Steph and Mark met on Tinder in 2015. While neither of them expected to find “the one” on the dating platform, here they are 7 years later and still madly in love! The two bring out the best in each other – Mark encourages Steph to stress less, and Steph gives Mark the courage to try new things.
Their nicest moments together are just the simple things – grocery shopping or sleeping in together. They both love traveling, going to the gym, reading and share a love of Marvel comics.
The proposal:
Mark says, “It happened on our second trip to Japan, I had researched a number of locations that would suit the occasion - Steph had always said she wanted to be proposed to overseas. I found a few good locations on our trip and always kept the ring on me just in case we went somewhere that was perfect. After a few opportunities were spoilt by people we were travelling with unintentionally as they had no idea I was planning to propose we went on a day trip to a small village hosting an ice festival. They built massive buildings and sculptures from ice made from the lake water and lucky for me one of these was an ice chapel with illuminated chandelier inside. Me being weird wanted to wait until no one else was in the chapel or was entering while stalling for time Steph started to notice I was acting odd so when I got down on one knee in ripped jeans in the snow she knew something was up. I asked her if she would do me the honour of marrying me and her first response was “is this really happening?” I replied with a hurried “yes, it is and is it a yes, or no?” she started laughing took her glove off and said yes.
The ring:
Steph and Mark came up with the initial art deco/vintage ring design together and took the design to SCJ. Steph was shown the initial CAD draft but was left out of any further design changes or consultations so that the real ring would be a surprise when she saw it for the first time at the proposal. Steph and Mark were so happy with the ring – it was made exactly as designed and continues to be completely customisable and unique to them – they have been able to add some birthstones after the original ring was made; February for the month Mark proposed and September for the month they’ll be married.
The wedding:
Steph says, “Mark and I are travellers at heart – we have bonded over travel for all the years of our relationship. Mark proposed in Japan and ideally we would have loved to get married in New Zealand – unfortunately due to Covid and continued complications around international travel – we swapped out our dream destination wedding for a beautiful local wedding at Tanilba House in September 2022.”
This couple’s dream wedding is a beautiful garden on a sunny day with their nearest and dearest friends and immediate family – a unique and true celebration of the couple and their relationship in authenticity.
The couple’s advice to anyone getting engaged:
Mark and Steph say, “Just have fun with it – you may find the perfect ring for your partner, but don’t stress yourself over the perfect timing or the perfect proposal – just take it as it comes and do what feels authentic to you, your partner and your relationship.”
The SCJ team wish you both all the best for your September nuptials.
