With love and romance in the air I asked a few of my clients who I designed bespoke engagement rings for, to spill the beans on their marriage proposals and discovered it doesn't always quite go to plan...

EMMA SAID YES TO NICK!

In Nick's words... "With our around the world trip booked, and with Emma having supported me through my Lymphoma I knew this woman should be my wife. Emma loved Amanda’s jewellery so I bought a ring that Emma would instantly recognise as hers. It was a discrete temporary ring to deliver the punch whilst away, but always intending to commission a permanent ring on our return. The ring lived in the liner of a travel pouch I wore around my waist for a year and a half. The list of "bugger I should have done it then!!!” moments was getting longer and included the Rockies, Machu Picchu, Bolivian Salt Flats and the top of Ayres Rock. After 18 month of travel the folks at home thought I had changed my mind! During Bangkok New Year celebrations, we ended up on island Koh Phayam. By chance we found a lovely spot with a hut on the beach and amazing green curries. The weather was changeable and each night it would deliver a surprise. One night when the whole world seemed to turn orange, I ran back to the hut and returned with two bottles of beer, the camera and the ring. As the little red timer light flashed I turned to Emma bent down on one knee and proposed. Nobody really believes our story but we have this image that captures the perfect moment. And when Em saw Amanda's ring she knew this had been a year and a half in the planning. Gotcha! Hahaha!"

ALLY SAID YES TO MIKE!

In Mike's words... "So the big day arrived, we had booked a table at Osteria Francescana in Modena to say goodbye to my home in style (I lived in Italy for 2 years). I decided to propose before dinner in Piazza Grande the main square, but nothing went to plan; I was very nervous and it was over 30 degrees, dressing appropriately left little place to hide a ring box. I tucked it under my waist band under my shirt, but as we walked to the piazza it kept falling down - it was fairly obvious to Ally that I was particularly uncomfortable. When we finally got to the square, I realised that it was a terrible location, it was too early and there was no atmosphere. So we carried on walking towards the restaurant whilst I thought of another plan. When we finally rounded the corner of our destination Ally started taking photos of the restaurant - without any better idea - I took the opportunity to bend down on one knee. As she turned to me it took her a moment to process the event, at which point delightful tears rolled down her cheeks and she accepted. Whilst still on one knee, Massimo Bottura - the world famous chef and proprietor of Osteria Francescana - came out of the door, realised what had happened and became the first person to congratulate us - needless to say we were treated to a memorable evening with no shortage of special surprises"

BRIANA SAID YES TO TRAVIS!

In Travis' words... "When I decided it was time to propose, I knew that a bespoke ring from Amanda was exactly what I needed for the big day. I couldn't have been happier with the design and now it was up to me to deliver, which turned out to be a little trickier than I thought....We were on holiday in Malta and I had planned what I thought was going to be a beautiful picnic on the cliff tops overlooking the Mediterranean sea. When we arrived, the area turned out to be much more rugged and only steps from the main road, which wasn't the quaint, romantic setting I had envisaged. Despite, we carried on and set up our picnic that instantly started to melt in the 30+ degree weather, whilst Briana was constantly getting up to run away from the bee's who took a liking to our lunch. I decided this was very poor timing and to wait until later that evening. The day rolled on and the ring was burning a hole in my pocket as I was constantly searching for the 'perfect' spot to pop the question before it was too late. As the sun started to set, I was feeling emotionally drained and figured the parking lot outside of where we were going for dinner would have to do...So I collapsed to one knee, said my rehearsed few words and, luckily, the beauty of the ring won her over and she said yes!!"

CARISSA SAID YES TO SAM!

In Sam's words... "It was a beautiful English summer’s morning, and quite fitting for a marriage proposal. The easy work had already been done (easy because Amanda provided such a considered and personal service and not least because she created the perfect engagement ring that exceeded all expectations!). Now it was down to me to not give the game away. Being keen beans, we set off in our running kit on a treasure trail around our home city, exploring the hidden secrets and facts that we had so often walked past without even noticing. As fun as the treasure trail was, it was proving extremely challenging to conceal a ring box in a pair of short shorts that had no pockets. Treasure trail completed, we found a nice spot in the park to sit and contemplate our morning’s achievements which is where I planned to ‘pop the question’. I bumbled my way through a few practised words and out of thin air (or from the waistband of my near non-existent running shorts), I produced a ring box which before I could open had already produced a “YES”. It was the most magical moment and one we still relive whenever we walk through the park which is now so special to us. Now the pressure was off, I had one final trick up my sleeve, a surprise trip to Bruges to celebrate"

Thank you to my clients for sharing their stories and photos of their special moment! It is a huge pleasure to play a part in helping make this happen and to shape the next chapter in their lives xx

If you are thinking of proposing and would like to know more about commissioning a bespoke engagement ring then please get in touch, or read more about our bespoke service and view some of our engagement rings here.  And if you are looking for a few more proposal idea and some tips read our Marriage proposal and engagement ring guide here