Naomi Korolew

18/12/2021

This guys and I will be out of the office this week on our annual Christmas jaunt to . We feast , check in on the big guy 🎅🏻 , see the lights, hang out at , solve puzzles over breakfast, swim every day, do the City Treasure Hunt and generally enjoy each others company. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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One thing we DON'T do is any Christmas Shopping. 🙌⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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15/12/2021

The 4 Most Dangerous Words in Wedding Planning 👇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Have you ever seen a bride push her parents aside at the top of the aisle and dance down it to a banging Chemical Brothers tune?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I have.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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(Props to Denise! 🙌)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And it was so memorable that I am here telling you about it 6 years and hundreds of weddings later...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The audience all started clapping to the beat and there was a huuuuge roaring cheer when she finally made it to Jordan, her groom, who was crying tears of adoration.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It's moments like these that create enduring memories - and elevate that wedding forever in your memory. 😍⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It wasn't how Denise looked (which was amazing by the way - see the pic), it was how that bit of individuality made everyone feel...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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She set that wedding on fire, right from the moment she entered. She whipped everyone into a collective good mood and got that party started.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But it might never have happened...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If Denise had given in to those four dangerous little words that can derail your wedding plans (and blow your budget). Those words are;⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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drumroll... 🥁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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"What will people think?"⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The reality is, no one cares about YOUR wedding as much as YOU. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So letting words like "what will people think" creep into your consciousness will have you filled with self doubt and you'll be second guessing all of your decisions.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Be like Denise.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Be brave enough to make YOUR wedding decisions for YOU. 🥂🍾⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Are we friends yet? Follow me for more wedding truths 😇 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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15/12/2021

12/12/2021

A truly great photographer can make you feel - and look! - pretty god damn awesome. And I want to thank Amy for these fab shots that she took for our rebrand at .

09/12/2021

Things have been hectic since lockdown ended with four weddings every week, plus life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But I've absolutely loved being back out in the world marrying people.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And it's helped me remember my why, and why I love what I do.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Because I don't just create modern, authentic, cringe free wedding ceremonies. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I make memories. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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29/08/2021

Michelle & Zhong's Proposal Story 🍾💍

Michelle’s Version:
One of our favourite things to do in summer is spend time at the beach. Zhong was flying out to China with his family in late December so that meant I wouldn’t see him for a few weeks (and that our window for beach time would be shortened). He drove us out to Bushranger’s Bay on 23/12. My preferred beach weather is about 33°C– when we got there it felt like low 20s, which definitely wasn’t ideal!
We then had to trek a fair way to get to the beach from the carpark, it felt like it would have taken us around 20 minutes on foot. I recall some light rain at certain points, and we also encountered an echidna! When we finally got to the beach his family was also there, but we sat separately a bit further away on a slightly elevated spot and hoped for the sun to come out.
After awhile he mentioned that he had an early Christmas present for me which I was confused by given we’d already decided what we were getting for Christmas (cookbooks which we thought each other would like). When I turned around to look at him he was holding the ring box, which was an awesome surprise (it also suddenly made sense why he was so intent on going to the beach that day despite the plainly average weather)! Afterwards we took some photos around Cape Schanck and went to our favourite winery for food, Paringa Estate.

Zhong’s Version:
I proposed at Bushranger Bay on the Mornington Peninsula. It was supposed to be a day with nice weather and the beach was meant to be very nice. However, the walk through the bush to get to the bay was tougher than expected and it started to rain. When we did get to the beach, it at least stopped raining and when there was a bit of sunlight I popped the question. She responded with a “yes” obviously but then said cheekily that it was a "maybe".
I knew for a while that she was the person that I wanted to marry. I was just thinking about it more and more towards the end of 2017 and even though it was earlier than I was expecting for it to happen, I just wanted to do it and felt right.

24/08/2021

Pamela & Daryl - A vow of an everlasting love 🖤

Pam’s Vows:
The love I have for you Daryl is the love I never saw coming.
The one that looked all wrong for us.
This is the love that came so easy it didn’t seem possible.
Our connection can’t be explained but we just fit.
We have no expectation about how we should act
There is no pressure to become someone other than who we already are.
This is the love that just feels right without any rationale.
There is something so mesmerizing, so beautiful and just a little bit frightening about seeing a man love your children as if they were his own. The love you have for Xavier, Autumn and I is shown in everything you do, every single day. And I promise to never take those small things for granted.
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Pamela, take you, Daryl, to be my lawful wedded husband.
With this ring, I join my life with yours.

