Additional Coverage:
- A couple went to Africa on their 5th date. Now they’re engaged, and the bride-to-be has a custom ring that nods to that trip. (businessinsider.com)
From Safari to Saying “Yes!”: A whirlwind romance leads to a dream proposal
A California couple’s whirlwind romance, sparked on a serendipitous trip to Africa, has culminated in a heartwarming proposal meticulously planned by the groom-to-be. Natasha Gabbayan, 29, and Josh Banayan, 36, initially weren’t sure about each other after their first few dates. But a trip to Cape Town for a friend’s wedding changed everything.
“We fell in love in Africa,” Banayan shared. Their five-day adventure included dancing, exploring, and even a safari in Namibia alongside several honeymooning couples and one mid-proposal! “We were like, ‘Yeah, we kind of just met,'” Banayan laughed.
That 2023 trip marked the start of their relationship, and now they’re celebrating their own engagement. Banayan, a business owner, orchestrated a proposal that was both romantic and deeply personal.
For months, he booked weekly “Tower Tuesdays” dinners at the Sunset Tower Hotel, the site of their very first date. Gabbayan, accustomed to her partner’s penchant for planning, never suspected a thing.
One Tuesday in June, she arrived at the hotel and was led not to their usual table, but to a suite. Awaiting her was a violinist playing her favorite songs and Banayan, ready with a heartfelt proposal speech. Overwhelmed with emotion, Gabbayan said “yes!”
The evening continued with a private dinner featuring dishes from their first date, matching pajamas, nostalgic videos filmed on Banayan’s childhood camcorder, and the signing of a bottle of scotch they plan to share with their future children.
The engagement ring itself is a testament to Banayan’s attentiveness and love. He secretly researched Gabbayan’s style and jewelry preferences for months, designing a ring that perfectly captured her taste.
The two gold bands symbolize their partnership, their birthstones are hidden within the band, and a vintage-inspired cushion-cut diamond sits atop. Even more special, the ring was crafted by the same friend whose wedding brought them together in Africa.
“It’s really who I am and exactly what I like,” Gabbayan expressed, marveling at how perfectly Banayan captured her style without any input. “He really hit the nail on the head.” Now, with a ring on her finger and a heart full of love, Gabbayan is looking forward to their future together.