proposal Archives | Wedding ETC

In Advice

6 special spots to ‘pop the question’ in Cape Town

May 21, 2022 No Comments

You’re looking for the perfect spot to pop the question (or you keep imagining the magical place that will serve as your proposal setting, soon to be hinted at when you spontaneously take your partner there).

However, with so many options in places like Cape Town, picking one place can be overwhelming for the best of us.

Before we drop the deets on 6 special spots to ‘pop the question’ in Cape Town, it’s worth noting a few disclaimers.

1. No matter where you choose, even if it’s the comfort of your own garden, it will still be a special moment. The place doesn’t define the importance of asking someone to spend their life with you, the person does!

2. Too much pressure on getting everything perfect can take away from your own enjoyment of the moment, or your partners.

3. Some of the most magical and tear-jerking proposals have happened in the most obscure places, or the ones that are personal to your relationship. If your partner is sentimental, then proposing at their favourite sunset spot, the place you went on your first date, or somewhere where you both remember laughing for hours can mean far more than a place boasting grandeur or tantalising views.

Now, for those who are all about scenery, and places that are known for their romantic spins, here are some top picks in the Mother City:

1.The Rock sunset spot

Known for its incredible views, The Rock sunset spot marries intimacy and Cape sunsets are their finest, an incredible spot to share with the person to whom you’d give the whole sunset eternally if you could. The Rock is a perfect ‘pop the question spot’ that applies to any kind of lover, but fits best for the one who always ensures that watching the sunset together is on the cards.

Where:405 Ocean View Drive, Bantry Bay

2. Kirstenbosch National

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens homes everything a nature lover could hope to experience in one epic garden. Not many people can say they made the special decision to be together forever and always at a new 7th Wonder of The World, but you can. The Boomslang Walkway is one of the most sought after spots in the Gardens, hosting breathtaking views and an explorer’s thrill. To add an even more romantic spin, have a picnic with Fynkos and enjoy nature’s bounty as rolling lawns and flowers surround you. For someone who loves mother Earth almost as much as they love you, Kirstenbosch will certainly serve as that fairytale backdrop.

Where:Rhodes drive, Newlands

3. The Paris of Cape Town – Franschoek

Franschhoek is renowned for its romantic energy, challenging the Parisians on their notions of love being in the air. A trip to Franschoek means divine food, lots of wine and even perfume-making – all leading up to the big ask. For a classic proposal, try Le Petite La Colombe, which is not only one of the top restaurants in the world but a Wineland’s favourite for proposals. If your partner is all about grandeur and would sell a kidney to live in France, then this spot fits the bill. If you’re looking for something a little different, Babylonstoren boasts spoils of romantic magic, from the greenhouse to a gorgeous canoe trip – arguably one of the most romantic spots.

Where: Le Petit Colombe | Leeu Estates, Dassenberg Rd, Franschhoek
Babylonstoren | Klapmuts – Simondium Rd, Simondium

4.At the top of the Cape Wheel

They make you feel like you’re on top of the world, so why not capitalise on it romantically? The Waterfront’s famous Cape Wheel offers picnic options where you can add some champagne and truly cheers to a beautiful future amongst the stars. If your relationship has always felt like a film plot, then entering the next chapter this way will certainly be Nicholas Sparks approved.

Where: Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront

5.Norval Art Foundation

Art is tangible and visible emotion. Norval Art Foundation is easily one of the most aesthetic places to propose, and for the art lover in your relationship, it’s a perfect painting. Who wouldn’t want to make such a special decision surrounded by art as your audience? Norval Art Foundation hosts so many curious spots to share the most romantic moments of your life, with new exhibitions constantly in the works, ready to build your audience.

Where:4 Steenberg Rd, Tokai

6. Table Mountain, of course

This list wouldn’t be complete without vouching for a seat at the finest table in Cape Town. Whether you decide to take a hike along Table Mountain National Park’s trails, ride the cableway all the way to the top or go to the new TAP bar (an addition part of the Aerial Cable Way’s delicious ‘above the world’s experiences) you simply can’t go wrong with the gem of our city.

