Our first encounter was at SmallTown Beat - a small local festival - where we ended up camping in the same area thanks to overlapping friendship groups. We noticed each other, but not much came of it at the time (aside from a few stolen kisses on nights out). It wasn’t until lockdown hit that things began to shift. With our “we need to stop meeting like this” moments suddenly off the table, Luc finally plucked up the courage to ask me out to dinner.

Our first dinner date at Kloof Street House ended up including Ash (I was nervous and not entirely convinced it was actually a date) - and we hit it off. We started seeing each other several times a week and quickly realised how much we enjoyed each other’s company. The only complication? Luc had an internship lined up in London and was due to leave in just a few months for over six months abroad. So we decided to make the most of the time we had - and between digs jols, dinners, lunches, hikes, movie nights, and weekends away with friends, we did exactly that.

By the end of October, it was clear we had feelings for each other. With Luc’s car packed, we headed to Greyton for one last bittersweet weekend away with friends before he was due to drive to Plett to see his mom, Jenty, drop off his things, and head on to Mauritius. While we were there, the news broke: global lockdown. No flights into Mauritius, and his London internship was cancelled. We’d be lying if we said either of us was disappointed. Knowing we’d see each other again soon, we said an easy goodbye before his short two-week trip to Plett - and about a month later, I followed for my first time meeting Jenty!

By December, we were very clearly a couple - planning holidays and spending all our time together - but we still hadn’t put a label on it. That became a little awkward when I planned a romantic weekend away for Luc’s birthday, only for him to realise at check-in that he’d left his wallet in the Uber (of course). When I called the driver, unsure what to call him, I awkwardly said, “My, uh… friend has left his wallet in your car.” A few days later, Ash quite reasonably asked what exactly she was meant to call us. Luc, despite claiming he “didn’t like labels”, came around quickly. And just like that, our official anniversary became 10 December 2020… three days after his birthday.

From there, we went on to share the most incredible five years together. We’ve experienced the highest of highs; travelling the world, visiting family in Mauritius, trips to Italy, sailing in Greece, festivals with friends, weekends away, months in London, surprise trips to Germany, and unforgettable bush getaways. And we’ve also walked through the lowest of lows; the loss of his incredible mother, Jenty, and my beloved dad, Stuart, among others. Through it all, we’ve shown up for each other in ways we never could have imagined, and for that, we are endlessly grateful. We wouldn’t wish those losses on anyone - but if there is any small meaning to be found in them, it’s this: they’ve made us certain that we’ve found the person we want to share this life with and that ours is a true partnership in every sense.

On the 13th of November 2025 we were driving up to Plett, for what I thought was an admin trip to get the house ready for season. Luc took inspiration from my parents proposal (a story he knows I hold very close to my heart) and stole me away to the beautiful Nima Lodge in Wilderness. I was absolutely blind-sided when I walked in to a candle-lit picnic, champagne and the proposal of my dreams. By far the easiest 'yes' I've ever said! And now we get to celebrate our love, and step into our future with all of you! On the 3rd of April 2027 we are beyond excited to gather with all of you on the beach in Yzerfontein to celebrate the most exciting and most important decision of our lives. What an honour to share this milestone with you! Thank you for reading <3