The Proposal I Nearly Ruined

They say that when someone decides to propose, they have two major challenges:

1. Finding the perfect ring

2. Finding the perfect moment

Unfortunately for Jono, he had a third challenge... Me.

Because whilst I thought I was blissfully enjoying the months leading up to our engagement, little did I know that I was actually sabotaging the entire operation from start to finish.

It all started back in March.

Jono suggested a trip to the Craft Fair in Birmingham. As someone who loves a good craft fair and possesses absolutely no ability to walk past stationery or handmade décor without buying something, I thought this sounded like a wonderful idea.

So off we went: Me, Jono, his daughter Alice, his mum and his sister.

After several hours of battling crowds, overheating indoors and purchasing what can only be described as aggressively overpriced craft supplies, I was ready to head home.

That's when Jono's mum casually mentioned that she had a ring that needed resizing and a watch battery replacing. "Since we were already in Birmingham, perhaps we could pop into the Jewellery Quarter?" A perfectly reasonable suggestion. Or so I thought...

We arrived at Neweys, and while his mum dealt with her jewellery, Jono casually suggested: "Let's have some fun while we're here and get your ring size measured." I agreed. After all, what was the harm? A few minutes later, I discovered I was a size R - R for Rachel, which felt fitting!

Then I spotted two rings that I absolutely loved. Lab-grown diamonds, oval shape, half eternity, platinum. Essentially, I found my dream ring.

The lovely assistant took notes on the styles I liked and handed the information over. I laughed because, in my mind, this was all completely hypothetical. We certainly couldn't afford anything like that. Jono quietly pocketed the information.

Looking back, this should perhaps have raised some questions. It did not.

After leaving Neweys, Jono suggested visiting some other jewellers, to which I repeatedly responded: "No, we're not here for that." Poor man. We were, in fact, entirely there for that.

Unbeknownst to me, my future fiancé was desperately trying to gather information about rings, and I was actively refusing to participate. Somehow, despite my best efforts, he left Birmingham with my ring size, my preferred metal, my preferred stone, my preferred shape and enough information to start planning a proposal.

What followed was his next challenge: actually getting me to say yes. Or more specifically... actually getting me to stand still long enough to ask.

Every year, my mum and I visit a tulip field together. It's one of our traditions. So when Jono decided he wanted to propose, his daughter Alice thought the tulip field would be the perfect location. Sentimental. Meaningful. Personal. What he once again failed to account for was me.

Because usually, I'm the one who organises the tulip trip. So when I noticed an unusual amount of enthusiasm from other people about arranging the day, I became annoyed. Why was everyone getting involved? Why wasn't I planning it? Why did it feel like decisions were being made without me?

Rather than recognising these as obvious signs that something was happening, I took over the planning myself, causing Jono what I can only assume was several weeks of unnecessary stress, as I wouldn't book the date until I had the weather forecast in case my 90-year-old Grandma couldn't hack the mud.

Eventually, the day arrived.

Our group consisted of me, Jono, my mum, my 90-year-old grandma, Jono's mum, Jono's dad, Jono's sister Emma, Toby and Cleo the dogs. Less "romantic proposal" and more "family expedition".

Shortly after arriving, Jono suggested we go for a walk, just the two of us. I remember thinking: "That's a bit rude." We'd come all this way with everyone else, and now he wanted to wander off?

As we walked through the tulips, I became increasingly aware that Emma seemed to be following us from a distance, camera in hand. Hovering, lurking, existing suspiciously. I pointed this out once. Then again. Then a third time. Meanwhile, Jono was presumably wondering whether he'd ever get this proposal over the finish line.

The field was incredibly busy, so he suggested we sit in a quieter spot near the edge. We sat down, and he took a breath. Then he began: "So, I've been thinking..." At that exact moment, I spotted Emma approaching with her camera and noticed a suspiciously large ring box emerging from Jono's pocket.

Before he could continue, I blurted out: "Oh no, don't do it." Not exactly the response most people dream about hearing at the beginning of a proposal.

Thankfully, despite the months of obstacles, resistance and accidental interference from the very person he was trying to propose to, Jono persevered. He asked, and I said yes.

We returned to our families. There were hugs, happy tears, photographs and what I imagine was a collective sigh of relief that "Operation: Get Rachel Engaged" had finally been completed successfully.

Looking back, the proposal wasn't flawless. It wasn't perfectly choreographed, and it certainly didn't go exactly according to plan. But it was completely us.

Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing.

Engaged amidst a vibrant sea of blooming tulips, forever begins for Jono and me. 🌷💍

You may already know from our About Us page that Jono is an experienced wedding photographer, and I've spent years working in luxury hospitality. Between us, we've spent countless weekends behind the camera and behind the scenes, helping to ensure that other couples' wedding days are everything they've dreamed of.

Now, for the first time (second for Jono), we get to experience it from the other side.

Instead of photographing the happy couple or coordinating memorable guest experiences, we're stepping in front of the camera, attending wedding fairs as engaged clients, and finally getting to consider all those incredible suppliers we've admired and recommended for years.

It's an exciting feeling, but if I'm completely honest, it's also a little overwhelming.

Despite working within the wedding industry, I suddenly find myself asking the same questions that so many newly engaged couples ask:

• Where do we start?

• How do we choose a date?

• What should our budget be?

• What timeline should we be working towards?

• How on earth do you narrow down a guest list?

So, as Jono and I navigate our own wedding planning journey, we'd love for you to come along for the ride.

We'll be sharing the decisions we make, the lessons we learn, the mistakes we inevitably make along the way, and plenty of advice gathered from some of the fantastic wedding professionals we're lucky enough to work with across the West Midlands.

Whether you're newly engaged, deep into planning, or simply looking for inspiration, we hope our journey helps make yours a little easier.

After all, if a wedding photographer and a hospitality professional can feel overwhelmed by wedding planning, you're certainly not alone!

Until then,

Rachel

🤍🐝🤍