Daryl’s Vows:
From the moment I first saw you I was captured by your smile.
In our early weeks together we quickly realized we shared similar values on; raising children, the importance of family, and the need to work hard to succeed in business.
Our similar passions for music, exercise, socialising with friends, and travel bonded us together, far quicker than either of us could have imagined.
You soon become my soul mate, who helped me rediscover life and love.
And four wonderful years on you continue to amaze me......you are never angry, never judgemental, always positive, but sufficiently cautious to balance my eternal optimism.
You have become my best friend and confidante.
You are a wonderful mother, so caring, protective and passionate
You are the most generous person I have ever met, happy to donate the little we have to others in need.
I am truly blessed to have found someone as amazing as you propose to me.....how could I say no!
So before you change your mind, I am delighted to call upon everyone present (in particular Xavier and Autumn) to witness that I, Daryl, take you, Pamela, to be my lawfully wedded wife
With this ring, I join my life with yours.

22/08/2021

Megan & Nicholas' Proposal Story 🍾💍

Megan's Version:
"Nick proposed, and I was not expecting it in the slightest. We were at the snow with friends, and it was just the 2 of us. My snow boots had been a little uncomfortable, so I decided I wanted to go fix them. Well Nick had other ideas and kept trying to cuddle me and be romantic. Well I had other plans and tried to get away from him. Until he got down on 1 knee. I was shocked. I didn't know what to say. I just kept asking if he was serious. over and over again.
Then, without thinking, I took the ring out of the box, and put it on my finger. Then realised I hadn't actually said yes!! Which was why Nick hadn't moved yet. So I said yes. we hugged alot, then I realised our friends had come back early and were wandering around the house behind us. Then reaLised NICK WAS FILMING THE WHOLE THING!!! I was ​​shocked. but excited. It was a fantastic moment."

Nicholas' Version:
"A couple of years into our relationship I left Victoria for work. Leavening friends, family and above all Megan was the hardest thing I had to do. Megan and I spent a year apart with few visits between. My decision to propose was based on whether Megan moved up to Port Hedland with me.
In 2015 I traveled to Victoria for my mothers surprise 50th birthday. I quickly realized this was the only trip I was away long enough from Megan to hunt around for an engagement ring and also ask her parents' blessing to spend the rest of our lives together. Once I had the ring in my possession the last thing I wanted was to lose it or worse have it stolen. So when I returned to Hedland I made sure that it was kept in the safest of all places... Berried 1 meter in the ground under a trailer parked over it. It remained there for 3 months until it had a holiday to the snow. I proposed on the 28th September 2015 at Falls Creek snow resort."

21/08/2021

Andrea & Steven - Vows straight from the heart 🖤

Andrea's Vows:
Stevie, today we bond our lives together.
My love for you is catalyzed by your combustive sense of humour and enduring thoughtfulness.
I promise to always balance you with my positivity whenever you are feeling negative and I will support you, whichever pathway in life you follow.
Stevie, I look forward to waking up tomorrow and starting the next experiment of our lives by having you as my husband, knowing that we will always have Chemistry.
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Andrea, take you, Steven, to be my lawful wedded husband.
Steve, please accept this ring as a symbol of my love and let it remind you that I am always by your side, even when we are apart.
With this ring I join my life with yours.

Steven's Vows:
Andrea, today we add our lives together.
Although through the course of this integration we may come across division, it will not subtract from my love for you.
The roots of my love for you run deep, and will continue to grow exponentially, even when we are well past our prime.
Anni, I look forward to waking up tomorrow, having you as my wife, and knowing how difficult it will be for your students to come to grips with referring to you as Mrs Barrow.
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Steven, take you Andrea, to be my lawful wedded wife.
Anni, please accept this ring as a symbol of my love and let it remind you that I am always by your side, even when we are apart.
With this ring I join my life with yours.

