Last updated on January 11, 2024
We were surrounded by naked people – something that’s come to be expected on sunny German days in the wilderness. We’ve moved past the red-faced, eyes-darting discomfort that our English heritage provides and have come to appreciate this natural abandon. But not today, it seemed.
We’d come to Berlin’s forest, the Grunewald, for a picnic. With the film’s deadline approaching, it was one of the few precious days free from computers and stress that the weeks currently provide. Steve said he wanted to do something just us. He had plans for a special day.
It started in the way all weekend mornings in Berlin should, with an artful breakfast of tiny curled cheeses, dense breads and a smattering of fresh fruit. Coffee-drinking Berliners surrounded us and with my love before me, I felt that familiar feeling of gratitude for a beautiful life.
Buoyed by that glow, I was shielded from irritation. We’d planned to drive but the car wouldn’t start. Steve had left the lights on, running the battery dry. No problem, we’d take the train instead, stocking up on cakes along the way. We had a blanket, speakers and the slack line, our ingredients for forest frolics.
It was our first time to the Grunewald and we delighted in the mass of wilderness so close to the city’s heart. Steve had his sights set on one of the lakes so we made our way there through the tree-lined avenues until we found ourselves upon it.
And there be the naked people. Whole families barbequing in the nude, couples swimming and children running free. I smiled. “I guess we’ll be having our picnic surrounded by nudes”. “No, we can’t” said Steve. I was surprised by his response. Was prudishness re-claiming him? “I was just hoping for something more private” he explained.
So we bypassed the lake and explored some more, eventually finding a giant sand dune surrounded by wild flower meadows. “This is it”, he said, and we found ourselves a spot.
The mauve haze of blooms amid the grass beneath a blue and sunny sky was enchanting, and again, I felt overcome by a certain bliss. Steve put on the music and served some cake, and the day became even better.
I was happy and I took Steve’s hyper mood to be in the same vein. He couldn’t stay still, dancing around the grass and darting here and there. As I lay back on the blanket watching, he began to do some yoga. “What’s this pose called?” he said, and so began a game of yoga charades. I was concentrated, scanning my mind for Sanskrit – tadasana, uttanasana, chaturanga, adho mukha svanasana…
And then he was on one knee. ‘What about this one?” he said.
I was baffled. “I don’t know,” still rummaging for Sanskrit.
Then I saw his hand. He was holding something in it.
And then the words:
“Victoria, will you marry me?”
Time changed shape, I found the words “yes, yes”, our hands shook, and together we fell into a bundle of exuberant joy, the soundtrack of our favourite songs humming on the stereo beside us.
Love. This is love.
I was never a girl that dreamed of marriage. I was a youth that rebelled against it. But now, in this shape it makes sense. Our love is the most treasured part of my life. It’s cause to celebrate. It’s cause for ritual. It’s cause to share with all we love.
Thank you Steve, for everything you are and everything you do.
He’s not a prude, he’s a romantic.
What a beautiful story! So I take it you were not expecting it? 🙂
No! It was a wonderful surprise 🙂
A tear came to my eyes reading this. So beautiful! Really happy for you guys 🙂
I was never really ‘conventional’ either but when Dave proposed it just felt oh-so-right. Hurrah to special moments like these! And congratulations xoxox
Aw, thanks Carmen 🙂
This story is my most favourite one by far…. Ever! No fairytale will beat this with you two xxx
xxx
Such a sweet story & I love Steve’s creativity with his set up to the actual proposal. I’m so very happy for the two of you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together (which you were already on track for, so I know getting married will do nothing but solidify that for you!).
Thanks Steph 🙂
“Love. This is love.” My heart just melted at that line. I love you guys, and wish you both all the joy and cake this world has to offer. Can’t wait for the wedding xxx
Thanks Hannah 🙂 We can’t wait too! So much to organise first!!
Thrilled for you guys. Congratulations!!!
Thanks Kim!
Great! A love story always moves me. And what’s better than traveling with the love of your life?! 🙂
Thank you Renuka 🙂
By far the most lovely news to come across my facebook feed today! Thank you so much for sharing it with us – your bliss is contagious! Congratulations to you both xxx
Excellent! Passing the bliss on… 🙂
That’s one of the happiest endings of the beginning of a new era I’ve ever heard. Congratulations, guys!
Thanks Ivana 🙂
That’s so lovely, congratulations!
Thanks Becky 🙂
Congratulations on your engagement! Looking forward to the wedding photos!
Such a beautiful post. All the best as ye embark on yet another adventure together.
I’m so happy for you guys!! And such a romantic proposal too 🙂 Congratulations!!
Thank you Flora. Hope to see you when we’re back in England soon 🙂
Lovely! Huge congrats to the pair of you. Enjoy your lifetime adventure!
Thanks Rob!!
I am so happy for you two lovely, lovely people! I used to love going to Grunewald (and well remember the nudity, hahaha!) What a wonderful place for such a beautiful proposal…sending lots of love from Russ too and huge hugs and congratulations. Feeling your bliss!!! xxx
Aw, thanks Sophia xx
I just came across your blog, and what a beautiful intro to it! A really lovely story. Congrats to you both!
Thanks Charlie 🙂
Victoria, that’s a wonderful story indeed! Or better say a sparkling chapter of your story called life. Even though I don’t know you guys in person and only judging by how I experience(d) you through your blog I can say it just feels darn right!! Seems like the two of you are embracing the same kind of craziness and happiness and what more can you wish for?? All the luck in the world and may you keep writing your very own story together and maybe share a few excerpts here, every now and then… 🙂
Take care and keep inhaling what must be pure joy and life!
Best wishes, Oliver
Thanks Oliver. We’re both so excited! And you can count on us to continue sharing our stories here 🙂 No doubt there will a few wedding pics at some point!
Hi Steve and Victoria!
What a inspiration site you are created! Nice to see my country also mentioned.
Best wishes
Romy