Proposal Stories Competition - Winners and Runners up!

Thank you to everyone for entering our Proposal Story competition! There were so many beautiful stories - some funny, some emotional, some intimate and some creative! Kudos to all partners who went above and beyond to ensure a spectacular proposal.

We had over 500+ entries and 'widdled' it down to our top 5.

All the girls in the Petal shed then read each story and voted for their favourite!

And our winners are…

Abbie Robertson and Jamie Riva

Abbie and James sent in a creative proposal story, that touched our hearts and made us giggle. Congratulations!

Read their winning story here:

'It was the 1st of January 2018 we were at my now fiancés family house in the Hebridean island for new year. We were hungover and he asked if we could go for a walk on the beach to help clear the heads of too much prosecco, we walked down and he had the drone up taking beautiful photos out to sea unbeknown to me that he had written in the sand in massive letters 'will you marry me' handed me the remote so I could see from the sky what he had written and got down on one knee and asked me the question- the first thing I said which he and I will always remember was 'have you asked my dad' the most magical and special day ever.'

Runners Up

It was such a lovely experience reading all of your proposal stories, and we hope you had fun reliving them.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our runners up, their entries stood out and were simply beautiful. So much so, that we have decided to share their wonderful proposal stories!

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Name(s): Ciara & Emma

Short Description:

They had to keep their relationship a secret! SHHHH!

Story:

'I met Emma back when we were 11 years old on my first day of secondary school. We went to an all-girls Catholic school in Ireland and immediately became best friends. As we grew up something changed and we began to be something more and had a secret relationship from the age of 14-17. I always knew she was the one. A confusing situation led to a swift and heart-breaking break-up which meant we didn't speak or see each other for the next seven years but I always thought of her and believed she was my soulmate. As we carried on living our lives, her life as a musician and mine as an event planner led to us both being in Edinburgh in the summer of 2013. Something told me I would bump into her that weekend and the night before I left I popped to the loo and there she as putting on her lipstick. My heart stopped as I pretended to be as nonchalant as possible when she said that we should have a drink and catch up. I resisted but eventually had a drink which led to us staying up talking until 7 in the morning. She kissed me goodbye and I knew I still loved her. Fast forward 2 years and we finally became an item (no more secrets). On 27 December 2018 Emma took me to the tree we used to sit at when we were 11 and look at the mountains. She got down on one knee and told me that ever since I'd walked into her life in 2001 with my thick cut fringe and my sketchers, I had created a ridiculous hold on her that could never be undone... many kind words and tears later she popped a ring on my finger and I stood in shock as I realised we'd got through everything to get to this moment. Happiest moment of my life and it (cheesily) gets better every day!'

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Name(s): Emily & Jamie

Short Description:

Her partner pretends to trip and drops the ring box, secretly has the ring in his hand.

Story:

'It was a beautiful sunny evening in Spain where we decided to go on a last minute holiday with our son, Jamie thought it was a brilliant idea to walk up this massive twisty cliff I didn't think it was brilliant idea (turned out it was) so we got to the top and there's me all huffing and puffing fuming because he's made me walk up this cliff, there was a few people there when we were looking out and he made this big speech how incredible I am an how much he loves me I was crying by then, the best part he takes the ring out goes to go on one knee to propose and because he's such a joker pretends to trip and the box goes into the sea everyone was looking for it he then turns with the ring in his hand and asks me to marry him and of course I said yes ❤️❤️❤️❤️'

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Name(s): Catherine & Sam

Short Description:

He proposed by a national park in Sri Lanka!

Story:

