A Celebration of Love, Community, and New Beginnings

Sarah and Mark on the day of their proposal.

Mark and Sarah’s friends and family thought they were just gathering for her milestone birthday. They ended up celebrating an engagement as well.

The proposal was five years in the making. Mark had been sure for a while, but Sarah felt that something like marriage shouldn't be rushed. Their relationship deepened, built on a quiet understanding that they would get there when the time was right.

At one point, distance could have stalled things. Sarah had to move back to Adelaide for family, while Mark stayed in Melbourne. But a visit back to Melbourne changed everything. Sarah walked into a busy shopping centre and saw Mark with some mates. His face completely lit up. His best friend saw the look and said, "He must really love her." Later that night, Mark told him he was ready to propose.

From then on, a plan started to form. Mark found the perfect ring and began organising the surprise under the cover of Sarah's birthday celebrations. Sarah, completely in the dark, got her hair and nails done and picked a new outfit, thinking it was all for the party.

On the morning of the day, they headed out with friends for brekkie at a local café. On the way, Sarah started singing “Amazed” by Lonestar. As everyone gathered in the courtyard, Mark dropped to one knee. With tears in his eyes, he asked her to marry him. She said yes straight away.

The proposal kicked off a day-long party. It became a double celebration, with everyone there sharing in the moment. For Mark, Sarah is the one who makes everything better. For Sarah, he's the person she feels completely at home with. The ring on her finger was more than just jewellery; it was a sign that they had navigated the distance and were ready for whatever came next.

It was a day full of laughter and happy chaos, spent surrounded by the people who had supported them from the start. A fitting way to mark a birthday, and the beginning of their future together.