Sarah and Tuomas met while they were studying at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in the fall of 2018. Sarah was studying abroad for the semester and then returning to law school in the spring while Tuomas was studying at HKU for the year. One of Sarah’s friends from law school, who was also studying abroad, invited her to a pregame at his house, mentioning a cute guy he had met who would also be joining. The “cute guy” was introduced to Sarah as Tuomas and they became fast friends, immediately intrigued by the other’s competitive spirit during the games that evening. Throughout the fall semester Tuomas and Sarah explored Hong Kong together, falling in love with the city and eventually each with each other. When Sarah left Hong Kong in December 2018 their long distance love saga began. Their relationship would take them to Luxembourg, New York, Paris, Finland and Greece before they finally found a home together in London with their dog Reuben in 2022. Through distance and time they found that love knows no borders.

Tuomas aspired to propose in Hong Kong given its significance to the couple, but the year 2023 and particularly December 2023 held unforseen obstacles. The trip was out of the question. However, Tuomas had something else up his sleeve. On the evening of December 15, 2023, Tuomas suggested they have a night for just the two of them at a new restaurant he found. Sarah was intrigued as she was usually the one who chose the restaurant for dates, and went along happy for a surprise. As they walked they noticed a restaurant they regularly passed during nights in the Camden neighborhood, Lan Kwai Fong, which is named after one of their favorite neighborhoods in Hong Kong. Sarah pointed out the picture of the Hong Kong skyline on the bar, acknowledging how much she missed their time there. As she was about to cross the street Tuomas pulled her back saying “I wanted to do this in Hong Kong, but this is the closest we can get tonight,” after hearing those words Sarah knew what was happening and listened in shock. Tuomas knelt on one knee and asked her to marry him. After Sarah said yes the couple went to enjoy champagne at a hotel overlooking the Thames.