'After 6.5 years together and no sign of a proposal in sight I had come to terms with the fact maybe it wasn't for us... However, that all changed one night in Sri Lanka, October 2019 much to my absolute surprise! Sam had done such a good job at keeping the whole thing a secret I soon learned, he'd got the number for the jeweller my family favour and designed the ring himself after around 3 years prior I once showed him a ring I loved and thought nothing more of it, but along with the jeweller they designed my perfect ring. Fast forward a couple of months later it was ready to pick up and we were due to fly out for a holiday with friends not long after. Sam arranged our best friends to take the ring out with him so I wouldn't find it in the luggage and they kept it in their safe the whole holiday, also not managing to let anything about the whole plan slip. We then flew onto Sri Lanka by ourselves (ring in tow by this point - still no clue). This was a trip I had looked forward too for 18months, I have a huge love of elephants and had specifically picked a region of Sri Lanka that was renowned for their preservation and being able to see them in a natural habitat. Sam, as it transpired, had been in contact with the travel agent for months arranging the evening, who subsequently liaised with the hotel to set up the perfect & incredibly romantic proposal. We arrived at the hotel and they advised us of an upgrade on the room, we were in a little hide away hotel with the most fantastic views of the Udawalawe national park. A few hours later we made our way down to dinner, they had reserved us a table on our own overlooking the park and we watched the sunset, ate dinner, and then we made our way down to have a drink before bed. Sam asked me to take a photo on his phone and to put my phone down all very relaxed and when I turned back around the pool lights had come on, fairy lights in the trees, elephants in the background and Sam was on one knee. The biggest and best surprise which still makes me smile ear to ear. You can safely assume I said yes several times over!! I genuinely don't think he could have done it any better. X'

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Name(s): Timothy & Benjamin

Short Description:

They both planned to propose, but Benjamin got there first!

Story:

'My partner (Benjamin) and I officially became an item on 18 March 2011, I think as a result of a good St Patricks day. Whoever said romance was dead? Fast forward to the summer of 2018. I called past Benjamin's mum's house to drop some shopping, as I sometimes do, with a small box in my pocket. I dropped the shopping and explained to mum#2 that, I planned to get to the Dominican (a long-awaited luxury holiday), drop the bags in the hotel room and take a lovely romantic stroll down the white sandy beach and get on one knee. She thought this was wonderful and told me to keep the ring on my person for the travel out there... in the event that my case was lost in transit (although, little did I know, there was an ulterior motive!) Monday 4th June 2018 we excitedly arrive at Manchester Airport, get the standard bacon sandwich and pint (Benjamin decided to have juice - odd) and we wait for the board of dreams to notify us from which gate we would be boarding the plane. We board the plane and Benjamin disappears to the loo, so I take the window seat (of course). There's a lady in the aisle patiently waiting for Benjamin's return and we argue about my choice of seat. Reluctantly, but being the gentleman, I am, I move to the middle, and apologies to the waiting lady. Best way to start off a holiday. Argue in public. The plane takes off, then there's the clunk of the landing gear being drawn in, and the air stewards' fuss about the flight deck. I'm aimlessly gazing out of the window contemplating my next choice of drink, and to my total surprise an air steward appears holding a tray with a bottle of champagne, some LED tealights and a box with a ring. I turn to my left and hunched in the little space between the seats is Benjamin on his knee asking me to be his husband. Having a total of about 3 nanoseconds to decide whether to grab my ring or leave mine as surprise, I thought I would stick to my guns and see my plan through as I had in mind - of course by that point, he couldn't really say no, could he? Benjamin being Benjamin always has to go one better, and he had been planning the event for months. Secret liaisons with the travel agent, who got in touch with the flight team at Manchester. The agent managed to track down the Manager who would be in charge of the flight crew on our outbound flight. This lady purchased a lovely presentation box and some gifts to us both, and we even got to sit in the cockpit. It was a total surprise, more so because I was planning a proposal of my own, and I think it would be lovely, (if our story is worthy) if I could, for once, surprise him with something in return. Best wishes Tim'

Thank you

Thank you kindly, to everyone who entered! We appreciate all of your support and look forward to being a part of all of your weddings in the future - check your inbox for a surprise!

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for our next competition - Nominate Someone Amazing.

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their hard work and dedication?

Is there someone who is working their absolute hardest during these difficult times?

NHS worker, key worker, or someone who is simply doing their best, i.e. delivering meals, lifting spirits of others; all random acts of kindness count! Tell us their story and every Friday we will pick a winner at random, to receive a beautiful Dried Flower Heart Wreath to show our appreciation - spread love and kindness.

We are looking for heartfelt stories, about people who deserve recognition and are doing that extra bit to ensure the safety and well-being of others. We want to see as many stories as possible, tell your friends, your colleagues and your family - ensure that everyone is getting the recognition they deserve.

Nominate your 'Someone Amazing' here.

Love Always,

SP xx