Hello! It's been 20 days since I've been proposed to by my goatee man, right on his 30th birthday. I've shared news on my other social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook) but I would want to pen down a heartfelt blog entry on the entire proposal... It's a once-in-a-lifetime event!

Anyway, you guys are in luck! I'll share a little about our history before touching on the proposal portion. (:

For a start, Mcking and I have entirely opposite personalities. He has such a headstrong character while I am the total opposite of his. There is no way we can click or have chemistry between us. Back then, I've no idea why I would fall for him head over heels? I doubt it's due to his dressing style. 2 years ago, he only wore tops under the same color family  - Black, Grey, White. How boring! :p

He started getting more vain and in a short span of time, he got himself a bursting wardrobe with a myriad of colors, tones and patterns. On top of that, his physique wasn't in good shape so I am really clueless what attracted me to him. Perhaps I was moved by his sincerity?? He used to be 96kg. BUT now, he's a fit and lean machine, weighing under 70kg. I've no idea what triggered him to start working out since December 2013..

Cut the long story short, I just want to say that God is good to His beloved children. We met each other via social media (Twitter? Path? Cliche but that's how it all started.) and our friendship gradually developed and blossomed from there. During the two years journey, there were countless struggles, fights, arguments, quarrels, disagreements for both of us that it seemed almost impossible to enter the new phase of life together. In spite of it all, God taught us the art of loving each other, overlooking our imperfections, and showing acceptance and appreciation towards each other. It's true when people say that to have a strong relationship/marriage, God needs to be the center of it all, and He's the glue that binds the relationship together.

The gallery below showcases some of our dating photos, so you can see how much both of us have changed during this period of time, for the most obvious part, Alex's size has shrunk. :p

Fast forward two years later, I've never been at a happier point in my relationship with Alex. We are both at a stage where we are ready to move into the next phase of life together.

As it was his 30th birthday, I was totally unsuspecting that Alex had already planned out the proposal with his friends in Lombok. He used the excuse that Oh, his clients turned friends had blessed him with a complimentary stay in their resort, and this trip will be his 1st real vacation after his poly period so it will be a wonderful getaway for him and for me. (It's our 1st overseas trip together after being attached for 2 years.) And yes, being the naive Sherlene that everyone knows, I totally buy his story...

We touched down in Lombok late in the evening, and had to reach the airport in the early morning on the last day of our trip. Effectively, we only have 2 full days to explore Lombok, to sight-see and to lepak in the resort. I wish we could have extended our stay in the resort for a day or two to fully take in the #lomboklife experience...

I've heard friends sharing that travelling as a couple will put one's love life to a test. It's during these times where one's quirks or usual behavior may be perceived as unacceptable by their partner. Traveling can be seen as a mini-test to see how your relationship works when you are together 24/7 and dealing with unpredictable circumstances. Well, I'm absolutely glad to have discovered another side of Alex beyond his usual eccentric self. I know I have mine too (Like I need many pairs, say 5? of in-room slippers around the villa at different areas just so my feet won't get dirty. OCD me). LOL.

He was capable of doing things I didn't know anything about, and he knows how to get to places and knows how to adapt to his surroundings. He took such great care of me during the entire trip that I felt spoilt. On the second last day of our trip, at one of Lombok's attractions, the Tiu Kelup waterfalls, he really looked out for my safety (there were countless uneven rocks/pebbles/water stream) over his own, and held my hands throughout the two hours of trekking. I really did get to know him better and appreciate him as a person, not just as a boyfriend. It was a turning point for me.

And yes, this was the day where the magic proposal happened. MAGIC.....

By the time we were done with the waterfall, it was close to late afternoon, so we thought we could get lucky by catching a glimpse of the sunset in Lombok. And so we did!It was around 6 plus when we reached the resort. Until this moment, I was still totally oblivious to what was ahead of me in our villa. Alex was still hugging me outside our villa door before we went in. I was like, "Why you hug me? So weird ler you." Now I know. His moment has come. Hahahaha.This was what greeted me as the door was opened. Rose petals on the floor. I was still telling Alex, "Wa, the staff here so good ler. They are so sweet to you cos it's your 30th birthday."

Once I stepped outside into the private pool area, music was playing in the background, and that was when I realized there were three other people present as well. Bianca and her two staff. I was so stunned that I thought to myself, "Birthday also must decorate until so wayang meh?" I did not even notice that the floating floral alphabets all pointed to a "Will you marry me?" It looked like florals to me. LOL.

By this time, I knew what was happening. Alex flipped his cap on his bag and rushed over to take that glossy black box on the floor. When he knelt down on one knee, opened the box, and popped the question, I was speechless! I did not entertain any thoughts of being proposed to on our trip, lest on his actual birthday itself. Because I was still in a state of shock,  I uttered "Thank You" instead of the magic words. How silly I was! Omg.... Ultimately I said those magic words "Yes Baby" cos Alex prompted me!

Below were the shots which Bianca and her crew have professionally captured and edited on that fateful day with our raw emotions. By the way, Bianca is a feisty woman whom you totally do not want to mess around with. She's the wife of the owner of Kebun Villas & Resort. I love her! She was the brain behind the dazzling decors, and the one who liaised with Alex for the entire proposal planning. Hehe!

From the concept of a private hush-hush proposal, down to the venue, beautifully-crafted decors, lightings, tailored music playlist and romantic 5-course dinner, the proposal spelt nothing short of perfection. It was in my opinion a FLAWLESS EXECUTION. A FLAWLESS PROPOSAL.

Or maybe, I was just silly and oblivious to my surroundings. Hahaha.

Even till date, I am beyond excited because I know I have a lifetime to spend with my soulmate and lover, annoying him day and night. I also have the most brilliant and timeless ring. *grinning from ear to ear*

For my friends and loved ones who were as shocked as I was to learn of the proposal via social media, this is for you! :D I hope you guys can share in our happiness and joy after watching the video! (((:

I guess all I wanna say is that I have never felt more loved, protected and blessed with this remarkable man in my life.

Baby, thank you for everything that you have done and blessed me with. ❤

Thank you for your constant reassurance and affectionate gestures. For sending me home every time without complaints even though you stay in Punggol and I stay in Tiong Bahru. Thank you for always pampering me like a queen and being my steadfast rock.

Psst... I still do wish that I had some inkling of the proposal that was going to happen, so I could have dressed up in a gown, did a glam makeup and put on some hair extension. HAHAHAHA.