The Special Couple: Natasha + Ian

THE FIRST SIGHT

Ian and I met when I was living in London in 2015. We started dating and eventually when my visa was due to run out, we both moved back to Melbourne together. 

THE PROPOSAL

When Ian's 30th birthday was approaching, I thought it’d be fantastic for him to spend it with his family. I organised a surprise party and booked the flights without telling him we were going until three days before we were due to fly out. 

Unbeknownst to me, in these three days, he bought an engagement ring and carried it with him to London. He later told me he hid it in his headphone case so I wouldn’t find it.

Ian's party was on a Saturday night but his actual birthday fell on a Wednesday, so I had organised a lunch for us on the 35th floor of The Shard near London Bridge. He had called the restaurant in advance and told them about his plans, so all the staff was aware of what was happening when we got there. It turned out he hid the box with the ring in it in his sock that day!

We sat down, and Ian immediately ordered a bottle of champagne, which I thought was a little weird but didn’t overthink it. Ian looked a bit nervous and sweaty, which was strange as it was about -2 degrees outside.

Ian went to the bathroom and came back and said "oh, by the way, I’ve been meaning to ask you something." He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. The waitress got everything on video. It was incredible and so surreal!

THE INSPIRATION

I already had a pretty good idea of what I wanted regarding the decor and cake. I’m a big believer of 'less is more,' I like things that are quite minimal and simple but make an impact. 

There was no specific set theme, but everything tied in together in terms of the colour scheme. The several consultations I had with my florist and my event stylist was a huge help to this process. I showed them photos of what I had in mind, and they understood me and stuck to that. They would send me pictures and say "what do you think of this?" and I would be able to indicate whether I like it or not. I think what’s also essential to take on their advice and recommendations too because they are the professionals and know what will work and what won’t.