All you can eat Chinese buffet he told me.
And I believed him. I even held back on the food at lunchtime, wanting to save room for extra sesame prawn toasts (you’ve got to get you moneys worth when it’s all you can eat, haven’t you?)
We said goodbye to the sitter and wandered off in direction of the restaurant. As we walked through the inky black gardens of the hotel Mr. LA was mumbling something but all I remember him saying is ‘what’s this?’. As I turned and looked I saw that a section of the garden was filled with light. There were small lanterns lighting a path that led towards a clearing surrounded by bamboo, flaming torches and tall curved white flags. On either side of the opening to this paved circle there was an elaborate Balinese lantern fashioned from palm leaves and a beautiful silk parasol. It was breathtaking, I’m sure I let out an audible gasp at this point.
Once I stepped inside (and managed to overcome a little of the shock) I saw the beautiful table lit by another lantern hanging from a curved bamboo pole above. There were frangipani flowers everywhere and the table was covered in candles. It was just so beautiful, I could barely take it all in.
We sat down in the heavy hand carved chairs and the waiter poured us a glass of bubbly each. I think I asked Mr. LA how he managed to organise it all without me knowing but to be honest the next few minutes are a bit of a blur. I remember Mr. LA kept fidgeting though. Turns out he couldn’t get the ring out of his pocket!
All of a sudden he pushed his chair out of the way, got down on one knee and said ‘will you marry me’. Apparently I didn’t say yes, instead opting to respond with the elegant phrase ‘Oh my God! Are you serious?’ Dead classy I am.
The yes was implied though and a few tears followed. Mr. LA said lots of beautiful things that I’ll never forget. We ate the amazing meal (he’d even chosen the menu and the wine, it was all so delicious) and spent what felt like 10 minutes, but was in fact nearly 3 hours, in the amazing surroundings before heading to the hotel’s piano bar for a cocktail. 
Mr. LA actually proposed with this stunning Alex Monroe ring but insisted that we choose an engagement ring together once we got home. However, upon our return to England my mother tearfully gave me her sapphire and diamond engagement ring that I have lusted after ever since I was a child.
My favourite photograph from my childhood is a black and white picture of my tiny baby fingers interlaced with my mothers. You can see her engagement ring and I’ve always thought that it even sparkles in black and white.
I think the ring is truly beautiful and I love that it represents a connection to my parents at a time when they were very much in love. I honestly don’t feel the ring is tainted by the fact their marriage didn’t survive. It symbolises everything they wanted their relationship to be. It was the beginning of their future together, when they were full of hopes and dreams. Surely that’s how everyone enters into marriage?
It needs to be reduced in a size a little in order to fit my finger but I just cannot wait to show it off properly. It’s amazing how special one little ring can make you feel.
Loveaudrey xxx
Congratulations to both of you!! That post was so lovely and heart warming…I nearly had a little cry! Both rings are absolutely gorgeous!
When my bloke proposed to me in April my initial response was ‘Are you joking?’, which I then repeated about 4 times before I said yes! lol
xxx
Congratulations! Beautiful ring too, it’s lovely to have something with so much sentiment attached to it 🙂
Oh my god, congratulations! Such a beautiful post to read xx
Congratulations. Wishing you both happiness together!
Congratulations, hun! Funny how men always have some trouble with delivering the ring – my husband had to excuse himself and go to the bathroom, because the bow on the box untied on the way!
Anyway, I’m so happy for you 🙂 xxx
The BIGGEST congratulations (again!) sweetheart…this post actually made me cry – in a good way. Mr LA did men everywhere proud with that proposal, how perfectly romantic, and it sounds like the most wonderful evening…what amazing surroundings too! You can point him in my Mr’s direction with some hints and tips if you like 😉
You look beautiful – like the cat that’s got the cream too, hehe! I’m LOVING the flower in the hair action too 😉
You will be such a blushing bride, I can’t wait to read about your plans!
x x x x x
What a beautiful proposal in such an idyllic setting. Wow. And both rings are absolutely divine! Your Mum giving you hers is such a sweet and thoughtful thing to do as it obviously holds so many memories for you, plus it is super duper pretty! I got goosebumps reading this – Congratulations to you both once again my lovely xxxx
CONGRATULATIONS! Such an amazing and beautiful proposal! I’m so happy for you! x
Congratulations! Wow, that’s such a beautiful proposal (and a beautiful response – love!) The scene looks like something out of a magazine. Kudos to your hubby-to-be for organizing it all!
<3
so romantic!! xx
Ahh how lovely. Really pleased for you. Looking forward to lots of wedding planning posts xx
Congratulations – that’s great news! x
Thank you for all the lovely comments ladies! It was rather fabulous, Mr. LA certainly took my breath away! Here’s to lots of wedding planning posts! xxx
Wow! What an amazing surprise and a beautiful spot to propose. The ring from your Mum is beautiful. Congratulations again! I can feel myself going all misty eyed. 🙂
Jane x
Ahem – you brought a tear to my eye…so many congratulations – you have a lovely thoughtful hubby to be there!
xoxoxoxo
What a romantic proposal! Congratulations x
Awwe…you gave me a little fuzzy glow with this (: Congratulations
Squueeeee! Congratulations, cannot wait to read about your wedding plans 🙂 xx
Oh my goodness, congratulations!!! I’m so happy for you! I didn’t even realise you weren’t married. Now I understand why you liked my engagement post so much… That is one of the best engagement stories ever, how SWEET of him!