It had been my 30th birthday a few days before and I guessed that some sort of surprise party was being organised by my boyfriend for Saturday. He had asked for the names of my 20 closest friends a while back and he had said I wasn’t allowed to organise anything myself. But I didn’t know where this was happening or at what time or who was coming or even if it was a party at all or maybe a dinner or drinks? So when I woke up on Saturday, my boyfriend said that he was going to make me breakfast in bed. I waited a while.. eventually he came in with coffee. Then I waited a bit more….still no breakfast. Eventually (after about an hour and a half in bed awake) he came and said that he was going out for a minute but not to leave my room. Five minutes later I got a phone call from my boyfriend saying that after he had hung up I had to go into the living room but not to phone anyone or talk to anyone and that he loved me, to trust him and he’d see me soon. Eck!
So I went into the living room and there were two black roses alongside a note that said something like “Good morning! Be prepared as your birthday starts now! You have two hours to get ready, make yourself look stunning but be prepared to walk. At exactly 2pm leave the house, get on the tube and go to Bermondsey station. Once there turn left and walk to the park. Head towards the bandstand. Hold the roses high and be prepared for anything!” So I spend the next 2 hours preening myself and getting quite nervous as I wasn’t really sure what was going to happen. At 2pm I left the house walked to the tube station and along the way there were florescent ‘G’ signs posted to lampposts and metal railings. Made me feel a little less nervous as was a reminder that my boyfriend had been standing where I am only a few hours before
I got to the park and headed along a beautiful tree lined path on a very blustery day and very dramatic with all the leaves blowing about. As I approached the bandstand a guy in dark glasses and a hat (looking like one of the blues brothers) came up to me and starting singing about a great love that existed for me in this town (I later found out that my fiancé had written this song and the others) and that I had to search to find out what the mystery of today was. Then he gave me a note which gave me instructions to go to Natural History museum. Again once I got out at South Kensington tube station, I saw signs on lampposts for me and felt very special that all these people saw them and didn’t understand and only I knew they were meant for me! Once there another blues brothers-esque guy (who I recognised as one of my boyfriends actor friends – it was nice to see someone i knew!) started singing to me in front of lots of tourists! He sang Best Eyes in London to the tune of Worst pies in London from Sweeney Todd (one of my favourite musicals and special to us both). It was really brilliant. I got another note to go to London Bridge with one last singer who said something along the lines of this whole adventure has been just a device to bide time and get me out of my flat. He gave me a note which said ‘ go back to your flat and make haste’ So now I thought there would be a party waiting for me back at the flat.
But once I got there I went into the sitting room and the room was full – every surface covered full – of flowers and my boyfriend was standing there in his suit. I still didn’t clock what was happening and half suspected that there would be loads of people hiding in my bedroom waiting to pop out! Then he told me to close my eyes and only open them when I heard my name. So when I heard ‘will you marry me” I opened my eyes and he was kneeling down with a ring looking pretty nervous! I was really surprised as although I suspected there may be plans for an engagement I didn’t think it would happen on my birthday!
After celebrating for a bit, we went off to the surprise party which he had booked at a local pub! Quite some day! Lots of friends were there and it was great to be able to see everyone and celebrate!
Wow! This is an amazing story, you’re very lucky to have such a nice and well organized fiance. It must have taken him a bit of work to make your birthday and your engagement so special 🙂 I wish you lots of happiness and health to enjoy each other’s company as long as you live!
Thanks so much for your lovely words Estrella!
What a lovely story!! Sounds like he went into a lot of effort planning the big day. You’re a lucky gal! Congratulations!!!!
Oh my goodness, what a gorgeous story! Are you planning on getting married in London? I’ve just bumped into your blog and I’ve just got engaged so lovely to read about someone else’s experiences.
I live in North London but my fiance’s from Suffolk so we’re getting married there. Lots of hoping about between places at the moment. Oh and my wedding dress is form Devon so have to go there lots too! CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement! Decide on things like date/location yet?
Suffolk sounds lovely! We’re North Londoners too and pretty much the only decision we’ve made so far is to get married in London – not sure whether we’ll live to regret that decision or not!!! Have you done any wedding dress shopping in London and do you have anywhere that you could recommend?? It’s great having so much choice but it can be overwhelming so hints and tips gratefully recieved!!
I think London will be a great place to get married! Could be ultra chic. I shopped for my dress in London, Suffolk and Devon. In London I went to Mirror Mirror – didn’t find any dresses I liked and found the staff a bit odd. I know other friends of mine though who had a great experience and bought their dresses form there. Also went to Browns Bridal. Beautiful dresses and nice staff but the more expensive dresses seem to have less corsetry! Go figure?! My best friend got her dress from Losners in Stamford Hill and they have a good rep but I found their staff rude. You have to wear gloves too to touch the dresses. I don’t think this is unusual but of the 8 or so shops I went to that was the only one with gloves. But I am ordering the groom suit and ushers outfits form Losners ‘Tux n Tails’ section. Really lovely man who works there and some nice suits. Let me know how you get on!
That is a lovely lovely engagement story – how romantic. looking forward to hearing about the run up to your own wedding
Thanks so much 🙂