The Plan

I planned a romantic weekend away in Venice to propose to Liz, disguised as a 30th Birthday treat. I had spent ages before this choosing the ring for her, as I wanted to have it with me when I asked her. It was an agonising decision, as there were so many nice rings and I had no idea how much to spend and what style she would like!

I also had the “approval factor” of all the other women that would ask to look at it, once they found out!!

This was the worst part of all, everyone else’s opinion! I am glad with the one I chose, I loved it and it felt right to give something that I liked so much.

The Weekend in Venice

I don’t think I was myself that weekend, I think Liz knew something was up as I had a lot of things to think about. Like the table I had booked on a small Island off Venice called Burano, a short moonlit boat ride away, it was totally deserted and it took us ages to find it, down the narrow streets.

Once we had found it though, it was closed! The owner had emailed me a day or so before to say so, but I had left for Venice already! Not the romantic evening I had planned, but one that we won’t forget!

Apparently this restaurant was very good, Burano is where all the local fishermen live and this restaurant was recommended to me by a few people who knew the real Venice.

I proposed on a bridge overlooking the Lagoon, after which we had to catch the ferry back to Venice and find somewhere to eat, we were both starving! I think the weekend was a lot better after that because I could just relax and enjoy the weekend together.


Liz and I had been dating for nearly ten years at the time and although we were both very happy, we weren’t in the “honeymoon period” any more! I wanted it to be a special occasion, as having lived together for quite a few years, it’s difficult to plan surprises and make excuses to spend money!