David and Tess' Romantic 'Surprise' Santorini Proposal

David and I met in 2013 on a dating app that no longer exists. David often jokes that we lasted longer than the app did! Still at university and one week into exclusively dating, we decided to plan a two-month winter Europe trip. Knowing full well it would be a make-or-break situation, we made it with flying colours, returning home to Sydney still very much a couple.

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Image via Tess

Fast forward almost three years, and three overseas holidays, we were on an aeroplane to a four-week Greek adventure! I am of Greek heritage and really wanted to show David where my family is from.

After travelling around mainland Greece, our first stop was the stunning island of Santorini. Known for amazing sunsets, caldera views and romance, we hired a car and drove to Akrotiri Lighthouse, one of the two best spots to see the sunset.

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It was here, up on the cliff, overlooking a lighthouse that David dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him. Speechless, I nodded my answer.

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There was hardly anyone around – a couple of tourists hiking up a nearby mountain and a couple of friends taking photos of each other. Or so I thought. These “tourists” were secretly documenting the proposal! Our wonderful photographer, Vanja Melnik, was the ultimate paparazza.

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David proposed with a custom-made engagement ring. My beautiful ring is a diamond trilogy white gold and rose gold setting with surprise yellow diamonds.

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Following dinner, drinks, champagne on ice and rose petals on the bed, we called home (sorry Mum, that time difference is gnarly!). The next day David whisked me away for a manicure and make up, ready for our surprise engagement shoot! We shot in various locations around the island, which was a wonderful way to see a really magical place.

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Images, unless credited otherwise, by Vanja Melnik Photography

Ms Chinoiserie Says: What a wonderful romantic surprise in Santorini – with such beautiful images to treasure, I could think of no better place to announce your engagement!