17/08/2021

Simone & Brock - A vow meant to last forever 🖤

Simone's Vows:
"Brock, I don’t think I could have ever imagined on that Saturday night, seven years ago in Fad Gallery, standing in front of me was the person I had dreamed of for so long.
I wished that the person I would marry would be smart, kind and loving, but you are so much more.
You showed me how unselfish, patient and vast love can be.
I have never known anyone with a bigger heart than yours, or anyone who cares about others like you.
Your endless love and compassion gives me the strength to be who I am.
You are my hero, my best friend, my soul mate and my inspiration.
Standing here today, I am so proud and honoured to call you mine, and to say in front of everyone here, that I vow to be yours forever.
I vow that I will always be your home.
I vow to always be honest and loyal to you.
I vow to support you in your dreams and hopes for the future.
I vow to cherish our relationship and to never stop working towards our future together.
And I vow to love you, always.
I call upon the persons here to witness that I, Simone, take you, Brock, to be my lawfully wedded husband.

Brock's Vows:
"Simone, I have loved you since you and your gumboots walked into my life in 2011.
From the very start, I have wanted nothing more than to be with you.
I trust you more than anyone in the world and I love you more than I ever thought possible.
We have a special bond that only we understand and the best part of any day is the time I get to spend with you.
As your husband, I vow this to you…
I vow to support you, wherever life takes us, as we have always said, we will find a way, together.
I vow to cherish you for who you are and respect our differences as we continue build our life together.
I vow to be always be faithful and honest with you. I will never break our trust.
I vow to always be your family, and to build a home full of laughter, love and support.
Most of all, I vow to love you each and every day, loyally and sincerely, forever.
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Brock, take you, Simone, to be my lawfully wedded wife.
With this ring I join my life with yours."

14/08/2021

Tiani & Ken - A vow of a happy ever after 🖤

Tiani's Vows:
"Ken, even though I am unsure about most things in life, there is nothing in the world that I am more sure about than you.
I first knew I loved you when the word home, went from a place to a person, when it changed from four walls, to two eyes and a heartbeat.
You're home.
You're my place of comfort and calm and I always promise to be yours.
I promise to inspire you, to challenge you and to always encourage you to grow.
I vow to always respect and support your passion for drifting and in doing so, I promise to talk less while we're on the track.
I promise to value our differences as much as our common ground and I promise to be your best friend and your biggest fan.
I vow to have the patience that love demands, to speak when words are needed and to share the silence when they're not.
I choose you, to always be who you are, because I love all that you are, all that you have been and I trust in all that's left to be discovered about you.
I vow that I will continue to fall more in love with you every day for the rest of our lives, without reservation.
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Tiani, take you, Kenneth, to be my lawful wedded husband."

Ken's Vows:
"Tiani, I love you with all of my heart.
As cliché as it sounds, you truly are my best friend in this universe.
Since first laying eyes on you, there was never a doubt you would be an important piece to my puzzle.
It's crazy to think just how important a piece you have become.
The day we started looking at display homes in what feels like a life time ago, is the day I had no doubt in my mind I wanted you to be my wife.
Over the past 8 years, we have learnt so much about each other and experienced so many truly awesome things together.
I honestly cannot wait to spend the rest of my life growing with you.
I endeavour to be there for you through all of our peaks and hardships, to make you life fun filled and never boring, to hug you tight, tell you how much I love you, and how truly beautiful you are.
You and your gorgeous green eyes mean the absolute world to me.
You make me complete and knowing you feel the same makes me happier than any words can describe.
It is the greatest honour to call you my soul mate, and to now make a very important declaration in front the people we care for the most;
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Kenneth, take you, Tiani, to be my lawful wedded wife."

12/08/2021

Hurrah! 🙌🙌🙌 It's the nearly the weekend! We know life gets busy, what are your wedding goals for the weekend? Post below and we will touch base to see how you are going and help you stay accountable? Or post any questions below that our lovely members may be able to help you with 🖤🖤

05/08/2021

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03/08/2021

Cindy & Brenton - Short but meaningful Vows of true love 🖤

"I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Cindy, take you, Brenton, to be my lawful wedded husband.
Brenton, on this day, in front of our children and family, I promise to love, trust and respect you always.
I promise to be truthful, loyal and kind.
And I promise I will support and encourage you in all your endeavours.
I love you for all that you are and all that you wish to be…
And I will love you, without reservation, every day for the rest of my life.
Everything that I am, everything that I have, everything that I will be, I commit to sharing with you."

