’ll never forget it! And of course, Chris then got down on one knee to pop the question.
Were you expecting the proposal or was it a complete surprise?
Yes and no. We had briefly discussed it while in Rarotonga for a friend’s wedding … love was in the air I suppose. But the actual proposal was a complete surprise. Chris told me we were going out for dinner with his parents.
Did you cry?
Definitely a few happy tears from the both of us, for sure.
Who was the first person you told?
Our families, Chris’s parents knew first as they picked us up. We may have had lots of champagne.
When did you get married and where?
We got married 13 January 2018, so four years ago now. Wow time flies. The ceremony and reception were both held at what used to be Montana, now named The Function Centre and it was truly beautiful. OnPoint Events managed the whole thing and it went off without a hitch, no pun intended.
Has being married changed your relationship?
Not really. We have been inseparable since day dot and that hasn’t changed although we drive each other a little crazy sometimes. Our family has grown to add two little boys and that that definitely keeps us on our toes.
Amanda and Ben Noble
How did you meet and how long were you together before getting engaged?
We met in 2016 when I started at New World in the delicatessen and he was working in the bakery. We started dating in October 2017
When and where did you get engaged?
We got engaged in March 2018. We drove out to the beach at Rarangi for a date after our 13 week midwife appointment.
Who popped the question?
He popped the question, he briefly dropped the ring in the sand and as he bent down to grab it, I turned back around from looking out at the rough waves to ask him what the heck he was doing lol. I thought he had found something inappropriate!
Were you expecting the proposal or was it a complete surprise?
The proposal itself was definitely a surprise although I knew it was coming at some stage but had no idea when. After hearing our daughter’s heartbeat at the midwife appointment, he knew he wanted to ask me.
Did you cry?
Yes! Like a baby.
Who was the first person you told?
We told our parents first, then the rest of the family in a group chat with my siblings etc before spreading the good news on Facebook.
When did you get married and where?
We tied the knot last year on 30 October at my parents’ place in a beautiful ceremony celebrated with 60 close family and friends. It was a beautiful day with amazing weather, especially considering the day before we had the freak storm.
Has being married changed your relationship?
Not really. We brought a house in early 2019 and already started a family, welcoming our second daughter in March 2020 before lockdown. The only thing that’s changed is my last name.
Jessica and Tony Nguyen
How did you meet and how long were you together before getting engaged?
Tony was between the jobs. He travelled and visited my uncle and met me in my hometown. We had been together three years before getting married. We had lived together since 2012 in Ho Chi Minh city.
When and where did you get engaged?
We had lived together for a long time and our relationship naturally progressed to getting married. We came to the wedding by unconditional agreement, there was no need for an official proposal. We married in Ho Chi Minh City and DakNong City Vietnam in 2014.
Were you expecting the proposal or was it a complete surprise?
It was not a surprise as everyone knew how strong our connection was and how it was between us. We felt that each person has been a part of the other.
Who was the first person you told?
My Mum.
Has being married changed your relationship?
Yes, it makes our relationship better. We are more connected, more in love and have more responsibility.
