Romala & Jian's Surprise Proposal at The Mahogany Ridge Bed and Breakfast

Would it be weird if we started a Romala and Jian fan page? We’re just a BIT in love with this adorable couple and their love story! Omg, it is the cutest thing ever.

After having met in 2001, but having a couple gaps in communication over a 15 year period, these two sweethearts overcame every challenge and finally decided to make things official. As they said, “our long history makes us feel that it was inevitable that we would be together” and we couldn’t possibly be happier because they are so beautiful together, as can be seen in their engagement photographs below!

Celeste & Reece Photography & Films is always inspiring us with their creativity, attention to detail and gorgeous photographs, so we were beyond thrilled when we saw this album in our inbox from them! They always deliver, and OMG did they deliver with this beautiful engagement shoot. Keep scrolling for more…

FROM THE COUPLE:

WHEN & HOW DID YOU TWO MEET?

We first saw each other somewhere around 2001 in a Sports Day event in Longdenville. We had not actually spoken then, but we met 10 years after that initial event at the same location and spoke to each other for the very first time. He later messaged me on Facebook that same evening and asked me for my BBM PIN. (BBM was the ‘thing’ in those days).

We then spoke for one year on BBM and phone calls but without ever meeting again. After a 5 year gap in communication, we met yet again at the very same location in Longdenville which had now been converted into a soup kitchen for homeless people. Our friendship slowly grew and we got closer to each other. Our differences sometimes made it feel like hard work being together but our love for each other always helped us to overcome our every challenge. Our long history makes us feel that it was inevitable that we would be together.

THE PROPOSAL

We decided to have a pre wedding photoshoot with photographers Celeste & Reece. We didn’t refer to it as an engagement photoshoot; we decided that we’d focus our finances on planning the wedding and therefore purchase the ring much closer to the wedding. As I had made all the arrangements with Celeste, Jian did not have their phone number and sent a request to them on their website to get in contact with them.

He told Celeste about his plan and they arranged the whole thing. When we got to Mahogany Ridge we introduced ourselves and I had zero suspicion of Jian behind the scenes planning because they pulled off the “I don’t know you act” pretty well. We started the photoshoot and each step of the way Celeste and Reece were giving us guides on our poses. One of the poses required me to put my left hand on Jian’s chest, and when I did, Celeste and Reece started snapping away.

Then Celeste paused, and asked if we hadn’t gotten the ring yet. I started to fumble with my words it was so crazy I literally could not speak, and Jian was in my ear whispering continuously to me “Just tell her we didn’t get it yet, just tell her that”. I started to explain to her how we decided to hold off on getting it, and when I turned around I saw Jian with this box in his hand, going down on one knee, with this huge smile on his face.

I just burst out in tears, I could not believe it, I was so surprised and my heart was filled with so much joy. I can’t even remember what he said but I remember saying YES! Then we continued our most magical photoshoot with our most amazing photography team. That night I asked him what he had said and it was “I love you, I want to spend the rest of my life with you and I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”

WHO WAS THE PLANNER? WHY DID YOU DECIDE ON THIS COMPANY?

No planner, however, photographers Celeste and Reece helped plan the entire sequence of events for the surprise proposal on that day. They guided me to the perfect shot angle for the proposal and also stayed far enough away not to distract from the actual proposal itself until the ring came out.

WHO WAS THE PHOTOGRAPHER?

Celeste & Reece are our photographers and were chosen over all the other photographers based on their gorgeous portfolio coupled with their modest pricing.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON THE VENUE FOR THE PROPOSAL?

The Mahogany Ridge Bed and Breakfast was chosen as the proposal based solely on the sheer beauty of the location. The antique building sits atop the gorgeous landscape overlooking the nearby beach. The secluded space afforded a private heaven to be created just perfect for photoshoots. This made it the perfect venue for the proposal.

HAVE YOU DECIDED ON A DREAM DATE AND LOCATION FOR YOUR WEDDING?

Yes, the wedding ceremony will take place on 18^th November, 2021 at the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Freeport.

ANY ADVICE FOR PLANNING AN AMAZING PROPOSAL?

Get the right balance of what would be most sentimental to her and what would also be a picture perfect moment that will be encapsulated in a photo that will last forever. Also get a good photographer (like Celeste & Reece).