Brenton's Vows:
"I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Brenton, take you, Cindy, to be my lawful wedded wife.
Cindy, on this day, in front of our family and friends, I promise to love, trust and respect you always.
I promise to be truthful, loyal, and kind.
I promise to be truthful, loyal, and kind. you in all your endeavours.
I love you for all that you are and all that you wish to be…
And I will love you, without reservation, every day for the rest of my life.
Everything that I am, everything that I have, everything that I will be, I commit to sharing with you."

01/08/2021

Melissa & Stuart Proposal Story 🍾💍

Melissa's Version:
"Stuart proposed, but it was pretty casual and I already knew about it.
Dec 2017: I had been offered an opportunity in Houston. In order for Stuart to have a dependant visa, he had to be my "spouse". We uh-um and ahh-ed over what we would do and obviously, everyone in our family had an opinion. We already knew we would be married one day, but had never spoken about when. Stuart wanted to sign papers at the courthouse, I wanted a "real wedding".
Jan 2018: We eventually did what many BHP people do, flew to Texas, and had a "Texas marriage" (informal/common-law marriage) with a Harris County employee, Russell, and Sema present to take us for breakfast before I went to work - super romantic.
Feb 2018: We decided we should be properly engaged. Being a romantic at heart I didn't want to be involved in ring shopping, but the control freak in me did. We designed a ring together, and Stuart was to pick it up without my knowledge. Unfortunately, I decided to look at our bank account the day he picked up the ring so obviously had a mini panic attack and knew.
Stuart proposed that day in one of the few places we liked in Perth, our apartment (I cried and didn't respond despite knowing about it). We went for dinner at our favourite Indian restaurant with bright red walls and Bollywood music. We rode home on the motorbike along the foreshore where there happened to be fireworks, although Stuart was too busy riding to notice."

Stuart's Version:
"Our relocation to Houston Texas was our catalyst to formally declare our relationship on paper, as America doesn’t acknowledge de facto. After this informal marriage in Texas, we wanted to be engaged. I proposed to Melissa in the one place we loved in Perth, our apartment. Melissa knew the question was coming soon and was freaking out, so I decided home was the best place to be. She was a deer in headlights."

01/08/2021

Prasad & Iryna - I vow to love you forever 🖤

Prasad's Vows:
"Ira you are a loving, care-able and meticulous person whom I have met.
It is my honor to be your husband, partner, best friend & everything.
I promise you that we will not just be husband and wife but we will be doing all the things what we have been doing together.
We will still visit the farmers market, visit the berry farms, travel, and make a lot of outstanding wine which all the beautiful people in this world can enjoy!
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Prasad, take you Iryna, to be my lawful wedded wife."

Iryna's Vows:
"Prasad, you are my best friend, my lover, my partner, and my best wine.
I love the way you love me and I aspire to be the best wife that I can be to you.
I promise to take you to all farmer's markets with me, to cook for you and do not eat your desserts.
Everything that I am, everything that I have, everything that I will be, I commit to sharing with you, even my last cherry.
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Iryna, take you, Prasad, to be my lawful wedded husband."

27/07/2021

Leah & Craig - A vow of great love 🖤

Leah's Vows:
"Craig, I love building our dreams together, and this is one of my favourites.
You are the star in my sky that guides me home
You have always seen my heart and made me feel safe to be my most vulnerable self.
I promise to always be careful with yours
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Leah, take you, Craig, to be my lawful wedded partner in marriage and life.
This ring has no beginning or end, the same as my love for you.
As I place it on your finger, I join my life with yours."

Craig's Vows:
"Leah, standing here with you in front of the people we love, I promise to love you always
You know me better than anyone else and somehow you still manage to love me.
You are my best friend, my heart, my mystic prophet
I promise to always try to make you and our kids happy,
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Craig, take you, Leah, to be my lawful wedded partner in marriage and life.
This ring has no beginning or end, the same as my love for you
As I place it on your finger, I join my life with yours."

