Aug 10, 2021

ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: NIGEL & BELLE

Nigel and Belle had a picturesque proposal overlooking a stunning lookout in Apollo Bay. As the sun rose that morning, Nigel got one one knee and asked his forever love, Belle, to marry him. We are so overjoyed to share their sweet proposal story!

How did you both meet?

We initially met through a mutual friend at the Adelaide Show a couple of years before we got together. We kept bumping into each other here and there, and then eventually got to talking for a few months before we caught up again at a mate's footy game. We got together at the club ball after the game, and have been together ever since.

What drew you to Cassandra Mamone for the design of your engagement piece?

Belle is best friends with Cassandra's cousin and there is no way she would have said yes to a ring from anyone else. But even without that connection, Cassandra's work is incredible and speaks for itself - plus she's one of the most helpful and easiest people to work with.

Share with us your engagement story.

We went for a road trip, camping down the Great Ocean Road, and through the Grampians. I had planned to ask Belle at some stage during the trip but didn't have a place locked in yet as there are so many iconic spots along that stretch of coast.

We got absolutely drenched on our first night in Port Campbell, which meant we had to get a hotel room for our second night. Luckily we managed to grab a last minute room in Apollo Bay and we set off for a couple of lookouts before sunset. At one of the lookouts, I thought that was it, this would be the spot I was going to propose, but Belle was cold and hungry (plus the sunset wasn't great) and she suggested we come back in the morning to watch the sunrise over the ocean. I was more than happy with that plan, and we came back before sunrise the next morning.

I really wanted to film the proposal, so I began setting up the GoPro, pretending to take a few photos of Belle out in front of the sunrise. We had the place to ourselves and once I was all set up and ready to film, I got Belle back in position and was about to drop the knee before a bunch of tourists came up, just as the sun poked its head up! The tourists did their thing for about 15 mins (felt like 3 hours) and then took off back down the hill, leaving us alone once again and finally with the perfect chance to ask Belle to marry me.

Tell us all about the details of your ring, what was the process like for you, what are your favourite aspects of the piece?

The whole process with Cassandra was super easy. Luckily, Belle had given me plenty of really subtle hints as to what she liked. Cass went over a few design options and alternatives but we settled pretty quickly on the Vino band with a Marquise Diamond. The Marquise Diamond is clearly the stand out feature of the ring. Belle wanted a longer shaped diamond to suit her finger rather than a round or square shape and Cassandra certainly came through with the perfect set-up for her.

Do you have any wedding plans yet?

We have a lot of ideas, but nothing locked in just yet. We have only just organised the engagement party haha! We're just enjoying brainstorming and are on the hunt for a venue at the moment.

Testimonial

I couldn't speak higher of Cassandra. She was incredibly easy to work with throughout the process and was so accessible and helpful with every aspect. Everything was explained so clearly, there were no issues to speak of, no surprises, it was just super simple. The ring was ready, bang on time from our first appointment, even with my umming and ahhing about locking in the final design. Her work is simply stunning and the service was even better. Belle now has her perfect engagement ring, and it wouldn't have happened without Cassandra.

We wish Nigel and Belle a lifetime of love and happiness, and can't wait to see what their futures hold together!

If you would like us to feature your romantic proposal, email us via marketing@cassandramamone.com.