Today's post is extremely close to my heart. I am choosing to share this story here not to brag or show off my relationship, but rather to have it written down somewhere I can always look back to. Plus I have had SO many people ask to hear the story!
I would also like to take a moment to extend a big thank you to everyone who has shared kind words and messages with us since our engagement. It seriously means the world to us. We are so grateful to be surrounded by such loving and supportive people.
Alright, so here is how it went...
So the day was August 18th, 2015
It was an average kinda bummer day that turned into the best night of my 24.5 years on earth.
I suggested to Luca we go to lions bay for some cliff jumping and ocean swimming. It had been extra hot that day and I was craving a refreshing swim in the ocean.
I messaged him (while I assumed he was working) asking if he would be up to go for a swim. He said he was exhausted from work, didn't want to drive anymore and had lots of paper work to get done. A little disappointed I continued to make dinner.
An hour later when he got home from work he said he changed his mind and wanted to go for a swim. In an effort to make sure we beat the sunset, we hastily drove off.
Driving up the sea-to-sky highway is incredible in itself. Beautiful mountain ranges to the right with the ocean and scattered islands to the left, It always makes for a scenic drive. This night the view was exceptionally beautiful, the ocean was blanketed in hues of purples, pinks and oranges as the sun slowly set.
We arrived at Lions Bay and made our way down the train tracks. Luca had forgotten his bathing suit and suggested we find a more private spot so we could go for a dip sans suits. After walking down the tracks for about 5 minutes, we came across a little rocky outcrop. We climbed down the steep shale cliff to get to the spot (not a good idea in flip flops I might add!!). This little spot was the perfect place for us to do some swimming in privacy. We set up the GoPro and jumped in the water, which was pleasantly warm from basking in the hot sun all day, and the sun was just dipping down behind the mountains.
We laughed and swam in the water for about half an hour, before climbing onto the rocks to watch the final sliver of sun disappear. It was a very warm evening which prevented us from getting chilled, and we could truly soak in the view.
At this point in the story our GoPro's battery had died. So, we don't actually have any pictures of the proposal itself.
As we were sitting enjoying the last of the sunlight I suddenly picked up on nervous vibes from Luca. This was super weird as he has NEVER been nervous around me. As he started telling me how much he loved me etc etc, I clued into what was happening. WOAH! I found myself getting nervous too and I think at this point both of us kind of blacked out as neither of us can remember exactly what he said! We were both so caught up in the moment that everything felt very surreal.
The blurriest post proposal bliss
After our nerves calmed down and the excitement kicked in it started to sink in. I was going to marry my best friend!! Luca pulled out a bottle of champagne he had hiding in his backpack and I popped the cork into the ocean!
Sitting on the rocks, with champagne in hand, Luca told me his side of the story. Blown away by the effort he had secretly gone through, brought tears to my eyes. I had last seen Luca that morning at about 7:30am at coffee on the Drive, when he said he was off to work for the day. Little did I know he was actually trying to make it to the ferry in time to catch the 9am. He had made plans with my dad to meet at Discovery Coffee in Victoria. He professed his love for our family and me to my dad, and asked for his blessing. How did I get so lucky???
He had planned on waiting longer before popping the question, but said coming home on the ferry he realized he really wanted to just go for it. He was going to do it if the timing and night felt right, and boy did it ever. It was the perfect timing! The whole night was so unbelievably us, and I love that.
I am so in love with the ring Luca chose for me. We call it the heart of the ocean as it is the heart we share!
I am so excited to marry my best friend.
Now, the greatest adventure is what lies ahead!