The Proposal:
The proposal took place on a private deck alongside the lush vineyard, where a magnificent arrangement of all-white florals and glowing candles created a stunning backdrop to Reuben and Anet’s special moment. Up on the deck was also a table for two, with a grazing board paired with a finely selected sparkling wine, allowing them to linger in the magic of the moment and toast to their future together.
How They Met:
Reuben and Anet’s story feels a little like a fairytale. Their families have been close for almost 20 years. So in many ways, they grew up side-by-side. Some of their favourite memories were made during shared holidays like Easter, Christmas, and countless moments in between. In 2016, on Christmas Day, everything changed. Reuben’s family joined Anet’s for lunch, and somewhere between conversations, they found themselves talking about anime, a world she hadn’t discovered yet, but one he was so passionate about.
She was 15, he was 17, and in that simple moment, something just clicked. Before they finished high school, he told her he loved her first. She was so taken aback and nervous in that moment that she couldn’t say it back, not until much later. He finished high school before her, and at the time, she was certain she would study Software Engineering at UniSA’s Mawson Lakes Campus. When he submitted his SATAC application, he chose UniSA so they could be on the same campus, where he would study Engineering. As it turned out, Anet ended up changing her path and studied Business at UniSA’s City West Campus instead.
Still, he would take the bus from Mawson Lakes all the way to the city, just to see Anet. They studied together at the library, and he supported her through exams, essays, events, and volunteering. They met young, and their relationship grew naturally over time. While they were exclusive, they didn’t officially start dating until after finishing high school. Like any real love story, theirs hasn’t been perfect. They had their challenges and difficult moments, but they’ve always faced them together. Over the years, they’ve shared so many milestones: from celebrating their 18th birthdays to now approaching Anet’s 25th birthday, being part of each other’s family milestones, navigating long distance, and supporting each other through the loss of loved ones. Through every season, they’ve grown, not just side by side, but truly together. Growing up together is a kind of love that feels different. It’s deeper, it evolves, and it has shaped who they are today.
How They Proposed:
A week or so before it all happened, Anet’s friend told her to keep the Saturday free for an influencer event that she had been invited to. She didn’t think anything of it because they’d together been before. Reuben later asked Anet to keep the Sunday free, and to see what dress she was wearing. Anet was beginning to anticipate a proposal, so she went to get her nails done.
Saturday morning comes around, Anet and another friend go to their influencer friend’s place and they start the morning with tea, coffee, and breakfast. She was loving it already; they were helping her do her makeup. Again, not thinking anything was out of place. They got in the car and drove off. The view was stunning, heading towards Lobethal to the winery. Anet loves a winery, so she was very excited. Meanwhile, Anet’s friend was coordinating with Reuben with where to park, so they didn’t see his car. She was in the backseat, so Anet didn’t even know that was happening.
They were going up the driveway and there was a closed sign – this made full sense to Anet as this would have be a private “influencer event.” But she got there and didn’t see other influencers. She was a bit confused, but figured they were on the way. They headed into the main building and there were 3 long tables with servers setting the tables and the friend said this was for the event, so she did not think anything of it yet again. One of the girls needed the bathroom. So being girls, they went together. And out of thin air, one of the friends handed her the pink dress, steamed and ready to go, and said “Anet, you need to change.”
Anet was shocked, her brain was not understanding what was happening. And then it clicked into place. She was nervous, she was thanking the girls, who were helping Anet change into the dress. They walked out and there was a car waiting for her – she had no idea what was happening. She opened the door and Reuben was sitting there so nonchalantly, and she was so nervous and surprised.
She got in the car, and they got driven to this area where there was a private deck, decorations and a table with a charcuterie board and wine. She was over the moon. She got on the deck but had a moment to just try and actually understand what was going on. And he started his speech, told her he loved her, got on one knee and asked if she would marry him. This was the dreamiest proposal, so perfectly executed, so amazing.
Love what you just read and ready to start planning your own perfect proposal? Contact our expert proposal planners to start planning today!
