Follow the wedding plans of Opus Couture sales consultant bride-to-be Sophie Taylor and fiancé Alan who got engaged in Italy just a week before her brother’s wedding – but the pair kept it a secret
Sophie and Alan met twelve years ago while working on board a cruise ship.
Sophie Taylor and Alan are already engaged, but the Opus Couture sales consultant is counting on a second proposal…
September 2025 update – love story and romantic engagement
Alan and I met twelve years ago while working on board a cruise ship – me as a dancer, him as an engineer.
Not exactly your typical office romance! I still remember the first time I clocked his cabin. It had portholes. Mine didn’t. I thought, “Right, he’ll do,” and, honestly… the rest is history.
What followed was many years of long-distance living in different time zones, before I finally moved to Scotland in 2021.
That’s when the real countdown to a sparkly ring began – especially once I started working at Opus Couture; helping brides find their dream dress only made me more excited for my own turn.
It’s such a joy to be part of those once-in-a-lifetime moments with our brides, and I was ready for it to be me walking into the fitting room!
Find inspiration for wedding dresses and elegant veils, plus statement accessories here
Alan popped the question to Sophie when they were in Lake Como.
Then, last May during a European road trip, it finally happened.
We were in Lake Como, on a very hot, very sweaty walk – hair frizzing, sunscreen melting – when out of nowhere, Alan casually dropped to one knee. I was in complete shock.
He proposed with the most thoughtful emerald placeholder ring, knowing I’d want to be part of designing my own engagement ring (he was very correct about that). It was romantic, spontaneous and very us.
But… over the years, I’d casually mentioned that I had a couple of ‘proposal rules’ – namely: not abroad, and not coinciding with any big events.
So, a surprise proposal in Italy one week before my brother’s wedding meant both rules were broken! We decided to keep it between us for a month, so the focus could stay on my brother’s big day – and I could secretly enjoy being a fiancée without all the questions just yet.
That said, it was still incredibly special and, since I love any excuse to extend a celebration, we’ve decided to have a little ‘re-proposal’ soon once my engagement ring is ready. I can’t wait to relive that buzz all over again!
The couple will be getting legally married in Scotland.
We designed my dream ring last month and she’s an absolute beauty. I can’t wait to see her in person – and to find out what Alan has planned for Proposal 2.0. No pressure…
Find guidance on choosing engagement and wedding rings here
We’ve now booked Holkham Hall in Norfolk for next September. I always knew I wanted to get married there. It’s just the most magical setting – completely timeless, with the kind of views that make you catch your breath.
It’s also the perfect middle ground for our Scottish and English guests to travel to.
Technically, we’re both planning the wedding… although the other day Alan had to ask me what date we were getting married on, so make of that what you will!
We’ll also be getting legally married in Scotland at some point before the big day, but we haven’t planned any of that yet. Makes sense, though… two proposals, two weddings! Why not go all in?
What’s next in our wedding planning journey?
Next up on my list is dress shopping, which feels surreal considering I spend my working days helping other brides find their dress.
I’m curious (and a little nervous) to see how I’ll be on the other side of the mirror. This first chapter of our journey has been full of laughs and surprises, and learning to lean into the chaos.
If Proposal 1.0 was anything to go by, I’ve no doubt Proposal 2.0 and the rest of our planning will be just as memorable. Until next time – hopefully with a sparkly new ring on my finger (again), and a dress of my own!
