We love a great Italy proposal story, don’t you? When they shared their story and their proposal with us, we knew that we wanted to feature Ella and Tristan’s Italy Marriage proposal.
Share with us when and how you met each other
Tristan and I first met during high school in 2018 when I was a senior and he was a junior. He was part of the varsity soccer team, and I often attended games to support them. At the time, I was friends with another player who introduced us, and Tristan and I became acquaintances.
We didn’t talk much in person since we were both the shy type, but we always made eye contact after games or when passing in the hallways. We would occasionally chat on social media, but that was about it. After I graduated from high school in 2019 and went to UCF in Orlando, we lost touch for a few years, but still always liked each other’s pictures on Instagram.
Then, in March 2023, he ‘swiped up’ on a controversial Instagram story I had posted, sparking a conversation about how we agreed on the topic. From then on, we never stopped talking. He made me laugh with funny memes, witty comments, and thoughtful questions, and we started sending long paragraphs to each other over text.
We went on our first date at the beach a week later, and after that, we spent every weekend together. Even though he lived about an hour and a half away in our hometown, we made the drive to see each other. Every time we met, we fell in love more and more. We officially started dating on April 20, 2023.
What are your favorite things to do together as a couple?
We both enjoy being outdoors, exploring new places, trying new foods, spending time with our families, and working out. On weekends when we don’t have any specific plans, we either go to a farmers market, try a new restaurant, walk around downtown Orlando, or head to a local park to run together.
Otherwise, you’ll find us exploring a nearby city a couple of hours away to spend the weekend, whether it’s our hometown where both of our parents live or somewhere along the coast.
How long were you together before getting engaged?
One year and six months.
Share your Italy marriage proposal story…
In March 2024, as our first anniversary was approaching, Tristan surprised me with a trip to Italy! He kept it a secret for a while, but I knew something was up because he was on the phone often and texting more than usual. I would ask him, ‘Who are you always talking to?’ multiple times a day, as I was suspicious—who wouldn’t be?
He kept responding, ‘You’ll find out soon!’ After a week of these mysterious phone calls, he finally said, ‘Guess where we’re going soon,’ and I guessed, ‘Somewhere out west?’ since we had talked about seeing the mountains.
Never did I imagine we’d be going to another country! Then he revealed, ‘Nope, we’re going to Italy!’ I immediately told him to show me the plane tickets because I didn’t believe him.
Sure enough, it was true, and I started crying happy tears, completely in awe that he had planned this trip for us. We were going to Venice, Florence, and Rome for eight days in September 2024!
Time flew by, and our trip to Italy approached quickly. A couple of months before the trip, Tristan told me he had also booked a photo shoot for us in Florence. I didn’t initially think he would propose, but after hearing about the photo shoot, I started wondering, ‘Is he going to propose during that?’
I had a gut feeling he might because we’re so in love, he treats me incredibly well, and we both make a constant effort to ensure we’re making each other happy every single day.
On September 16th, our third and final day in Venice, the city on water, we were walking around at night, exploring shops and taking in the views after dinner. It was very crowded, as Venice is a major tourist destination. The alleyways were narrow, and we constantly shuffled past groups of people.
The night before, we had discovered a quiet, secluded boat dock with no one around—it was beautiful. Just before we were about to head back to our hotel for the night, Tristan suddenly wanted to find that peaceful boat dock again. We got lost wandering through the city, but he was insistent that we visit it one more time.
We eventually found the dock, and we stood there, holding each other, watching the boat taxis pass by under the ambient lights hanging on the buildings. As we shared sweet words about how much we loved each other, I noticed him fiddling with something in his left pocket. For a moment, I thought, ‘He’s going to ask me right now.’
Then he asked, ‘Want to travel with me forever?’ and I replied, ‘Yes, I do want to do that.’ He took a small step back, got down on one knee, and asked, ‘Will you marry me?’ I put my hands over my mouth and started ugly sobbing from happiness.
I couldn’t say ‘yes’ fast enough, and as Tristan remained on one knee, he asked, ‘Is that a yes?’ I quickly responded, ‘Yes! Yes, of course!’ It was the easiest decision I’ve ever made—he’s the perfect man for me, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him.
He got up and put the ring on my finger, and then we hugged and kissed. As we headed back to our hotel, the both of us couldn’t stop smiling and giggling. We were so happy, it was the most perfect, private, and romantic Italy marriage proposal.
What was the best moment of the Italy marriage proposal?
The way that I was crying so hard that I couldn’t say ‘yes’ immediately, so Tristan had to ask, ‘Is that a yes?’ It was kind of funny because if I hadn’t been crying so hard, the word ‘yes’ would have come out of my mouth much faster.
It was a very wholesome moment. Holding each other after he put the ring on my finger was the most precious part.
Who did you tell that you were engaged first?
Right after we got back to the hotel, I texted my mom, dad, brother, grandparents, my best friend, and four other close friends. Tristan texted his mom, dad, grandma, sister, brother, his best friend, and a couple of other close friends.
We both posted on our Instagram stories shortly after to publicly announce the engagement.
Tell us about the ring!
The ring is his great-great-grandmother’s dating back to the late 1800s-early 1900s! It’s a stunning vintage piece made of white gold, featuring a square shape with multiple diamonds that sparkle beautifully.
The intricate design gives it a timeless and elegant look, making it even more special.
How deeply it has strengthened our bond and increased our excitement for the future together! Also, I was pleasantly surprised by the support and encouragement we’ve received from our families and friends.
The surreal feeling of knowing that I will be marrying my best friend and have found ‘the one.’ Also, being able to finally wear a beautiful ring on my left ring finger and tell people ‘I’m engaged!’
What are you most excited about wedding planning?
Finding the perfect wedding dress, a stunning venue, and planning the theme! I’m excited to see it all slowly come together.
Tristan, on the other hand, will likely be most excited about putting together the wedding playlist, as he has a deep love for music.
Possibly 100-150
Our approach to the wedding budget is all about prioritizing what matters most to Tristan and I while maintaining a balance between our dreams and financial realities.
First, I’m setting a clear overall budget and breaking it down into categories like venue, catering, decor, and attire and going from there getting quotes, comparing, and negotiating. This process has not begun, but that will be our method.
I envision a coastal farmhouse vibe that blends natural farmhouse elegance with a touch of seaside charm, capturing the feeling that Florida gives me. The setting will feature a beautiful farmhouse adorned with weathered wood and exposed beams, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like home.
I’m drawn to emerald greens as our primary color, along with my bridesmaids dressed in elegant emerald gowns. I’ll incorporate gold accents that harmonize perfectly with the natural elements of the venue, like driftwood and soft linens, evoking a breezy, coastal farmhouse aesthetic.
Congratulations Ella & Tristan on your Italy marriage proposal!
Want to feature your proposal? CLICK HERE to submit your story!
Photography done by Stefano Buonamici with Smiler Company
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