Hannah & Elyse
We LOVE love around these parts, so you know that when we get to share something as magical as a proposal? Well. We’re all over it! Bride to be Elyse telling “Being engaged and getting married to us is symbolic of our lives becoming one. It’s committing to that one person who truly makes you happy every single day of your life. It’s showing that we want to support, protect, provide and love each other no matter.”
With, her secret squirrel hat on, Hannah enlisted photographer Kelly Harwood, with floral designer and stylist Chic Rustique to execute her plan at the beautiful Amelia Park Wines. A winery tour turned into a promo video, turned into the biggest surprise of Elyse’s life and we have every photo to share the joy!
The pair met on Tinder, Elyse telling the story. “Where else would find your potential bride to be but Tinder? It’s not the most romantic story but we often have a laugh about it. Eventually, there was a point where the two of us had to face each other and go on a real first date. Everyone has a story and this is ours. We both knew from the very first date that we had a special connection. We rocked up almost wearing the exact same thing and hadn’t even discussed outfits beforehand. We sunk a few pints of cider nervously poked at our food and talked for hours about all of our common interests.
Before we knew it, that 1:30 pm lunch date turned into a night-cap and Hannah was heading home at 10 pm at night ready to fly out to work the very next day!”
Elyse shares the tale of how she was tricked into the proposal! “It was my birthday and Hannah had organised a romantic weekend escape to celebrate it down in the beautiful Margaret River region.
She said to bring something nice to wear so I was very excited thinking I was getting to do what I love most – wining and dining.
Before I knew it Gene from the Flying Corkscrew had arrived at our accommodation (Olio Bello Glamping) ready to take us to our first winery – Windows Estate. After tasting a few wines and topping up my local history and viniculture knowledge, thanks to Gene, we visited the boutique Cape Grace winery. The ladies there provided us with a very memorable tasting full of laughter. The next part of the day really blew me away.
Outside, on the lawn, a helicopter was awaiting our arrival to take us to lunch. We flew along the Coast and took in the spectacular views. It gave me an appreciation of the region from a totally different perspective. Touchdown was on the beautiful lawns of Leeuwin Estate.”
“A waiter walked out to us with a bottle of champagne. Looking like celebrities, people watched from the balcony of the Leeuwin taking pictures. A photographer, Avalon, who was taking pictures for publicity, (or so I thought) added to the atmosphere. Walking into the restaurant, I heard people asking each other who we were. I found it rather hilarious and thought I’m going to roll with this.
The 8-course lunch was incredible. Each course was paired with a matching wine, which could have been very deadly. Even as a seasoned wine drinker I couldn’t keep up! Hannah kept emphasizing the need to stay relatively sober because I had to be respectable for the next place we went. At the time I found this a bit odd but I actually followed her advice, albeit somewhat reluctantly. In the background, Avalon took many photos of the whole experience. Eventually, I got the opportunity to chat with her. I was intrigued by her job and wanted to know all about life as a publicist. If Hannah had not told me to leave the poor girl alone, I would have chatted for much longer!”
“By late afternoon, my tights were even tighter, it was getting hot and I was looking forward to a relaxing afternoon resting my stomach. The final stop was Amelia Park Wines. There we were to have our final wine taste. Hannah weirdly wore her leather jacket on the way. I told her what I thought – that she was crazy. From the moment we arrived at Amelia Park I was blown away by the winery and cellar door. The entrance through to the cellar door is absolutely incredible. ”
“As we walked in the ladies serving the wine told us we were in the private tasting room. When the door was opened I heard my favourite song playing. The room was decorated with a rose petal pathway and many tea light candles that led to one heart. Once again, Avalon was there along with Kelly Harwood capturing the moment. Hannah recited her tear-jerker of a speech and then asked me to marry her. She reached into that black leather jacket and pulled out the most stunning ring. As a final surprise, Hannah announced that Avalon was actually Megan. Her best friend I was yet to meet. Megan’s parents were also in on the whole day and had been following us around. To end the day on a high, Kelly took photos of us around Amelia Park in and around the vines.”
“We have an absolute blast together, life is easy. It’s like being with your best friend every single day.
We have the same morals in terms of life goals and family/friends. We share the same passions i.e. Travel, Food, Wine (all the good things in life). We communicate so openly and understand each other on a higher level.”
“We love our adventures together” tells Elyse. “We go on a lot of holidays and getaways together, experiencing different locations along with their produce. It’s our bread and butter (or in our case blue cheese and quince). We made a promise when we first met that we would have at least one overseas or interstate holiday a year. So far that’s turned into about 10 trips in the last year so we may need to set up a go fund me page shortly! We also have our trusty land cruiser Tilly which we have travelled all over WA with. We are also at an advantage as we are currently living in the Pilbara so adventure is never
too far away!”
“Relaxing to us comes in many shapes and forms in our relationship. Mid week usually involves a tough sweat session at our local gym followed by a nice meal at home whilst watching the newest TV series. At the moment it’s MKR. Previously it has been The Fall, Janet King and Wentworth. We are suckers for the crime shows. On the weekends, when time is on our side, we go for a big long cycle on the road bikes, treat each other to massages and spend time relaxing by our pool. Date night however is always our favourite time of the weekend.”
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