John & grace

Helicopter Proposal to Bethells Beach followed by a dinner at Mudbrick Vineyard

When John reached out to me months in advance to help him plan the perfect surprise proposal for Grace, I knew we were about to create a moment that would be unforgettable. Their trip to New Zealand in December was already filled with excitement, but John wanted to make it even more special. Knowing Grace’s love for travel, he kept the proposal a secret by having me pretend to be there for a simple helicopter photoshoot. Grace, ever the seasoned traveller, had no idea this beautiful holiday would turn into one of the most memorable days of her life. Everyone played their parts perfectly, and when we took off on the helicopter, Grace was relaxed, thinking it was just another adventure.

Our journey led us to the breathtaking Bethells Beach, a hidden gem of rugged beauty, where we’d set the stage for the big moment. I asked Grace to stand on a rock, facing the vast ocean, while John quietly pulled the ring from his pocket. The moment she turned around and saw him on one knee, her expression was priceless. The realization hit her in an instant, and the look of shock and pure joy on her face said it all. The tears started to flow, and I couldn’t help but feel the emotion in the air as both Grace and John embraced the moment with laughter, love, and happy tears. It was a moment of raw emotion, made all the more special by the stunning scenery surrounding us.

After capturing the perfect photos and video, we made our way back to the helicopter, where Grace was still in awe, her mind racing as she tried to process the beautiful surprise. We soared off towards Waiheke Island, where their evening would continue with a romantic dinner and a stay at the gorgeous Mudbrick Vineyard. Later that night, I sent them a few sneak peeks of the day’s memories. The text I received from John truly warmed my heart: “HOLY SHIT ZANTHE,” followed by “You are VERY talented,” “Thank you so so so much,” and “That is absolutely unreal.” It was the perfect ending to my 2024 year, knowing I played a part in such a beautiful love story.