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Hooray! Marty and Simone are finally engaged and they have decided to announce the details on the web. How else? The story begins on the afternoon of Saturday the 8th of November, 2003...
Marty's pretty nervous at this stage. He's been out shopping with Simone and Steph (Simone's sister) for a few hours, trying to make sure they're home before everything needs to start. He cunningly buys a new shirt while out shopping, but also hasn't eaten since breakfast (too many nerves!). Sucking in a deep breath, he starts the process...
Marty: |
Hey Simone, how long do you reckon it'd take you to get ready to go out to dinner? |
Simone: |
About an hour. Why? |
Marty: |
Thats good. You've got an hour and a half. Maybe you should get started. |
Simone's been getting ready for the last hour, and in the meantime, Marty has packed an overnight bag with a couple of key items. A ring (obviously), a bottle of Moet & Chandon champagne, and Simone's license (huh?). Simone spots the bag peeking out from under the bed and a smile creeps over her face...
Simone: |
Do I need anything else? |
Marty: |
Yep - you need some clothes for tomorrow. |
Simone's is finally ready (why is it that women take so long?). She's put on a beautiful dress, and Marty's dressed up in his new shirt with his suit. They wander downstairs with their overnight bag, wave down a cab, and climb in...
Cabby: |
Where to? |
Marty: |
We're going to the airport please mate. |
Simone: |
What!? We're going to the airport!? |
Nerves are kicking in now for Simone. Marty is enjoying seeing Simone experience the suprises. They arrive at the airport and wander up to the check-in counter (so that's why he needed Simone's license!)...
Marty: |
Hi. We're on the 5:30 flight to the Gold Coast. |
Simone: |
The Gold Coast!? We're going to the Gold Coast!? |
NOTE: Marty booked the flights on the internet. |
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The flight to the Gold Coast was pretty smooth, which is a relief given Simone's fear of flying. Simone and Marty disembark to a fantastic day in Queensland and head off to pick up their luggage. Simone spots a guy in the distance holding a sign with someone's name on it...
Simone: |
(jokingly) - Have you got a sign with our name on it sweetheart? |
Simone: |
(looking closer) - It has got our name on it! |
Simone: |
(looking closer still) - It says Palazzo Versace! We're going to Palazzo Versace! |
Simone and Marty enjoy a ride in a luxurious white limousine to the Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast.
| NOTE: Marty booked the limousine on the internet. |
After an enjoyable ride in the limo, where Marty resisted any attempts by Simone to find out more information about the night, they arrive at the hotel and check in.
Marty: |
Hi. I'd like to check in please. My name is Martin Andrews. |
Reception Lady: |
Certainly Mr Andrews, let me check your reservation. Ah yes - we've upgraded your room to the Deluxe Broadwater Suite. It says you have a dinner reservation at Vanitas at 7pm, and there's something else here... do you want me to mention it? |
Marty: |
No thanks. I've organised all of the details anyway. |
| What could this extra thing be? | |
The lady from reception briefly shows Simone and Marty the facilities and then takes them up to their room.
Simone: |
Pretty much speechless. Occasionally comes out with "Oh my god" |
Marty: |
We've got about 10 minutes before dinner sweetheart. You can touch up you make-up if you like. |
NOTE: Marty booked the room on the internet. |
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Marty and Simone head down for a fantastic dinner at Vanitas, the silver service restaurant in the hotel. They order a '99 Fox Creek Cabernet Sauvignon (which is bloody beautiful), and have an extraordinary meal with an unexpected (even for Marty) surprise...
Simone: |
Is that Nikki Hilton? |
Marty: |
Where? |
Simone: |
Over there by the window - with the blonde hair. |
Marty: |
Buggered if I know. How am I 'sposed to know what she looks like? |
Simone: |
I think it is. |
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NOTE: Marty (surprisingly) didn't book dinner on the internet. He booked it over the phone whilst confirming details for the "something else" described above. Read on to find out more. Also - the morning paper on Sunday confirmed that the Hilton sisters were indeed staying at the Palazzo Versace... |
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After polishing off a bottle of wine and enjoying a fabulous meal, Simone and Marty head back up to the room. Opening the door, Simone realises that the lights are all off, but candle light is glowing throughout the room. Soft music is playing in the background, and rose petals are leading from the lounge room into the bedroom.
Simone bursts into tears.
Following the rose petals into the bedroom, Simone sees petals in the shape of a heart on the bed, and a spa filled with hot water and bubble bath in the bathroom. A bottle of champagne in an ice bucket is next to the spa.
Marty: |
Darling I've just got one more surprise for you, which I've cunningly hidden in the toe of my shoe. |
Marty rummages in the cupboard and pulls a ring out of a box hidden in the toe of his shoe, then gets down on one knee. Simone is still crying (with happiness of course)...
Marty: |
Simone, will you marry me? |
Simone: |
YES! |
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NOTE: Marty organised this last surprise on the internet, except for the timing, which he did over the phone to make sure the timing worked with dinner. |
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The rest of the story is left up to the readers imagination. Below are some miscellaneous photos from the morning after...
