That was the question Paul Frostwick from Norfolk asked his girlfriend on Saturday with the help of two special donkeys!
After being together for 9 years, Paul decided he wanted to pop the question to Sally with the help of Teddy (aged 12) and Sally (aged 31), two donkeys he had seen during previous visits with the perfect names for such an occasion!
Little did Sally know when she arrived today with Paul and their friends (who were in on the surprise) that staff had been helping to set up the special occasion. Paul had arranged for flowers to be delivered to the Visitors' Centre and Teddy had been given the responsibility of holding the engagement ring on a beautiful purple ribbon tied in a bow around his neck.
In readiness for the big day, Sally and Teddy's groom, Emma, had tucked them up for the night in their rugs to keep them warm ... and clean! She had even made special collars for the donkeys to wear with glitter and bows on.
With the scene all set, Sally waited on the Main Yard to play her part in the surprise, while Teddy waited in the wings for his cue from Paul to deliver the engagement ring.
The two Sally's met and there were cuddles and excitement at finding her favourite donkey with the same name. The moment had arrived for Paul to ask Sally: "Will you marry me?"
| www.flickr.com |
There were cheers all around as she accepted Paul's proposal and while cuddling Teddy she said: "He's just so gorgeous you can see why I love him. It's a shame we don't live round here as both Teddy and Sally could come to our wedding!"
Our founder, Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, wasn't able to greet Paul and Sally today but signed a copy of her new book "Not Just Donkeys" for them both to mark the special occasion.
Paul said: "The reason why I asked Sally to marry me at the Sanctuary is because she is completely potty about donkeys and the Sanctuary holds a special place in her heart.
"Sally used to work for an equine rescue centre in Norfolk and she was spending as much time with them as possible, grooming, etc. When we have visited the Sanctuary in the past, I knew this would be the place to pop the question when the time came due to the relaxed and general good feel that I had whilst at the Sanctuary."
If you would like to wish Paul and Sally good luck for the future, please post a comment for them to read.
Congratulations Paul and Sally on your engagement.
Love and best wishes for your future happiness together.
Congratulations! I was so nervous on the day and I am just so glad that Sally said yes, well done Paul for not bottling out when she walked into the stable. Good luck for the wedding! Can I be your bridesmaid?
To Ellie,
I love the story! When you told me that at school, I was amazed! Good luck best friend for your Auntie!
Your mate, Ali
xx
I was one of the conspirators in on the marriage proposal and was so chuffed that all our plans went so smoothly. All staff at the Sanctuary were fantastic and could not have been more helpful or welcoming to us. Paul (nickname Teddy, hence the choice of donkey) hadn't slept properly for weeks, worrying about it but he slept very well on the Saturday night! Congratulations to them both, hope Sally will forgive us for our conspiracy over the last 3 months!
Congratulations to you both. What a wonderful story. You obviously feel the Donkey Sanctuary is a very special place as I and my husband do. Your story really inspired me and made me feel good for the rest of the day. Good luck in your future life together.
Dear Sally and Paul,
Ellie & Izzie told me all about it! I'm Ellie's best friend, and I'm 9, like Ellie is. I love donkeys!! They are really cute! Sally & Teddy look so sweet as well. Ellie, Sophie & I were talking about donkeys before disco dancing once, and I saw the donkey she sponsored.
Good luck for the future,
Alice
xx
Dear Alice,
Thanks for going on this and writing a message. Your message was really nice and Sally told me that she really appreciated that you wrote to them. Everyone was so nervous on the day and are just so glad that it all went according to plan. Anyway, thanks again Alice for writing to Sally and Paul and I'll see you at school!
From Ellie (your best mate)
I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo relieved that everything was just perfect and I wish good luck for the future.
From Ellie
Congratulations sal and paul on your engagement. Glad everything went according to plan. All the best for a brilliant furture together.
love
j,s,e and i
well done paul and sally
best wishes from Francis Wain jewellers in dereham norfolk
glad you had a special day
Congratulations to you both, the most romantic original idea for an engagement for two of the nicest people I know. Wishing you a long and happy life together and lots of baby donkeys!!! Love Brenda & Martyn xxx
Congratulations Paul and Sally. I have only just heard the news! All our best wishes for a fabulous future together.
Jo and John Powell