We’re over the moon to introduce you to Bride Club ME ’s newest Diary Of Real ‘Dubai’ Bride Contributor, Makenzie Landeros. Each month, Makenzie, or Kenz as she is known to her friends, will be giving you, our readers, an ‘access all areas’ preview to her personal wedding planning journey, and all the ups and downs that go with it, especially amidst the current pandemic.

Makenzie is at the first stages of her planning, so things are fresh and a little overwhelming, which is something we are sure you can relate to. Makenzie will also share her experiences and top tips for other brides-to-be, which we hope will ease some of your own stresses and answer questions you may be facing in the run-up to your own big day.

For the first instalment of Mackenzie’s diary, she talks us through her romantic holiday proposal from her now fiancé Taz, in the scenic country of Zanzibar! Over to you, Kenz!

The Proposal

Picture this: you’re in Zanzibar on a relaxing vacation, eating a nice lunch while staring out at the ocean. A woman who works at the resort you’re staying at approaches the table and asks if it’s possible for you and your boyfriend to be part of a social media campaign for the resort on their jetty tomorrow evening. Now picture that you also love attention. You would obviously say yes, and not think to ask questions … Yet.

Well, that was what happened about midway through my romantic Zanzibar trip with Taz. I may not have been suspicious when she first asked, but later that night I started asking myself some questions. While weird stuff like this does happen to me from time to time, the woman gave little detail of what was involved and didn’t get any ‘official’ confirmation from us. So, of course, I texted my best friends to tell them that I was most likely getting engaged the following day. Props go to them, as they already knew about it and didn’t let on at all.

I’m not the type of woman who can just go with the flow and find things out when the universe is ready for me to; I have to know what’s going on at all times. So the next day, as we started to get ready for the ‘social media shoot’, I proceeded to test Taz with some questions: 

Me: “How do you think I should do my makeup?”

Taz: “Uhhh … However you want, I guess.”

He’s not going to propose, after all.

Me: “What do you think I should do with my hair?”

Taz: “Curl it.”

Ah, he is going to do it!

Me: “Should I wear this dress or this romper?”

Taz: “Whichever you like best.”

Not going to do it.

Me: “What shoes should I wear?”

Taz: “Not those ones, they’re too high so you’ll be taller than me.”

He’s going to do it! (As I put on the high ones…)

Me: “Maybe we should cancel the photoshoot and go on one of the catamarans.”

Taz: “I’d feel bad, we already said we would do it.”

Inconclusive…

After this back and forth, I was absolutely conflicted, however, before the cameraman rang our doorbell I texted my best friends, saying: “Actually, I don’t think he’s going to do it.”

The ‘social media’ shoot started with our pictures being taken in the amazing villa we were staying at, and then outside by our private pool, and finally as we walked along the beach towards the jetty. That’s when I get one more ingenious idea in my head.

“What’s the time?” I asked Taz, grabbing his wrist and looking at his Fitbit. His heart rate was at a rapid 137 beats per minute. It’s go time!

We approached the jetty right as the clouds began to clear. Until that moment, the whole trip had been cloudy and rainy, and now the sun was finally out and getting ready to set. We were having a great time taking what were probably the most ridiculous engagement photos of all time, strutting down the jetty, reaching the end just as the sun was going down. He handed me an envelope with a single coupon inside. He had given me a set like this for Christmas: he’d make me shisha, cook dinner, my choice of film for a movie night, etc, but this was a bit different.

He got down on one knee and revealed the most perfect ring (literally the exact one I would choose for myself). Is there any way I could’ve said no? With flowers, a candlelit bubble bath, champagne, and rose petals to follow, we celebrated in style! 

Don’t forget to visit us next month to see Makenzie’s latest bridal diary post and to find out how their wedding plans are progressing! You can also follow Makenzie over at @Kenzieland on Instagram for more wedding updates!