Where: Table Mountain National Park

Picture: @gracecharlottephoto

In Engagements

A roaring proposal! A lion joined this Cape Town couple’s engagement

April 5, 2022 No Comments

While a couple were in the midst of a marriage proposal, a few seconds after the bride-to-be said ‘yes’, a lion stepped onto the scene to join in on the magic, and let out a roar (possibly of approval if this were a Disney movie) moments after the two became fianceés.

The moment took place in the Kgalagadi at the Cape Town couple’s campsite in Botswana.

According to John Peiser, he had heard a roar in the distance and decided it was the perfect moment to propose to his fiance, Sandy.

“Mr. Lion must have told a friend, as a lioness came into our camp the very next evening, more or less the same time!” John recalled speaking to Latest Sightings.

Footage was captured of the special moment, and it stands as just one of many magical moments in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

WATCH: Lions during the proposal aftermath

Feature Image: Screenshot

In Engagements

Here are the top 10 songs to propose to, says Spotify

September 29, 2021 No Comments

There’s nothing more romantic than popping the question on a wholesome beat. It’s also a great way to personalise a moment since music enhances emotions, and emotions enhance our memory processes. Long story short, we’ll remember them going down on one knee and the associated feeling every time you hit play.

One study took the time to sift through over 60 Spotify proposal playlists with 10 epic love songs coming out on top. Some of these hits you might know for being uber-romantic, while others may surprise you.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 songs to propose to, according to Spotify.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Proposal~Wedding~Engagement (@she_saidyes)

1. All of me, by John Legend

Because we all love romance!

2. Perfect, by Ed Sheeran

The perfect lyrics: “When I saw you in that dress/Looking so beautiful/I don’t deserve this/Darling, you look perfect tonight”

3. Thinking Out Loud, by Ed Sheeran

And who wouldn’t want to be proposed to or kissed under a thousand stars?

4. A thousand years, by Christina Perri

A beautiful ode to love everlasting.

5. Make you feel my love, by Adele

There’s no Adele song that we don’t love.

6. Marry You, by Bruno Mars

Uhm … it’s literally a song about wanting to get married – perfect!

7. Marry me, by Train

“You wear white and I’ll wear out the words I love you”

8. On bended knee, by Boys II Men

Get ready to ball your eyes out because Boys II Men will always be our go-to love crooners.

9. Just say yes, by Snow Patrol

Just say yes!

10. I swear, by All-4-One

The lyrics say it all: “For better or worse/Till death do us part/I’ll love you with every beat of my heart/And I swear/I’ll give you everything I can”

Picture: @breeannalasher

In Engagements

Why we propose on bended knee

October 28, 2019 No Comments

You know the picture. The proposer suddenly lowers the knee to the ground, both hands clutching a tiny box. “Will you marry me?” they ask. It’s a picturesque moment, one we’ve seen reproduced time and time again. But why do we do it?

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4J3GIThdIr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

While proposing has actually been around for centuries, proposing on bended knee specifically has not always been the tradition. In the olden days, wedding engagements were seen more as business arrangements than the romantic, heartfelt scenes we know today.

Proposing on bended knee has no specific historical origin, and largely seems to be a more modern invention.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4GNc_mHnzg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Most reports link the tradition to practices observed during medieval times.

According to engagementringbible.com, the tradition “dates back to the days of knighthood, chivalry and formal courtship (i.e. medieval times and beyond).” In these days, knights would bend the knee in front of their lord as a sign of respect and loyalty. Courtly love was the formal practice of romance. Knights would perform various deeds of service to prove their love for certain women. They would also kneel before the women as a sign of servitude.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4J6NLtpVqh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Kneeling was and is a common occurrence across many religions. Much Christian iconography depict figures kneeling before their Lord as a symbol of service. For many entering their places of worship, they will kneel before the altar in a sign of love and reverence.

The argument goes that these two occurrences blended together and became a way for people to express their love, thus evolving into the modern day proposal. The bended knee became a symbolic way to prove your undying love and respect.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4J1MhtF38E/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Nowadays, of course, people are not so strict about upholding this tradition. Many propose without kneeling, and the amount of women proposing to men has largely risen. Whether you kneel or not, at the end of the day it is about what feels right for you and your partner.