12/07/2021

What are you doing Sunday?
Get down to the Mornington Peninsula Wedding Expo!
Free entry (with amazing door prizes for those who register they’re going), yummy samples (think wedding cake!) and the best suppliers on the Peninsula.
And if you’re not getting married on the Peninsula that’s ok! Most Peninsula venues cover Melbourne, the Dandenongs, Yarra Valley and parts of Gippsland as well.
Register now! 👇

Wedding Showcase Ticket Registration - FREE ENTRY! Please complete the following information to register for your FREE ticket to the 7th Annual MPW Wedding Expo

11/07/2021

Keenan & Monique’s Proposal story 🍾💍

Monique’s version:
"This is the best story!! And I’m so glad it went down how it did because I am so far from romantic and sentimental as they come.
We were in New York for Christmas 2017 at a Knicks game at Maddison square. About halfway through the game, I needed to use the ladies, so I started to move a million jackets we had sitting between us. As I reached down, I picked up Keenan’s jacket right in the pocket and felt a small box. I genuinely was like what the hell is that!? I think if I was expecting a proposal, I would have pretended I knew nothing. However, I was so confused by this small box that I turned to Keenan and said what’s in your pocket. His response was gold and he gave it away immediately - he started laughing and said “ohhh boy”. I then burst into a combination of tears and laughter and then asked if there was something he wanted to ask me... be responded “nope” (even though he knew I knew exactly what it was). So, I proceeded to head to the ladies. As I was returning to the heavens of Madison square stadium and the lift doors opened there Keenan was. Standing, clutching the little black box laughing so weirdly (we both were). The rest is a bit of a blur and I’m not even sure he asked me to marry him... evidently, I said yes."

Keenan’s version:
"I’ve had a few people ask me how do you know when the right time is to propose? For me, it just happened. I literally woke up one day and had this epiphany. I was ready to propose. I had no idea what triggered it, it just happened. I went to Monique’s parents to ask their permission and it was only her mum's home. We chatted and discussed it, and all went well, and she decided to call Monique’s dad. He was about 20 minutes away and I kept trying to say I would come back another time to talk to Tony. Deb wasn’t having it and made me wait and sit on the couch. I spoke to Tony for about an hour. We spoke about everything possible except what I was there to ask him. But it was all good, Deb just chipped in and said "Tony, Keenan has something to ask you” thanks Deb!
I decided to propose in New York. It was a mission trying to get the ring through all the customs points without Monique ever seeing it and hide it from her in all the hotel rooms. I carried it with me a few times but never followed through, due to some ice-skating mishaps and the mood not being right (chickening out). We then went to Madison Square Garden to watch my beloved New York Knicks play. Monique went to go to the toilet and moved our jackets aside to them asking me what was in my jacket pocket? I think I said, “oh boy” and she said, “did you want to ask me something?” I told her no, but I think she already had an idea and started crying. She then went to the toilet and left me there pondering what the hell had just happened. So, I thought it was now or never. I knew there was only one way down to the toilets, so I waited outside the elevator doors for when she returned and asked her."

06/07/2021

David & Emi - A heartfelt vow from one special love

David's Vows:
"Emi, I love you because you are such a peaceful soul.
I appreciate your understanding of me.
I admire your passion for life and our life together.
I promise to care for you and love you unconditionally.
I vow to be committed, sincere and genuine.
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, David, take you, Emi, to be my lawful wedded wife.
With this ring, I join my life with yours."

Emi's Vows:
"David, I love you because of the depth of love and understanding you have for me.
I appreciate your kindness and warm heart.
I admire the care you have for everyone around you and for the person you are.
I promise to commit to our life together.
I vow to be grateful, sincere, and genuine.
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Emi, take you, David, to be my lawful wedded husband.
With this ring, I join my life with yours."

04/07/2021

Dina & Esha's Proposal Story 🍾💍

Dina's Version:
"I may have badgered him a fair bit but he was determined that if it was going to happen, he would propose. We had a huge fight about it once actually when he told me (I think it was 4 or 5 years into our relationship) that he didn't see us getting married. I was soooo upset but, after a day of crying, I realised it was ok. I didn't have to get married because I was already with the man I loved and I would cherish being with him for however long it lasted.
That being said, a small part of me had an inkling he was going to propose when we were in Mexico last year... but he didn't. So, I made my peace that it wouldn't happen and moved on. Then, on our 6th year anniversary, he took me to a little cottage in Daylesford with the cat and the dog for a weekend away. We packed up the PlayStation, curled up by the fire whilst it rained outside, and played video games. At one point, he had us stop playing video games so we could sit by the fire with a cup of tea. I was a little confused as to why we couldn't just sit with the tea and continue playing games but decided it was sweet so.. ok then.
That's when he opened up he had to reveal a ring I had seen in Mexico. I was so shocked and said yes without even thinking. the memory makes me glow like the first time he told me he loved me."

