Every love story has its own beginning, and ours started on a sunny afternoon in Southampton, England, on 24 March 2022.

For those who follow the Premier League, you might know Southampton as the home of the Southampton FC and its iconic St. Mary’s Stadium. But for us, Southampton became more than just a football city — it became the place where two different worlds quietly met. That day, we sat together in Central Park with a cup of coffee, talking for two hours. It wasn’t a grand or extraordinary first date; it was simple, comfortable, and genuine. Although, if you ask us, most of the conversation came from the bride-to-be, while the groom patiently listened — perfectly reflecting his calm and introverted nature.

After that first meeting, nothing was officially planned. We thought maybe we would meet again… maybe. There was no big expectation, no dramatic moment — just two people enjoying a conversation and letting life unfold naturally. Craig then drove back home to Portsmouth, about 45 minutes away from Southampton — the home of Portsmouth FC and, famously, Southampton’s forever football rival. Little did we know that this journey between two rival cities would become the beginning of our journey together.

On 9 April 2022, we met again and spent a beautiful day exploring the Isle of Wight. Somehow, from that day onwards, we kept choosing each other, again and again — and before we realised it, we had been together for more than four years. Then came the proposal… but true to our story, it was anything but ordinary. Instead of a picture-perfect, Instagram-style romantic proposal, Craig decided to hide the ring inside a doughnut — a doughnut that Maria (the special name Craig calls Priscylia, and one she loves) almost ate!

When Craig got down on one knee, the bride-to-be didn’t immediately say yes. Instead, she laughed so hard that Craig became completely confused. He tried again, but still received laughter instead of an answer. Eventually, he asked again: “So… what’s your answer? Yes or no?” Still surprised, Priscylia replied: “Are you joking? Why did you do this?” After a moment, she finally said: “Hmm… maybe we can try then.” 🤣 And that was our proposal — imperfect, unexpected, funny, and completely us. Our journey continued as we registered our civil marriage at the Registry Office in Portsmouth, England, on 16 April 2026. But we knew our celebration of love was not complete. Marriage is not only about two people choosing each other; it is also about inviting God, family, and loved ones into that commitment. That is why we chose to celebrate our Holy Matrimony and gather with our families and friends in Manado, Indonesia, on 19 June 2026. We chose this date with a very special meaning — to honour and remember Pastor Aloysius Lerebulan, MSC, who holds a special place in the bride’s heart and life.

From a simple coffee in a park, a journey between two football rival cities, a doughnut proposal, and now a sacred promise before God — our story reminds us that love does not always need to be perfect or grand. Sometimes, the most beautiful love stories are the ones that are simply, unexpectedly, and uniquely ours