When it comes to wedding proposals – it is not unusual for the nervous man to get down on one knee and the lucky lady in question to be shocked into temporary silence.
But for one couple from Bedfordshire, there was the added element of surprise, when romantic Joe Fitzpatrick popped the question to girlfriend Jessie in a beautiful show home – the exact design of house they had reserved and were planning to move in to.
Digital acquisition manager Joe (29) and primary school teacher Jessie Fordham (28) reserved their new home at Linden Homes Midlands Hasting Gardens development in Blunham last summer.
The couple moved into their first home together just a few weeks ago and are planning to tie the knot in April 2020.
However, an impatient Joe, couldn’t wait until the actual move to pop the question – and so planned the next best thing … proposing in the development’s show home.
He said: “Deciding to buy our first home together was an extremely special moment for both of us and was probably one of the most exciting journeys either of us had embarked on. Once we’d decided we were buying a home together, I knew that Jessie would be the girl I’d marry. Given the connection, I knew it had to be related to the house.
“So, with me being the impatient person I am, I could not wait several months to pop the question and decided I would do the next best thing, which was to do it when we first saw what our home would look like.”
With sales executives Suzie Hargreaves and Weronika Maslak part of the proposal plot, unsuspecting Jessie joined Joe for a tour of the show home.
Joe added: “Perfect planning meant we were to keep the whole thing under wraps and Jessie was none the wiser as we took a tour of the show home. It was very surreal, as whilst Jessie was planning what furniture could go where, I was shaking, sweating and desperately trying to find the ring in my pocket.
“She turned and saw me on one knee, ring in hand. Jessie stood in shock for 10 seconds and then hid behind the door for a further minute as she struggled to come to terms with what was happening. Once she was able to catch her breath and the tears stopped for a moment, I was finally greeted with a hug and a kiss, but still no answer. Needing verbal confirmation, I re asked the question, which received a shaky but resounding yes.”
A champagne toast followed, and the couple are now juggling wedding plans with settling into their dream home, a three-bedroom Elliott design which mirrors the show home.
Jessie added: “I was completely stunned but once it had all sunk in, of course I was overjoyed – and after moving in and now settling into our wonderful new home, am busy planning the Big Day!
“We both like the size of the development, and the layout of the homes. With regards to Blunham, it is an ideal location due to our work commitments and not too far from family and friends.”
To find out more about the Hastings Gardens development, contact the sales team on 01767 777 560.
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For further press information please contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on 01733 371363 or email cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk
References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.
All images are used for illustrative purposes only and are representative only. They may not be the same as the actual home you purchase and the specification may differ. Images may be of a slightly different model of home and may include optional upgrades and extras which involve additional cost. Individual features such as windows, brick, carpets, paint and other material colours may vary and also the specification of fittings may vary. Any furnishings and furniture are not included in any sale. Please check with our sales consultants for details of the exact specifications available at the development(s) for each type of home and the associated prices.