Image: Unsplash

In Announcements

SA Interracial couple proposal goes viral

October 25, 2019 No Comments

This interracial South African couple’s proposal recently went viral on Youtube and the Facebook #ImStaying Group, proving that love should have no boundaries.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2rlKw-J8nK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In a video posted to Youtube, Samuel Varrie proposes to his girlfriend of two years, Tshepiso Mathole. On their two year anniversary, Sam first had her read a flip book he made for her under the guise that it was just a gift. They then went to a beautiful park, where Sam proceeded to get down on one knee and propose. Since being posted a month ago, the video has racked up over 50 000 views.

Watch the cute video here:

The couple met in res at the University of Pretoria where they both studied. The pair were friends for two years but after they ran for chairperson and vice-chair of Tuks village, which they both got, the flame was ignited.

They fell in love quickly, and after two years of dating, they are ready to get married.

Sam spoke to Tshepi’s uncle beforehand to discuss all of the details because he wanted to follow customary law, but still wanted to keep everything a surprise. However, the uncle spilt the beans and told Tshepi that he met with Sam. According to Tshepi, nothing stays a secret in customary law.

Out of respect for Tshepiso’s culture, Sam decided to engage in lobola negotiations. In order to do things right according to her culture, Sam’s family had to write a letter to the Tshepi’s family in which they detail their intentions to enter into union as families. The full negotiations will begin in December 2019.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2roycnD4yf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“I wanted to share with people the love that we have,” Sam explains to Jacaranda FM about why they posted the engagement video. “There is such a genuine thing that can be amazing if you just look past your race”.

Tshepiso says that although interracial relationships have become more normalised in society, they still get a lot of stares when they’re walking around. They’ve also experienced unsolicited comments when out in public.

Picture: Youtube

In Engagements

Most popular dates to get engaged

October 15, 2019 No Comments

Looking to get engaged soon? While there is no specific right time for everyone across the board, research has shown that people tend to get engaged on very particular days of the year.

If you’re waiting to propose or to be proposed to, one of these dates might be of significance in your future. These are the most popular days of the year to get engaged.

Christmas:

Christmas is one of the most popular Christian holidays of the year, so it makes sense that many people would get engaged on this day. Typically, people spend Christmas with their family, making it a great time for a proposal as everyone can celebrate together when the big question has been asked.

Valentine’s Day:

Of course the most romantic day of the year would be a popular time for engagements. Loved-up couples honour Saint Valentine by becoming betrothed on this special holiday. As a day particularly designed for romance, Valentines Day makes it easier to plan an elaborate proposal as your partner would not be suspicious of why you’re planning something.

Christmas Eve:

If Christmas is too stressful, Christmas Eve makes a perfect date to get engaged. Some families have a Christmas Eve dinner and exchange gifts then, instead of on Christmas itself. For Christmas lovers, the lead up to this festive event is just as fun and exciting. Because of this, Christmas Eve has become a popular date to get engaged.

New Years Eve:

The last day of the year makes for a great time for a proposal. People tend to be celebrating New Year’s Eve to usher in the new year, and are typically with their closest friends and family. This special day also provides a host of fun activities like watching fireworks, or going to a party. Those that decide to get engaged on this day thus start the new year on a high note.

New Year’s Day:

New Year’s Eve might be a bit too chaotic and busy for some people. On New Years Day, many people are reflective of their life and how they want to be better for the year ahead. Many have therefore chosen this day to begin the year with a big life change by getting engaged.

Anniversaries:

Anniversaries are dedicated days to celebrate your love and how far your relationship has come. Most couples tend to already have plans for their anniversary, and what better way to end it than with a proposal? It’s a great way to honour your love and commitment to one another.

Birthdays:

Birthdays are special days to honour someone’s life, making it the perfect time for a proposal. A ring makes for a great birthday present!

The Saturday before Valentine’s Day:

The Valentine’s spirit spreads the weeks before the lovers’ holiday. Considering most restaurants and vendors mark up their prices for Valentine’s Day, proposing the Saturday before the holiday makes for a more cost-effective time to propose while still having Valentine’s romance in the air.

