A Surprise Date Night China Proposal!
On September 20 at the New World Beijing Hotel rooftop, Riaan Espach got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend Sylvia.
They were surrounded by friends, family—and everyone else at the Date Night China Fall in Love Formal!
Riaan, a South African lad who has been in China for nearly 2 years, tell us how he popped the question and how he knew his girlfriend Sylvia was the one.
How did you and your girlfriend meet?
Sylvia is from Colombia and we've been together for roughly about 4-5 months now. We met on a night out in Beijing with some friends at the local watering hole, Paddy O'Shea's.
What was it like first dating Sylvia? When did you know she was the one?
Our first date was a classic pizza and movie night, and from there on out we haven't really been apart. I felt nervous when I first met her and threw a little Pablo Escobar joke in there and I nearly blew it - but look at me now.
I knew I wanted to be with her and create a future together. She's a strong independant woman and she inspires me to shape up in ways I never thought I had to.
She's an amazing, no-nonsense straight shooter who puts family first. I'm so proud and thankful that I have this incredible woman at my side.
Tell us all about the proposal!
So we actually got engaged about three weeks back in a very quiet way, but the Fall Formal just felt right to do it again, surprise Sylvia, and make it official with our family and friends. We got all dressed up and felt like a million bucks!
At the event we had the family join a Facebook Live feed and an Instagram Live feed to watch the proposal. It was really special to share it will them there.
We enjoyed the formal immensely and will definitely attend future Date Night China events.
Did you plan what you were going to say for the proposal?
I knew what I wanted to say way beforehand. It went something like:
"First of all I want to say thank you to everyone for joining us tonight. We want to thank all our friends and family for watching. It's a great privilege to be here tonight with the lovely woman right next to me."
He turns to her.
"I want to thank you for saving me from myself. I've never met a woman I've loved more. You look after me and take care of me and I'm so in love with you. So I just want to ask you: Will you marry me?"
From dating to now being engaged, what have you learned from dating in Beijing? Any advice you would give people?
Dating in China is a smorgasbord of nationalities and diverse people. You will find the one in the mix. Be patient, be kind, and most of all be yourself.
Will there be a Beijing Wedding in the future?
*Laughs* No, we are actually planning to go to Santorini, Greece or Palermo, Italy.
Date Night China is over moon for Riaan and his fiancée, and so glad our Fall in Love Formal helped set the scene for their special moment!
Date Night China is your guide to dating in China, from love to lust, first dates to worst dates - top tips, hilarious stories, and relationship advice from other China Daters.
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