So I almost dropped dead yesterday when the word NO came out of Lisa’s mouth! I wasnt asking her if she wanted a drink or some salt on her lunch!

After 12 months of  planning and waiting I finally got the opportunity to ask Lisa to Marry me. Yes I was cutting it close but I wanted to ask for her hand in marriage firstly whilst still in the country and secondly with both of our families there. The diamond I had ordered in April last year finally arrived 4 weeks ago, unset! After visiting 15 different diamond setters,all of them sending me packing, I finally found a company that where more than happy to set it! I was told it would take 5 weeks for it to be set… I had 4. I explained why I was short on time, WAVE jewellery design where magic and to their word, 4 weeks later, to the day I went to collect the ring.

Two days later I’m sat in front of most of Lisa’s close family, and a lot of mine under the pretext that we were having a family gathering to celebrate some family birthdays, mainly Lisa’s Nannas 92nd!

I had secretly asked permission from Lisa’s Mum and Dad….. and even had the courage to ask her Nanna! At 92 this woman rules the roost and is not backward in coming forwards with her opinions!!  Thankfully they all said yes!

My sister on stand by with the video camera, Lisa’s cousin Kerry sat with the camera. I bided my time, waiting until belly’s were full and kids were worn out. I gave my sister the nod and stood up, shaking like a leaf…..

…And Lisa shot off to chase after Luke (2 years old) who was after another turn at the getting blown in the face by the hand dryer game. Camara’s back on standby, me having another gulp of my G+T/coffee combo, Lisa’s dad almost having a heart attack through panic…we all waited!

3 more attempts and finally everyone was in place. I got up and told Lisa I wanted to thank everyone for coming to celebrate the birthdays and to say some farewells before our travels. She rolled her eyes called me a looser and I stood up.

Chinging my glass to get everyones attention (and to hide the sound of my knees knocking) I started to shake, quicky mumbling a thank you all for coming while taking the ring out of my pocket. I quickly dropped to my knee, looked at Lisa and said ‘Will you marry me’. It happened so fast Lisa was still rolling her eyes and taking a gulp of wine. On realising what I had said she  turned and spat out her wine in shock! Nanna leaped to her aid with a napkin and Lisa blurted No… i mean no you cant do this…but YES of course I will marry you!

Lisa put her hand out, also now shaking and accepted the ring! …. everyone cheered, cried and started popping champagne corks while I tried to recover from the shock of  hearing the word No the day I asked Lisa to marry me… Never again I say!

See what happens next on our wedding travel adventure