A slow burn love story with serious main character energy. From a fleeting university moment that lingered for nearly a decade to a golden hour proposal in the Suffolk countryside, Jordan Rose’s engagement is equal parts romantic, intentional and quietly cinematic. Think marquise diamonds, winter sunsets, Old Hollywood garden party dreams and a heroine who knew exactly what she wanted from date one. Effortless, personal and impossibly her, this is an engagement story that proves timing really is everything.
The story
We originally met back in 2014 at university, where we were both members of the Sussex Show Choir. Our first introduction was at an animation-themed fancy dress social, where I was Rapunzel and he was Robin Hood (complete with green tights). I vividly remember having an ‘eyes meeting across the crowded room’ moment with him and he later came over to talk to me. At the time, I was in a relationship, and out of pure fear that I would do something inappropriate, I was a bit standoffish and wouldn’t even look at him. That was the one and only conversation we had at university, until he slid into my Instagram DMs 8 years later and told me he had always wanted to ask me out. We’ve now been together for just over three years.
Dropping hints
So, I actually told him that I wanted to get engaged within three years on our first date! I was very much not a chill girl when it came to dating, and I was always very up front with the fact that I was looking for my future husband.
Throughout our relationship we were always very open when discussing getting engaged. I told him that all I wanted from the proposal was for it to be private and for him to set something up. I also told him I wanted a marquise engagement ring similar to my mother’s.
The proposal
Back in October last year my mother sent me an invitation to a charity ‘Snow Ball’ for my dad’s army regiment and told me that myself and my partner were invited. It was white tie themed and taking place in Norfolk, so required us to drive up to their house in Suffolk beforehand.
Once we had arrived and were both ready, my partner suggested we go outside to take some photos with the sunset. I followed him out into the garden, opened the gate to the meadow and immediately saw someone standing with a camera. I turned and saw that the meadow swing (a wooden one which is engraved with the words ‘Once Upon a Time’) and tree was covered in pink and white flowers, and there was an aisle of flower petals and candles. He had also organised a fire pit with a cosy bench overlooking the fields beyond. After that, I basically couldn’t stop saying “oh my God” and cackling until he told me gently to calm down so he could say some words.
If I’m totally honest, I couldn’t remember a single thing he said beyond “will you marry me?” because I was so excited, so when we received the video back it was so lovely to hear it properly. His speech was absolutely gorgeous. We were also blessed with the most incredible winter sunset, one of the most beautiful I had ever experienced. It really felt meant to be.
The ring
The ring is a 5 carat marquise diamond flanked by two petals, set in yellow gold. My mother has a similar ring with a champagne marquise in the middle, and I always knew I wanted something similar. I think a marquise is such a unique cut and really suits my personal style.
Engagement party
We celebrated over Christmas with my family, but we’re planning a small engagement party end of February/March. I also recently got a two-book deal for my debut novel, so it’ll be a joint celebration of the engagement and that. We just wanted to do something relaxed.
The outfit
I was wearing a Reiss maxi dress that I bought years ago and never wore, along with a Babyboo fashion white faux fur stole. As I spoke about earlier, I was under the impression that we were attending a white tie Winter ball, hence the choice of white.
Wedding plans so far
We’ve set a date and will be getting married in my parents’ garden in Suffolk. So far I’ve booked the videographer and photographer but have made a few enquiries for other suppliers. The theme is ‘Old Hollywood Garden Party’, so lots of vintage vibes, classic elegance and an abundance of florals. I love planning things so I’m very excited!
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