Sarah Packer has spent years telling other people’s love stories, but this one was always destined to be her own headline. The TV and showbiz journalist first noticed Courtney Wood from her sofa while watching BBC’s The Apprentice, never imagining that a passing tweet would lead to an eight-year romance and a proposal overlooking the glittering French Riviera. From a chance interview that sparked an instant connection to a pear-shaped diamond ring set against the blue of Monaco, their engagement story is a modern love story written for the spotlight, and one that now leads them towards a sun-soaked wedding celebration in Mallorca.
The story
Well, not many brides can say they fancied their fiancé before they even met, but I can! In 2016, while watching BBC’s The Apprentice, I spotted my future husband, who was a contestant on the show, and tweeted, ‘Kind of really fancy Courtney Wood right now.’ A month later, after Courtney became runner-up, I interviewed him about his time on the series. As a TV & Showbiz journalist, this was all in a day’s work, but even over the phone, our connection was instant. Eight years later, Courtney finally asked me to marry him, and we couldn’t be happier.
Dropping hints
To say I dropped hints would be an understatement! After so many years together, and after buying our first home, I had been quietly (and not-so-quietly) longing for Courtney to propose. Over the years, we’d been lucky enough to holiday in the Caribbean, Maldives and South Africa, but he still hadn’t popped the question. My only wish for an engagement was that it happens outdoors, somewhere in nature, and in the end, Courtney did not disappoint.
The proposal
In August last year, he whisked me away to Monaco and took me to a nearby village called Èze on the French Riviera. Surrounded by the sparkling blue sea, lush gardens, and a waterfall, he got down on one knee and proposed with a stunning pear-shaped diamond ring. It was magical.
The ring
My ring is a pear-shaped diamond from Diamond Palace jewellers located on London’s Hatton Garden. Although I’d been dreaming of getting engaged, I hadn’t really thought much about the ring itself until a trip to Stellenbosch in South Africa. While visiting a winery which featured beautiful jeweller Graff, I tried on a ring for fun and fell in love. Luckily, Courtney took note, and the ring he chose in London is a very similar shape and design. My style is simple and classic, so I wanted my engagement ring to reflect that, and it couldn’t be more perfect.
Engagement party
We celebrated our engagement in Monaco after Courtney popped the question on the first night of our trip. Afterwards, we enjoyed some beautiful restaurants, including La Môme Monte-Carlo, and visited the famous casino. We stayed at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, which was nothing short of perfection. It was also my birthday during the trip, and they upgraded our room to a stunning double balcony overlooking the marina, where I couldn’t stop posing with my ring! We haven’t had an engagement party, but we did see family and friends afterward, who were all thrilled for us. We almost immediately started planning our wedding.
The outfit
While I hoped the surprise birthday trip might include an engagement, I still didn’t expect it. In fact, I hadn’t even planned on wearing makeup that first evening, until Courtney suggested I should, which made perfect sense later! When he popped the question, I was wearing a chocolate-brown and cream polka-dot halter-neck dress from Zara, accessorised with my best friend’s yellow Chanel bag, which she had kindly lent me for the trip. My nails, at least, were ready – I had a French manicure, just in case! Later in the trip, I wore a green and cream cutout Bec & Bridge dress I rented from HURR, which felt so special.
Wedding plans so far
We’re already deep in the thick of wedding planning, with our big day happening this July in Mallorca. We’re getting married at the beautiful farmhouse Son Mir, and I can’t wait! During the dull, dreary January days, all I can think about is celebrating with our loved ones in the Spanish sunshine, surrounded by palm trees. I love imagining everyone together on holiday, sun-kissed, happy, and full of good vibes.
I have my dress, which I’m keeping under wraps for now, but it’s from boutique Halfpenny London, which I would highly recommend to any brides currently on the hunt. It was a stress-free and lovely experience, and the gowns were absolutely to die for.
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