Aniella and Stuart first met through mutual friends, where an instant spark set the course for their story. After five and a half years together, Stuart planned a surprise anniversary getaway to The Vineyard in McLaren Vale. The next morning, under a soft pink sunrise and surrounded by endless vines, he led Aniella to a jacuzzi overlooking the valley. Handing her a heartfelt card, Stuart waited as she read through tears before dropping to one knee and asking her to marry him. Overwhelmed with joy, Aniella said yes, celebrating with a sunrise dip and champagne as the sun rose over the vineyards.

 

The Proposal

Stuart proposed to Aniella at The Vineyard in McLaren Vale on the 22nd February 2025

Stuart had planned a surprise weekend getaway to celebrate our five year anniversary. We stayed in a private house at The Vineyard, it was a lush yet cosy home, and the view out to the vineyard was so lovely and a real treat given we usually opt for more low key accommodation. I was definitely surprised! We started the anniversary celebrations with the local bacon and eggs, and a glass of wine, for dinner (as we hadn’t brought anything with us) and ate out on the terrace. It was bliss. Stuart then suggested the following morning we get up before sunrise and take a dip in the jacuzzi. I was surprised as we both love a good sleep-in but given it was our anniversary and the place was so nice, I thought when in Rome! He also suggested trying the tripod he bought to film the sunrise… a bit suspicious in hindsight but I remained clueless at the time. The following morning we got up before sunrise, he cooked me toast and we shared a coffee as I slipped into my bikini.  On walking up to the jacuzzi the morning was perfect, soft pink sky and endless vines on one side, with the sun rising on the other. I set up the jacuzzi eager to hop in but before I did, he said he had his anniversary present to give me. I was surprised as I thought we would give presents later over lunch. He insisted I open it now and gave me a card. It was like poetry, fulfilling my heart and making me cry. By the end of the card I knew what was about to happen. He got on one knee with ring in hand and popped the question “Will you marry me?”. I was shocked and overwhelmed with feelings but all good ones, and naturally I said yes! I was still shaky as he popped the ring on (omg I just got proposed to and am engaged moment!!). I was also overcome with emotion seeing my dream ring held out in front of me by the man I love, who I know spent his time, effort, energy and savings to make it all come true. It fit perfectly and I still feel thrilled, lucky and grateful when I look down and see it sparkling on my finger. After I finally stopped crying, we celebrated with a sunrise dip and a bottle of Moet. It was the loveliest and most romantic morning of my life thus far. We are so happy and grateful your one of a kind ring reaffirmed that our one of a kind love for each other will be forever and always.

The Ring

Aniella's ring is a bespoke creation of our signature Class A Design Stella, with an emerald.

What is your favourite aspect of your ring?
To say my ring is beautiful is an understatement. It’s elegant, refined and unique. To this day I still get distracted by its magnificence when it’s on my ring finger! I have two favourite parts to this ring. I love that it is a one of the kind, and I love the vibrant green. The natural 1.35ct emerald nestled between the two diamonds - it’s simply stunning. Secondly, I love what it represents to me. The multicolored setting, diamonds and emerald showcase how something beautiful can indeed be made up of different elements. Also, it’s three stones remind me there will always be the past, the future may be ahead of us, but the biggest and best part of life is the present, celebrating the here and now, together.