Thanks for your kind words Tiago and massive Congratulations to you both!
Read about his very adventurous and intricately planned proposal in the Kruger National Park, South Africa… incredible!
A South African Proposal
“I had made my mind up: I was going to propose this year, I just needed the right situation for it.
A friend’s wedding in Johannesburg provided the opportunity, an amazing safari lodge provided the setting, a full moon provided the mood and lighting, and MAX Diamonds provided the stunning engagement ring.
Stunning Engagement Ring
When we decided that we were going over to South Africa for the wedding, I immediately started looking into the engagement ring. I had 3 months to learn all I could about diamonds, and find the perfect ring. After some weeks of scouring the internet for information and visiting local jewellers, my best friend brought to my attention that Alex at MAX Diamonds was someone worth talking to, and he was on the money.
Alex spent considerable time and effort into ensuring I got exactly what I was looking for. She answered all my questions, and what’s more, I could tell she was genuinely passionate and interested in the process. It was really nice to have someone like her through it all.
I must say, I didn’t get all the fuss over diamonds, but when I first saw the finished product – it all made sense. Wow! It just makes me think why diamonds can’t also be a guy’s best friend too?
There was some considerable stress involved in carrying something so valuable with me in one of the most dangerous cities in the world, but I managed to keep it safe and secret all the way from Perth through Johannesburg and into Kruger National Park.
We had booked 4 days at Ulusaba – Sir Richard Branson’s Private Game Lodge. It was unbelievable. Everything about it was just amazing, from the staff, to the setting, to the animals. Truly one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
We saw some amazing scenes during the game drives, were spoilt with delicious food, and even had a chance to visit a nearby village and give something back.
It was the perfect holiday. But I wasn’t done! On the last night of our stay, the staff organised a private 5 course dinner for us at the wine cellar. As we entered the hut, we descended down the stairs lined with candles, we were greeted with rose petals in the shape of hearts, at the entrance of the veranda. Behind us the cellars walls housing the wine, ahead of us a meticulously set dinner table and beyond that, the South African wilderness.
As the food came out, and we went through the day we just had, it was just sinking in how perfect it all was:
- We had been up since dawn, watching the baboons roll out of the trees as they started their day too.
- Then, not even 2 minutes into our game drive, we had our second meeting with the 3 lionesses and their 7 unforgettable cubs.
Pride ‘n’ Purpose
- Back to the lodge after a great morning game drive, we headed to the village to spend some time there with the Pride ‘n’ Purpose (the charity that supports them) and had the pleasure of meeting the kids at their pre-primary school (donated by Christian Slater as a birthday present to Richard Branson).
- Back to the lodge we had time to sneak in a massage before the evening game drive, where we saw the elusive leopard for the 2nd time!
And only then did it dawn on me, that I was possibly one of the luckiest men alive, to have the opportunity to do all this in 1 day and then have the chance to fulfil one of the most important days that a girl has.
Dinner & Engagement Proposal
After 3 months of planning, I couldn’t wait any longer, so half way through dinner I got out of my seat and down on one knee. The rest, as they say, is history…
Alex at MAX Diamonds and the staff at Ulusaba were instrumental in helping me make it the perfect day for my (now) fiancé.
Thank you!”
