From 'Yes' to 'I Do': Personal Stories of Wedding Proposals and Engagements
The journey from a wedding proposal to the wedding day is often filled with memorable moments that shape a couple’s future together. Each proposal has its own story, filled with personality and heart.
These first-person accounts—some from newly engaged couples and some from couples who have been married for years—share the magic behind those life-changing moments, offering inspiration and reassurance to couples preparing for their own big day.
Emma’s Snowy Mountain Surprise
“We love the mountains, so it wasn’t unusual when Jake suggested a weekend ski trip to the Rockies. I thought it was just a spontaneous getaway, but it turns out he’d been planning it for months. We spent the day skiing, the weather was perfect—clear skies, fresh snow. When we reached the summit, we stopped to catch our breath, and that’s when he got down on one knee. There was no one around, just us and the snow-covered peaks. It was surreal. Honestly, I was in shock. I almost forgot to say yes! The cold didn’t matter; that moment was everything. Now, every time we go back to the mountains, it feels like we’re reliving that day.”
Ryan’s Family-Centred Proposal to Sara
“I’d always imagined proposing to Sara with our families around. We’ve both always been family-oriented, so it made sense. We planned a casual barbecue with both families—it seemed like the perfect cover. I acted like everything was normal, even though I had the ring in my pocket the whole time. When we were all in the garden, I gave a little speech, thanking everyone for coming, and then I turned to Sara and asked her to marry me. The look on her face—she was totally caught off guard. I remember her mom crying, my dad clapping—it was emotional, for all of us. I knew it was the right way to ask her, surrounded by the people we love most.”
Priya’s Parisian Dream
“I’ve always been obsessed with Paris, and Luke knew that. We went on a trip to France for our anniversary, and honestly, I thought nothing of it—just another vacation. On our second night, he took me to a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tower. The city was glowing, and everything felt magical. I still didn’t suspect anything! After dinner, while we were standing there watching the tower sparkle, Luke pulled out the ring. I was so overwhelmed—I think I actually said, ‘Are you serious?!’ before I said yes. I’ve never felt anything like that moment. Paris already had a special place in my heart, but now it’s tied to that night forever.
Sofia’s Quiet Garden Proposal from Ana
“Ana and I have always been more about quiet, intimate moments than grand gestures. So when she proposed, it couldn’t have been more perfect. We’d spent the day planting flowers in our garden, which was something we loved doing together. That evening, as the sun was setting, we sat outside with a glass of wine, just enjoying the peacefulness. I didn’t suspect a thing. She suddenly reached for something behind her and pulled out the ring. I honestly couldn’t believe it—I thought we were just having a regular evening! But that’s what made it so special. It was just us, in our little garden, in a moment that felt completely natural. It was everything I could’ve hoped for.”
Maya’s Coastal Adventure with Jordan
“Jordan and I have always loved the ocean, so when he suggested a sailing trip along the British Columbia coast, I thought it was just another one of our weekend adventures. The weather was perfect, and we spent the day out on the water, just the two of us. As the sun started to set, he slowed the boat and told me to come to the front. I thought he was just showing me the view, but then he pulled out the ring. I was speechless. The ocean was calm, the sun was setting behind the mountains—it couldn’t have been more perfect. For us, it wasn’t about anything flashy; it was about being somewhere that felt like home.”
James and Olivia’s Flash Mob Moment
“I’m not the type to do anything small, and when it came to proposing to Olivia, I wanted to make it big and fun. I came up with the idea of a flash mob because it was something that would surprise her, and I knew she’d love it. I got a bunch of our friends involved, and we planned everything for weeks. The day of the proposal, we went for a walk in the park like we always do, and suddenly, music started playing. Olivia was confused at first, but when our friends started dancing, she knew something was up. I joined in on the dance, and at the end, I got down on one knee. The look on her face was priceless. She said ‘yes’ before I even finished the question.”