It all started with a forgotten entry pass and a London lift. Rosie met her future fiancé in the most unexpected way, a fleeting city moment that would grow into a love story spanning from office corridors to a candlelit proposal in the Maldives.
The story…
I’ve always been an old-school romantic, obsessed with love films, and the story of how we met reminds me of a “meet-cute” movie scene, just as I’d always pictured. In 2017, I was a practising solicitor, and my now fiancé’s company was in the same building as mine. One early morning, I forgot my entry pass but luckily, he was standing by the entrance and came to my rescue. We shared a lift ride where he asked for my name and where I worked. Shortly afterwards, I received a message asking to go for a coffee. I told him I didn’t drink coffee, and he replied, “wine?” A couple of glasses later, I called my mother and told her I could see myself marrying him. It was instant.
Dropping hints…
We’ve been together for several years, and marriage was always part of our plan. I’m a self-confessed perfectionist who hates surprises, but my fiancé wanted to keep some mystery around the proposal. However, he knew how particular I am and that I’d want to choose my own ring. In early 2024, we went to O’Hares Jewellers in Chester and used their bespoke service to create my engagement ring together. It was such a special experience to see my vision come to life. Once complete, the jeweller held on to it until the proposal.
The proposal…
It was like something out of a movie. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier or felt more in love. We were in the Maldives, staying at the breathtaking Velaa Private Island. On 17 December 2024, I was told to be ready at a certain time and to look extra special. Our butler picked me up and took me to a private sunset villa on the water, where the doors opened to reveal a sea of white flowers and flickering candles, with my soon-to-be fiancé waiting for me at the bottom of the steps. I couldn’t stop shaking and barely remember the words spoken, but I know I said yes. We spent the evening dining privately and dancing under the stars surrounded by flowers and candlelight. I never wanted the night to end.
The ring…
When it comes to my engagement ring, you’ll either love it or you won’t—but to me, it’s perfect. It’s made up of two rings that fit together to symbolise two people coming together, featuring three different diamond shapes: oval, princess, and pear. Why have one diamond when you can have three?
The most meaningful part, though, is that the bands are made from Welsh gold—one of the rarest in the world. My late grandfather was President of the Welsh Rugby Union and a proud Welshman, so incorporating something that reflected our heritage felt incredibly special. He sadly passed away not long after we returned home, and now I feel like I have a little piece of him with me always.
Engagement celebrations…
After the proposal, we spent a few weeks travelling through Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, celebrating just the two of us before heading home in the new year. We decided against a large engagement party, choosing instead to mark the occasion with intimate gatherings organised by our families, followed by a bridesmaid proposal evening with my lifelong best friends. It was small, personal and perfect. We’re saving the big celebration for our wedding weekend.
The outfit…
For my birthday in September, my now fiancé surprised me with the Maldives trip followed by a cruise around Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. I had a feeling something special might happen. The Maldives has always been on my wish list, and just in case, I packed a beautiful Primrose mini dress from Rosie Etienne—a luxury bridal and eveningwear label. It struck the perfect balance between bridal and effortlessly pretty.
Wedding plans so far…
We’ve always known where we want to get married and are now working with wedding planners who share our vision. It will be an overseas celebration—a full weekend including a welcome party, wedding day and post-wedding event. I want it to feel classic and timeless. I’ve dreamt of my wedding day since I was a little girl, and now I just want to make that dream come true and live happily ever after.
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