We love a great beach proposal story, don’t you? Ana is a local wedding professional and I was so excited to see her epic moment with her now fiancé hit social media! We knew that we wanted to feature Ana & Jonathan’s 30th birthday marriage proposal story.
Share with us when and how you met each other.
We met when I was about 14 or 15yrs old through my best friend. Throughout the years we have been friends, his nephew grew up with my oldest son as best friends, so we have always been around each other. It wasn’t until Oct. 2019 that I messaged him on Instagram to ask about a place he went trick or treating because it looked fun, and he, later on, took it upon himself to ask me out on a date.
What are your favorite things to do together as a couple?
We love to watch movies together, for example, I don’t like scary movies, but he does. So this Halloween to make things fun, he made a list of 40 scary movies and we made up our own game of Bingo to decide which movie we would watch each night.
How long were you together before getting engaged?
Exactly two years. He proposed on our 2yrs anniversary.
Did anyone help with the 30th birthday marriage proposal?
Literally, all of my friends and his friends did. Some helped to choose the ring, others helped planning the actual day and distracting me, others were in charge of photo and video, while others were in charge of setting everything up. It took a village and it was so special that all those people that are important to us played a role in some way.
Share your 3oth birthday marriage proposal story…
It just so happens that my 30th birthday was on November 30th, so two weeks before my best friends informed me that they would be kidnapping me on the 28th for a birthday celebration. I was just told to pack an overnight bag and be ready by 11 am. Everything started the night prior when they took me to get a manicure and pedicure. The next morning they picked me up and we went to one of our friend’s house for breakfast.
Once everyone was there they told me to get ready as we would leave within the hour. I was told I had to be in full hair and makeup, dress, and heels, which I thought was weird because I had no idea what we were doing. Once we were in the car, they took backroads to confuse me as to where exactly we were going, it wasn’t until we arrived in Tampa and I started reading the signs that I realized where we were. I started getting nervous because as much as I love surprises, I also like to know what is going on.
We kept driving and eventually we arrived at a beach, and then I was really confused. At that point, I thought we were going on a party cruise. As we got to the beach gate, my girlfriends told me they had actually booked a surprise sunset photo shoot to commemorate my 30th birthday. I was a little surprised because they know how uncomfortable I can be in front of a camera, and then I got even more nervous.
I even asked them to be a part of the photoshoot with me and they agreed. We parked and we started walking on the beach. At this point, I noticed that I was the only one in heels and when I asked if I could be barefoot, they said no. I was annoyed, but I listened. We keep walking on the beach and at one point I ask where is the photographer? And my best friend says “up ahead but close your eyes”. At this point I get really annoyed because I can’t trust them, so instead of closing my eyes, I just look down because I don’t want to trip and fall.
Eventually, they let me go and tell me to keep going, at which point I look around and notice a guy in the distance. The closer I got, I noticed it was my boyfriend, Jonathan, and I lost it. I was in total shock and kept asking if this was real, as I cried my eyes out. He started walking towards me, and once we were together we gave each other a big hug and started crying together for a few seconds.
He got down on one knee and said “Ana Gabriella Oliveira, will you marry me?” and I said “Yes, Of Course” and dropped down to the floor with him and gave him another hug through more tears. We ended up doing a few pictures at sunset, and all our friends that had been around to help, joined us to celebrate.
After about 30min and getting completely bitten by mosquitos, I kept wanting to call my mom, but Jonathan said for us to enjoy the moment and that I would get a chance to call her later. We eventually left the beach and I thought we were going to dinner. On the way there, Jonathan told me everything that happened behind the scenes in order to make this happen. After a quick drive, we arrive at a hotel and he explained we were spending the night, and that he had to take a quick shower before going to dinner.
After a quick freshening up. we drove to the restaurant. It was this beautiful rooftop restaurant by the marina in Clearwater. Once inside, I turn the corner to what I think is our table, and finally, realize that it is actually a surprise dinner with all my friends and family. I eventually see my mom (now I know why he didn’t want me to call her).
I was so in shock to see all my loved ones there, my children, my closest friends, and the fact that they all took the time to make the drive and be a part of it all was truly beyond special.
What was the best moment of the proposal?
The moment I got up to him and embraced him, and we had a quick moment before he actually proposed, and I realized, it was actually happening!
Tell us about the ring!
The ring is ridiculous, in the most perfect way possible. It’s a 6.6 ct Emerald Cut peachy pink Morganite, along with a side halo and shank of genuine white diamonds on a rose gold band. It’s a stunner! I had actually sent a picture of the ring to some of my friends a few months ago, and little did I know that they had actually forwarded it to Jonathan, at which point he purchased it.
What aspect of being engaged has surprised you the most?
The amount of love that I have received from friends, family, coworkers, and even people I have not heard from in years.
Selfishly, I did not know I would be receiving so many little gifts! My fiancée keeps complaining that he did all the work, yet I am the one that keeps reaping all the benefits!
What are you most excited about wedding planning?
As someone that has worked at a Bridal Salon for over 5years, I can’t wait to find my own dress. (Ana works at Solutions Bridal!)
If you’ve already decided, when are you getting married and what is your venue?
We are thinking of November 2022 but the venue is TBD.
We have a lot of friends and family and hoping to keep it around 80.
We have not talked about it yet, but I know that will be our first step in planning.
I am not 100% sure, however, I do like a mix of woodsy and boho, with a touch eclectic. But then I also love the idea of something more colorful and Spanish themed.
Congratulations Ana & Jonathan on your 30th birthday marriage proposal!
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