by Johanna Osborne

There aren’t many girls who don’t dream about the moment they become engaged in one way or another as they grow up. A good romantic proposal is right up there on the grand scale of life events, with a big “ding ding ding” sounding when a particularly spectacular one happens. And now we know what that loud noise was, as the romance scale was off the hook the day Naomi and Mike got engaged in what can only be described as an incredibly thought-out, immaculately planned and truly unique proposal. We felt touched reading their story, and we are sure you will too.

With the lead-up to the wedding now playing a more important role than ever, and with the increase in popularity in engagement shoots, it’s no surprise the actual proposal is becoming a major event in itself. Many men are choosing to tailor it to their ladies, to reflect their journey and relationship. Read on for some divine inspiration…. Mike’s effort won’t be an easy one to duplicate, but remember it’s about the thought and heart that goes into it, and any proposal can be meaningful, big or small.

Date of proposal: Friday 1 March 2013
Location of proposal: The Gatehouse, Lowry Bay
Proposal Approach: Treasure Hunt

Mike’s Story:

When I knew I wanted to propose to Naomi, I reflected on many stories I’ve heard from others who had proposed and their journey. I was conscious to not copy others, so the whole process leading up to the proposal took a long time and the idea was not conceptualised until much later.
 

I saw Isaac Lamb’s lip-synched marriage proposal to Bruno Mars’s ‘Marry You’ on Campbell Live one night and I thought to myself – man, that’s a really cool proposal, so innovative and the most out there/ well put together choreographed proposal I’ve ever seen or heard about to this point. However, I knew it wasn’t how I wanted to do it, so I had to think outside the square to put something together that creates an experience for just the two of us and not shared by anyone else – so flash mob/ group dance was out of the question!

 
A few months prior to the proposal, my friend was filling me in on his orienteering game he put together for his kids over coffee. Inspired by his story, I began the design of my treasure hunt game for Naomi to complete by herself. On my part this involved a lot of time researching for elements to fuse romance and treasure hunt together. For example, how to create rustic/ vintage paper without burning down the house, meaningful locations/ coordinates within Wellington, ways to throw Naomi off during the process, finding our perfect proposal site etc. I even thought about the Di Vinci Code movie while designing the treasure hunt.

I had no idea prior to setting up my game how unsuited Naomi was to treasure hunting…. So, it was a massive relief when Naomi finally finished the treasure hunt with the correct answers to lead her to the proposal site, at the right time on the right day, as I had already paid for and confirmed timing of both the venue and flowers.

The venue set-up itself could not have been achieved without the help of Phillip & Amelia (owners of The Gatehouse), as well as Ingrid from Scent Floral Boutique. Ingrid kindly offered to meet me at The Gatehouse the evening before the proposal, she transformed a beautiful and elegant cottage into a warm and exquisitely romantic proposal setting filled with flowers and candles.

With the proposal venue picture-ready, I made time for a haircut with my hairdresser – Sean, who knew straightaway it was an important day given that he had already cut my hair two weeks prior. I picked up my suit and proposal essentials (champagne, iPod, packed luggage) right after work before driving out to The Gatehouse. I suited up as soon as I got there and set the music playlist in the right order; I wanted Naomi to walk in to ‘Ho Hey’ by The Lumineers (I love the tune and it was perfect for the setting) and I also wanted to propose with a song that express how I feel about Naomi, so I chose ‘Beautiful’ by Avalanche City.

While waiting for Naomi, I became a nervous wreck and my confidence quickly evaporated. Suddenly, I was unsure of how she would react to my proposal, and whether she would say “Yes”.

Naomi’s Story:

In the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, Mike had mentioned that this year’s present may be delayed as the delivery date cannot be guaranteed. I didn’t mind, but it made me curious as to which country the gift may be coming from.

Then the first of many letters arrived in the mail for me early Feb, which promised a surprise if I play along with the rules and complete my challenges in a timely manner. I was so excited and touched that Mike is putting so much effort into this year’s Valentine’s Day!

The thought of a proposal did cross my mind though it was quickly dismissed as Mike had always told me he loved the idea of an overseas proposal, and we had been discussing an overseas holiday for mid year. I have been asking for a puppy every Valentine’s, Anniversary, Birthday and Christmas since we have been together, so I began to suspect that this may be a puppy year!

On the arrival of the first clue (of 4), I was so excited, but then quickly became puzzled with the pages of instructions with Longitude and Latitude coordinates for clues (I am directionally challenged). Luckily, google search is just a click away on my laptop, and I was able to work out my starting point.

The game was quite difficult to complete, I liken it to a combo of Amazing Race + Di Vinci Code + Treasure Hunting all rolled into one as it involved a lot of running around finding locations through coordinates, maths, hunting for letters from multiple locations, and then piecing everything together at the end of each clue for an answer that buys me the next challenge. There were also pages of rules which I had to follow or forfeit the prize altogether, one of which was around timeliness. I could sense Mike’s frustration every time I returned with the wrong answer and had to re-do challenges. In my defense, I really don’t know which way “true North” is and I am a lost cause in any game requiring orientation skills….

My final challenge led me to The Gatehouse in Lowry Bay where I anticipated my late Valentine’s gift (a.k.a. cute little puppy) would await. As I drove up to the cottage, I saw Mike standing in the doorway in a suit, which I thought was very silly as it’s bound to get scratched by the puppy- though very dashing nevertheless! As I got closer to the door, I could hear music in the background, and when I walked in all I could see were roses and candlelight EVERYWHERE! From the styling of the bouquets I knew immediately that my favourite florist had been there – thanks Ingrid for the magical work!

I was speechless, dazed and confused, I’ve never been so quiet in my life…. Overwhelmed and now highly suspicious, I began to wonder if perhaps my Valentine’s gift was a romantic proposal after all. At the same time, I was still trying to listen out for a puppy in case I was over-hyping the moment, and to be honest I really did not want to be disappointed if it wasn’t a proposal.

‘Beautiful’ by Avalanche City started playing in the background as Mike led me upstairs to the bedroom, where there were more flowers and candles. My eyes did a double take when I spotted a grey box in the middle of the rose petalled bed. At this point I thought to myself – “I hope that’s a box with a ring and not earrings”!

Still speechless and now deafened by my heartbeat, Mike sat me down gently, got down on one knee and proposed with this amazing ring (AMAZING!). Overwhelmed by emotions, I was unable to mutter my answer, so I could only nod YES! I felt like my heart could burst into fireworks ignited by intense happiness!

I couldn’t stop looking at my ring for the rest of that weekend… Actually I still can’t stop looking at my ring now! In hindsight, I feel a bit silly thinking that the treasure hunt was for a puppy as part of my belated Valentine’s present. Though I am still hopeful for a puppy in the near future – fingers crossed!!!

It was a month-long journey to get to my proposal and thought the game was frustrating to solve at times, in the end, it became a chapter of my life which I will always remember. There are plenty of moments which we can look back on and laugh about, and treasure together forever.

My advice for other guys wanting to use the same concept: refrain from using longitude and latitude coordinates or terms such as “true north” etc. This may cause unnecessary stress to your lady and delays (as in my case) – HAHA!

At the end of the day it is a very special and personal moment for both the person proposing and the person being proposed to. There is no bad idea, what is important is that it touches both hearts and reflects the unity of one.

For our wedding, We are going to carry the vintage theme from the ring, the romantic floral setting from the proposal and borrow elements of 1930s – 1950s theme to create a modern take on soft vintage.

Looking forward to our BIG DAY! X – Mike & Naomi

The happy couple - Naomi and Mike!

Naomi, basking in her newly-engaged glow