Double-Tap For Yes | Modern Love Stories, Alice & David

Here at Chupi, we are honoured to make beautiful heirlooms that become part of your story, destined to become treasured pieces that are passed down through the generations.

Every now and then, we get to play an even bigger part in that story: David’s unique proposal to Alice through one of our Instagram posts had us – and many of you – in tears. We have received so many messages asking to know what happened next.

Over 2,000 likes and 100 comments later, here is their story.

On sunny first dates

Alice: David and I had our first date at an East London pub called The Alice. It was exactly halfway between our offices and we bonded over a few delicious glasses of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on a balmy London summer evening.

David: I remember the day well, it was the day after the hottest day I’ve ever been in (from memory it had been something like 39°). Perfect weather for a few cold drinks and a chat on the sidewalk. Fortunately, with it being the middle of summer, the evening light lasts forever, so we continued to chat away as we walked down along the Thames well into the evening.

On first impressions

Alice: David was very friendly and super chilled, we didn’t stop chatting! We have so much in common with each other and his laidback Kiwi attitude has always been amazing to be around and a good influence for me.

David: Alice caught my eye instantly, a beautiful, tall, confident woman, but what surprised me the most was how easy the conversation was, even before the liquid courage kicked in. I remember telling my friends after the date how this one was special – I guess sometimes when you know, you know, right!

On knowing it was love

David: There was something about Alice from that very first date, but the real moment was on our first holiday to Norway when I saw her adventurous side, tackling the 20km hike to Trolltunga.

I couldn’t believe how perfect the ring was. I wouldn’t have chosen a better one myself. David had planned it to perfection.

Alice: For me, it was our first holiday away. It was so natural and relaxing, it all just felt right. I kept losing my passport and David put it safely with his. Such a small thing, but I knew he was caring and we’d always be safe together.

We are the perfect Ying and Yang. I am super organised and overthink everything, David is always calm and collected and is never phased by anything. We’re a perfect team!

On lockdown proposals – with a little help from the Chupi Instagram community

David: I planned the proposal for the morning in New Zealand and prepared a lockdown favourite breakfast of pancakes for Alice, with all the trimmings.

I gave it a little bit of time for her to wake up and, near the end of her breakfast, I pointed her to a post from Chupi (her favourite jewellery designer) on Instagram. At first, she was confused as to why I was showing her it, but as she started reading the post she suddenly went very quiet. She looked up at me when she’d finished, without a word. Fortunately, after I asked her to marry me she said yes!

As David and I have since moved to New Zealand, my Chupi ring is a very special reminder of our time in the UK. It’s part of our story, how we came together having grown up on opposite sides of the world.

Alice: I couldn’t work out why David was so stressed about pancakes! He really wanted me to enjoy them and had put so much effort into the breakfast and he kept prompting me to see the Chupi Instagram post.

I couldn’t believe what was happening and for once in my life, I was speechless! It was so sweet of him to arrange everything with my favourite ring designer (I think I had only mentioned Chupi once many many months before and he remembered!) and to make a lockdown proposal so special by involving you guys in the proposal.

On picking the perfect ring

David: Alice is so special to me and I wanted to find the perfect ring that would show her that. She is beautiful and unique and I wanted to find a ring that would match – the grey diamond in the You, Me & Magic ring was perfect and the twig band made it feel unique. I also knew rose gold was her favourite colour so that was one decision made easy.

Unfortunately, due to Covid, we ended up stranded in New Zealand for seven weeks and had to be repatriated home to the UK so when I proposed, I didn’t have the ring. As chance would have it, the day after we arrived home in London the ring arrived at our door.

We also have a little baby girl on the way due any day now, and the engagement and Chupi have all made this feel like the perfect next step in our story, together in these times of uncertainty.

Alice: I couldn’t believe how perfect the ring was. I wouldn’t have chosen a better one myself. David had planned it to perfection. I love the stories behind each of the Chupi pieces, and it feels so special to our story and our future ahead together.

David: It’s a reminder of what has happened so far and the excitement of what is yet to come. Alice instantly fell in love with it, and it was such a relief for me as I had to make a few decisions based on what I knew about Alice during that now-infamous late-night WhatsApp call with Kate from the Chupi team!

On fresh new starts

David: Our story didn’t end there, however – Alice loved New Zealand so much that we put in an application for a visa which was accepted in June and we flew out to start our new life in September. Fortunately, prior to our flight Alice and her mum found some time to go wedding dress shopping. I haven’t seen it but they found the one and as soon as her mum saw Alice in it she burst into tears.

We don’t have any set wedding plans yet. We want to get married in New Zealand but will wait until we know when Alice’s family and friends can make the trip after Covid has settled.

On marking a moment

Alice: As David and I have since moved to New Zealand, my Chupi ring is a very special reminder of our time in the UK. It’s part of our story, how we came together having grown up on opposite sides of the world.

I have selected my wedding band from a New Zealand jeweller and I love that my engagement ring from our time in the UK will sit alongside a rose gold New Zealand wedding band to represent David and I coming together.

We also have a little baby girl on the way due any day now, and the engagement and Chupi have all made this feel like the perfect next step in our story, together in these times of uncertainty.

Planning a proposal? Book a virtual engagement ring appointment or visit our flagship Dublin store . Our dedicated team can help you find the perfect stone.

Photography: Hannah Webb