Esha's Version:
"I proposed, but it took me two tries.
I had decided probably 24 months before I proposed that Dina was the one that I would marry, but I never got around to doing it, as I wanted her to have a special romantic proposal with an amazing ring, and we were never in a financial position for us to get her the ring she deserved.
At a friend's wedding, we were both quite drunk, and she had said that she didn't want me to wait for something special, and just to hurry up and bloody do it. At this time it is alleged that I told everyone that I would propose in Mexico on our upcoming trip (May 2019).
All of our friends were quite happy to remind me of this, so it seemed like a good time to do it.
We planned out the trip, and conveniently we were spending a couple of nights in the highlands where there were amazing local silver artisans, in an area that was known for its Jewellery. I decided to buy something here, and so booked in romantic lakeside glamping for the following night.
We went browsing all of the shops, and while we were there I got Dina to try on some various Jewellery (necklaces/rings, etc) just to see what she liked. She tried on a ring that she loved, then we "decided not to get it" as it was too expensive. Dina is really good at napping, so after this, she decided she needed to do just this, which gave me a perfect opportunity to sneak out.
The idea of buying a ring still terrified me, so I actually walked past the Jewellery shop 4 times like a creep, before the owner spotted me and yelled at me to come in. He'd already told Dina that he rips off white people, but that she got Latina prices, so I now had to convince him to give me the Latino prices. We managed to get the price down to a similar discount that Dina would have gotten (though he then jacked it back up due to 'currency conversion costs') but was good enough. I was 99% certain I had picked the same ring that Dina had tried on previously and loved. They kept giving me Tequila shots during the whole purchase, and there is a small chance that this may have affected my ability to correctly identify the ring.
I hid the ring in my suitcase and we went on our way to the next town, with Dina none the wise. We were about to arrive at Lake Bacalar (7 coloured lake) where we had booked the glamping site. The lake was absolutely stunning, and I was confident that it would be a romantic location. We drove along the stunning lakeside and could see a number of beautiful houses and hotels along the waterfront.... We then pulled up to our accommodation. While from the outside it looked OK, and there was in fact a waterfront glamping tent, there were a couple of logistical differences they failed to mention.
1. Their version of a king-sized glamping tent was very different from mine. I couldn't stand up inside, and my legs hung over the end of the at best double bed.
2. The romantic accommodation was actually a mid-market hostel, with most of the guests' young American backpackers who shared cabins, which is fine, but not what I had in mind for a proposal.
3. The waterfront tent was located right next to the watersports area for the hostel - anyone who wanted to use a kayak, go fishing, go swimming had to walk 2m from the front of our tent. The hostel bar was 5m from the front of our tent. A secluded and romantic beachside getaway it was not.
4. I can't remember the details, but something made Dina really grumpy (she does that). It was something to do with the hostel, and she was ready to speak to the manager and very unhappy with whatever had happened.
Due to all of the above, I decided that it probably wasn't the best spot to propose, and decided to try later on I the trip should the opportunity arise. Unfortunately, there was nothing particularly romantic until we arrived at the location of our friend's wedding, at which point I didn't want to be THAT guy.
As a result, the Mexican proposal was canceled, and so we returned back to Australia without an engagement, but with a ring at least (even if it was the wrong one)
At this point, I decided that it obviously wasn't meant to be to try and do something fancy, so I decided to just do what I thought would make her happy. She's happiest when we are in the country, with the pets, in front of a roaring fire, and with a cup of tea, so I decided as lame as it is, that's how we'd do it.
I booked a weekend away to Daylesford and we took the cat and dog. Dina wasn't feeling particularly well so didn't even want to drink, but I made her a cup of tea and we sat by the fire with the pets and I proposed and she said yes and was happy. Turns out it was the wrong ring and it didn't fit and there's a 5% chance it's fake, but we made it, and now that it's resized it fits perfectly."