Remember Risha & Deniel, the dreamy duo from our “A Magical Midsummer Night’s Dream” styled shoot? Well, their real-life love story just got even more magical — the same talented team that created that fairytale vision also orchestrated Deniel’s romantic surprise proposal! Once again, The Little Lace Flower Company and Photography by Andie brought their creative magic to life.

When love stories come full circle… Some love stories are written in laughter, in little promises made along the way, and in knowing glances that say, “This is the one.” For Risha and Deniel, their engagement was not just a milestone — it was the fulfilment of a vision Deniel had carried from the very first day they met.

The Groom’s Vision

“Like people say, when you know, you know,” says Deniel. Their story began with a first date at Staglands Park, where they stumbled upon a quaint little church. In a playful moment, Deniel knelt down and jokingly asked Risha to marry him. The two laughed it off at the time — but in his heart, Deniel knew he had found his forever.

Three years later, when it came time to turn that joke into reality, Deniel knew there was only one place where it could happen: that very same church. Securing the venue was no easy feat, since the church wasn’t usually hired out, but after persistence and determination, he made it happen.

To bring the vision to life, Deniel enlisted the talents of stylist Lyndal from The Little Lace Flower Company and Photography by Andie. With Risha’s love for roses and the colour red in mind, the concept began to blossom.

The Styling Magic

“When Deniel reached out, I was over the moon,” recalls Lyndal, The Little Lace Flower Company. “There’s nothing more romantic than a surprise proposal.” Together, they dreamed up a grand floral installation — a towering ‘Marry Me’ sign crafted from red roses, flanked by an aisle of cascading red and white blooms, candlelight, and scattered petals. The result was breathtaking: a church transformed into a sanctuary of love, intimacy, and pure romance.

The styling team set the scene quietly and planned to leave before the big moment, but fate had other plans. “We were hiding under a café table when we spotted them walking past,” laughs Lyndal. “It was certainly one of the most unusual assignments we’ve had — but the joy in the air was worth every moment.”

The Bride’s Surprise

For Risha, the day began with unexpected indulgence. Deniel whisked her away on a shopping spree, choosing a chic white dress and heels for her to wear — while keeping the destination a closely guarded secret.

“When we arrived, the man at the counter told us there was a baby calf that needed medication and asked us to follow him,” Risha remembers with a smile. “I had no idea it was just a ruse to get me to the church.”

As they approached, she noticed a sign that read “Closed for a Private Event.” Excitement welled up inside her. But nothing could have prepared her for the sight she saw when she opened the doors — the church bathed in candlelight, overflowing with roses, and the words ‘Marry Me’ standing tall before her.

And then, history repeated itself. Just as he had on their very first date, Deniel dropped to one knee — but this time, it wasn’t a joke. With tears, laughter, and a promise, Risha said yes.

“I did not expect the church to be so beautifully adorned with flowers and candles — it was so stunning,” Risha shares. “I can’t wait to get married.”

What began as a playful moment on a first date had come full circle, transformed into one of the most heartfelt and magical proposals imaginable.

Following the romantic proposal, they had an engagement shoot in the beautiful Staglands Park grounds.