Simon Tite, 42, from Coventry, proposed to his partner Emma Francis, 39, under challenging circumstances brought on by unusually windy weather on the weekend of their sixth anniversary. Planned for Plemont Bay, the romantic proposal turned complicated when strong winds led to ferry cancellations from Poole, Dorset, and also blocked access to the desired beach for the proposal due to repairs.
The couple had set off on their adventure, arriving at Poole on Thursday with plans to take the Condor Ferry early Friday. "We got to Poole and all the ferries were cancelled because of the weather. I was like: 'I do not believe this,'" Tite recounted. Faced with this setback, he scrambled to book alternative flights for Friday from Southampton, determined to make the proposal happen.
Upon arrival, Tite discovered yet another obstacle. The beach at Plemont, originally envisioned as the proposal backdrop, was inaccessible due to repair works. Tite took matters to the government, seeking special permission to access the beach. Unfortunately, officials denied the request, citing safety concerns.
Facing multiple setbacks and the countdown to the proposal, Tite made the decision to hire a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) for the occasion. It seemed like the perfect adaptation—until the operator informed him they couldn't swim to the bay due to the severe winds. "The wind and the waves were just amazingly massive," he commented, encapsulating the intensity of the situation.
Despite these challenges, the couple went out on the RIB, to which Tite eventually proposed. The experience was far from conventional, but the couple managed to turn the ordeal around. "It couldn't have been anybetter. Despite the fact it was challenging to get there, it was 100,000% worth it," Tite expressed joyfully. Francis, now Mrs. Tite-to-be, echoed her partner's sentiment, stating: "The location was perfect," after initially having her doubts about the day's events.
Reflecting on the entire experience, Francis said she had her "face like thunder" when plans went awry, especially when she learned she would not be donning the wetsuit he had mentioned back in February. She humorously added, "Every turn it was: 'Oh, we're not doing this now.' I didn't know what was happening at all." This blend of frustration and excitement painted the proposal with emotional depth, turning it from what could have been simply challenging to incredibly memorable.
Overall, Tite's marriage proposal encapsulates not only the unpredictability of trying to orchestrate romantic plans against nature's whims but also highlights how perseverance can prevail even in troublesome circumstances. The couple's ability to embrace the situation, adjusting plans yet still focusing on the culmination of their love, showcases not only their commitment to each other but also their willingness to adapt and overcome challenges brought on by the weather.