The story
We met all the way back in 2019! It was just when dating apps were becoming more and more popular, and having never given them a try (with some strong encouragement from my girlfriends), I decided to download Hinge. I didn’t love the idea of meeting someone online, but decided to give it a try and go on one date.
Lo and behold, that one date was with my future husband! We had an instant connection and it felt like we’d known each other for years. Our second date was the next day, our third the day after, and before we knew it we were attached at the hip.
Dropping hints
It had been quite an open conversation in our relationship for a few years, and Callum had been telling me he was going to marry me since about a year into our relationship. However, since we met quite young, I didn’t know what kind of timeframe we were talking about. I think the timing was perfect, just before our 5th anniversary, and a huge surprise too.
In terms of the ring, I had helped my mum pick out an engagement ring a couple of years prior, which in turn allowed me to try everything on and to know my ring size. Callum very sweetly suggested I make a note in his phone of my size and what I liked, so that when the time came he wouldn’t have to ask me. Literally the perfect scenario in my opinion, because he picked exactly what I dreamed of without ruining the surprise.
The proposal
The proposal was truly a work of art, and I still wonder to this day how he pulled it off! Callum had been working behind the scenes for months, along with George (my manager, best friend and bridesmaid), to surprise me.
I am quite type-A as a person, particularly when it comes to planning trips, so Callum knew that if he told me he’d booked a surprise trip for us, I would immediately know that it was for the proposal. So instead he got creative and asked George to help. George let me know that I had been invited on an exclusive brand trip to Paris, so of course I accepted. Everything was organised to perfection and was so convincing. I received branded itineraries and even messages from other influencers who were “attending”.
On the day of the trip, I travelled by myself to Paris and checked into my hotel. I was told that I had a photoshoot on the roof of the hotel, and that afterwards there would be a brand cocktail party and I would meet the team. I got ready and was escorted up to the rooftop by the hotel staff. It was a glorious sunny day and the roof had a gorgeous view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower.
I met a photographer and a videographer who introduced themselves to me and said they were there to create some content for the brand. They started shooting, and romantic music started playing. I turned to look and I saw Callum walking towards me. I didn’t even know he was in Paris, so when I saw him, everything fell into place and I immediately started crying! He got down on one knee and asked me to marry me.
It was so perfect and I was just in shock at how he managed to surprise me like that. We had the roof all to ourselves and sat in the sun drinking champagne, before calling all of our family and friends and having the most gorgeous time. I will never forget it.
The ring
The ring! I’ve been wearing this ring now for a year and a half, and I’m still not over it. It’s everything I dreamed of.
Callum worked with an incredible jeweller in Hatton Garden to create my ring. The stone is just over 3 carats but has a really good spread, so it looks bigger. It’s set in yellow gold, and my favourite detail is the Princess Diana-inspired stones around the diamond. I had said to Callum that I would love if they were rounded, almost like the edge of a flower petal or a doily, not like a standard halo. It is so sparkly and I get so many compliments on it.
Engagement celebrations
Our engagement party was spontaneous and last minute – I absolutely loved it. We were in Paris, celebrating our engagement, and due to arrive back in London on Friday afternoon. We were messaging friends to see if anyone was around on Friday night to have a drink with us, and before we knew it we had a list of 20-odd people who all wanted to celebrate, so we organised an impromptu engagement party in about 24 hours.
Honestly, it was amazing, we were on such a high. Sharing that excitement with our loved ones was so special. We had champagne and canapés for a few hours, then descended to Chiltern Firehouse until the early hours.
The outfit
Thankfully, since the proposal was framed as a brand event and photoshoot, I was given a dress code. I was told to wear white or light colours, and picked out a cream strapless polka dot dress from Self-Portrait. I absolutely love the dress and I’m so happy I was wearing it. It’s exactly what I would have wanted to wear had I known.
Wedding plans so far
Our wedding is only 2 months away and I can’t wait. We are getting married in Marylebone Town Hall, in an intimate ceremony, followed by a gorgeous meal in the private room at The Devonshire. Two days later, we have our main wedding in an absolutely stunning historical venue in London. We’re in the final stages of planning, and I truly can’t wait. It’s starting to feel so real now.
SREAD NEXT: How The Coolest Couples Got Engaged