Picture: Unsplash

In Advice

A quick guide to women popping the question

August 8, 2019 No Comments

Traditionally, it has always been that the man proposes to the woman. But in this day and age where gender roles are changing and same-sex relationships are legal and accepted, more and more women are bending the knee.

Just do it

Whether you’re a woman in a same-sex relationship or a straight relationship, you should disregard what is traditionally accepted and be able to propose to your partner. If you feel the time is right and that you and your partner are in a place to get married, there is no need to wait for them to propose; you can ask them to marry you.

The moment

The proposal should go the same as any traditional proposal in the sense that you plan the proposal. Look at creating a special moment that will become a beautiful memory in your relationship.

A symbol of love

If you are a woman proposing to a woman, then it is likely that you will present an engagement ring. If you’re a woman proposing to a man, you should consider presenting some sort of gift that they can keep forever and has sentiment to it. A great proposal gift for a man is a watch, and a great addition to that would be to get it engraved.

Despite the fact that a woman proposing is not the norm, it certainly should be. With the dismantling of gender roles, leaving proposals solely up to men should be dismantled too.

At the end of the day, it is a decision to get married and it should not matter who asked whom.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

How to pull off the perfect destination proposal

August 8, 2019 No Comments

Planning the perfect proposal is nerve-wracking, exciting and maybe even a little overwhelming, all bundled up neatly into one big knot in your stomach. Throw in an unfamiliar destination, and that knot gets a little bigger. But don’t fear, we’ve got the fool-proof guide to making it go as smoothly as possible:

Do your research beforehand

By planning ahead, you’ll take a little pressure off yourself as well as have more peace of mind about how it’s all going to play out. Have a plan of where, how and when you’d like to pop the question, but don’t expect it to work out exactly as you see it in your head. When the moment is right, you’ll know, but also don’t be too stressed about changing it up in case of unforeseenable elements, like the weather.

That said, make sure you’re aware of what’s happeing in the area you’re planning to propose in, especially if you’ve never been there. Do a little internet search beforhand to see if any events are happening, if the area is a sacred place perhaps, or if any of the areas are restricted. It will also be handy to look at popular scenic locations, or romantic spots that other people have popped the question at for some inspiration.

Communicate with your hotel

…or resort, B&B, or wherever you’re planning on staying. Even if you’re not planning to propose at the place you’re staying at, they’ll most likely make some extra effort to make it romantic for you if they know what your plans are. Some places even organise some complimentary champagne, a romantic dinner, or some rose petals in your room for after you’ve popped the question.

Insure the ring

Before you even leave for your getaway, make sure the ring is insured. Things happen, but if you’re planning to propose while away, it’s the last thing you’d want to worry about. Get the ring insured for in case a stone pops out, or heaven forbid, it gets misplaced or stolen. It’s the responsible thing to do anyway, plus it will put your mind at ease.

Hide the ring, safely

Packing is stressful enough as it is, or at least for some. But making sure the ring stays safely hidden from your fiance-to-be’s eyes is extra daunting. If you don’t want to worry about it falling out of your pocket, or your partner accidentally seeing it in your bag, pack it in your check-in luggage. However, if you’re scared of your luggage getting lost or delayed (because yes, these things happen), keep it safely stashed in your carry-on. Rather safe than sorry, right?

Furthermore, if you’re worried about it being discovered at customs, it’s a good idea to place the ring box inside a bigger, nondescript box with a note inside to give the inspector or security guard a quick heads up in case they have to take a closer look.

Don’t wait until the last minute to propose

You want to wait for that perfect moment, but don’t wait until the last day of the trip. Nerves might not be your best friend, so your partner might notice that you’re acting a little differently. A little anticipation is good, especially if your partner is kind of expecting it, but if you propose earlier on, you’ll have more time to celebrate it in a special place.

Don’t overthink it

Sometimes it’s best to just go with your gut. If the moment feels right, go for it, even if it doesn’t go with your plans. Being spontaneous and it being unexpected sometimes makes the moment that much more special.

Image: Unsplash