
An Art Gallery Full of Love: Jess & Macy’s Engagement Story
An Art Gallery Full of Love: Jess & Macy’s Engagement Story
8 min read
Some love stories are gentle in their beginnings, others come in like a wave — and Jess and Macy’s is a little bit of both. From the moment they met, there was an undeniable sense of “end game,” a connection so natural that it felt like they had been searching for each other all along. Over two and a half years, their relationship has grown from spontaneous adventures to intentional plans for a shared future. So, when it came time for Jess to propose, she knew it had to be more than just a question — it had to be an experience. The result? A breathtaking surprise in an art gallery, surrounded by custom paintings capturing their most cherished memories, friends and family, and the kind of joy that you can only feel when you know you’ve found your forever.
We asked Jess & Macy about their life together, and we’re so excited to share their heartfelt answers with you.
The Beginning
Q: How did the two of you meet?
A: "We both dated the same woman previous to meeting and bonded over our shared
experience."
Q: How long have you been together?
A: "2.5 years"
Q: What drew you to each other in the beginning — and what do you love most about each other now?
Jess:
"1. I saw myself in Macy and felt an immediate calmness in that we were so similar. I think we have always had such a similar personality, but very different natures. We compliment each other extremely well. We are both such passionate and intense people. I have never had to doubt whether I am too much for Macy, because I know she has always wanted me as much as I have wanted her. We are both all or nothing type of people, and it was always all for the both of us. We knew from the beginning that we were each other's end game.
2. I love how our relationship has developed from playful and spontaneous to a little more serious; Planning our future, lives, and business together. I love how we have watched each other grow and evolve over the years, and our love continues to grow."
Macy:
"1. Growing up, I thought about the kind of person my perfect partner would be; Upon
meeting Jess, I realised she fit that exactly. After unfortunate past experiences, I promised to never settle for less in the person I would spend my whole life with, and Jess has been able to provide me with the genuine love, care, patience, and understanding I always dreamt of.
2. I love how gentle Jess is with me all the time. I love the way she is willing to grow with me."
The Proposal
Q: Jess, what inspired the idea of proposing in an art gallery?
A: "I actually saw a picture of someone proposing in a forest, with polaroid pictures of them strung around the trees, and this got me thinking. Macy also would talk about this talented artist we followed on instagram, and always talked about how she wanted paintings by her done at some point in the future. This concreted the idea in my mind. I reached out to the artist almost a year in advance, and had her start commissioning the paintings. She worked tirelessly for 11 months to perfect the paintings. Everything was kept a complete secret from Macy the entire time. She has no idea what was going on."
Q: Tell us more about the custom paintings — what moments did they capture, and how did you choose them?
A: "All the paintings were done in oil by an extremely talented 17 year old girl named Natalia. She is in grade 12 on the sunshine coast, and still managed to find the time to capture our souls so beautifully. Most of the pictures that have been painted were taken of us on our trip to South Africa last year. I went for pictures that held the most significant amount of memories. For example, one of the pictures was taken under these stunning trees on a bridge in South Africa, you can see us both just embracing each other and taking the moment in. It was our first day in South Africa after landing the night before, and we were both just so shocked and excited that we
had actually pulled the trip off. It was definitely a pivotal time in our relationship, and we came home from this trip with a completely different perspective of life. The trip matured us in so many different ways. It showed us parts of the world that we did not know existed, and brought us closer than ever before. So I guess in a way, this particular photo was captured on the first day of our lives forever changing, and I just think that is such a special part of our story to have painted for us to hold onto forever."
Q: Macy, what was going through your mind when you walked into the gallery?
A: "How did she pull this off — What did I do so right to deserve someone like her? I am so lucky, loved, and so full of love for her. Jess had me close my eyes for the entire drive on the way to “dinner”, so I knew at that point it would be the night she proposed. I was so nervous as she walked me up to the door (still with my eyes closed); I had no idea where I was or what to expect. When she finally had me open my eyes to see the gallery I was just overcome with emotion. I felt so excited, through my tears I could barely even talk. She did so perfectly."
Q: What were your favourite details or memories from the proposal?
Macy: "Firstly, the entire gallery of artwork of course. Jess arranged for my sister, Shaniah, to be there and come out from another room to surprise me afterwards. Jess also arranged for an entire engagement party to begin after the proposal with our friends and family all in attendance. Our best friends arriving a little earlier too to celebrate was such a joy for me. The roof was draped with flowers, there were orchids, roses, native flowers and eucalyptus — It was incredible. I had so much fun choosing the music throughout the night and dancing together with our family and friends.
My favourite detail of the night though, was easily just being with my [now] fiancé, Jess. She looked so beautiful — She really is the genuine love of my life and I cannot wait for her to be my wife."
Jess: "My favourite memory is when Macy first walked into the gallery and I had her open her eyes. We both just started crying immediately. It was such a surreal experience to actually be standing there taking it all in with her for the first time. Actually seeing everything come to life and being able to relax and show her what I had been hiding from her for an entire year. Then walking around the gallery with just the two of us, examining every detail hand in hand."
Q: Jess, did anyone help you pull off the surprise?
A: "I had the most amazing support system during the orchestration of it all. There were so many different areas of the surprise where people really came together to help me pull it off. I was able to trust Natalia with the creation of the artworks for the whole year of planning, and really just let her do her thing. Macy’s mum Christine, and Macy's sister, Shaniah, along with her partner Simon came through for me on the day of the engagement, and helped me cater, and set everything up. Our best friend Milly put together so many flower arrangements to place around the gallery, whilst my beautiful florist Tegan from Olive Collective created the most breathtaking flower installation suspended from the ceiling. Tegan worked all night on the day before the proposal to ensure everything was absolutely perfect. The list of people that pulled through for me and helped put everything together to make this happen is endless, and I am forever grateful to be surrounded by such love."
The Ring
Q: What made you choose Morgan & Co for the ring?
A: "I actually posted on the facebook girls group asking for the best jewellers on the Sunny Coast, and a large majority recommended Morgan & Co. I called Laura the next day and had a chat over the phone. After we spoke I immediately booked a consultation. I knew based on the phone call they were who I wanted to design the ring."
Q: Tell us about the ring! (We’d love to hear what you loved about the design, stone, or any details that made it feel like ‘you’)
A: "Macy and I’s personal favourite feature of the ring is the flat band. It sits so flush and beautifully on Macy’s hand, and compliments the diamond so well."
The Future
Q: Have you started planning the wedding yet?
A: "Yes! We are planning for next year in September. We are undecided on the vibe of the wedding as of yet. We are feeling torn between something on a large scale, or something more intimate."
Q: What does the next chapter look like for you two? Any big plans ahead (travel, moving, wedding ideas)?
A: "We have a bit of travel planned in the next 6-months. We will be heading to Europe in October as well as Melbourne in December. I'm sure there will also be countless trips to wedding venues and much more wedding related activities in the next year."
Q: If you had any advice for couples planning a proposal or choosing a ring, what would it be?
A: "I would say take your time. If you know you're sure you want to marry this person, then there shouldn't be any rush to propose. People take years to plan weddings, and I think a proposal should be of a similar nature. This is a huge monumental moment for you and your partner, so you have to get it right. Take your time. Listen to your partner's cues. Really focus on the vision. Make sure you're not just creating your preferred proposal, but what your partner would want as well. Basically just listen. Stay attentive, and really know your partner."
Thank You
Jess and Macy’s proposal wasn’t just about a ring or a perfect setting — it was about creating a moment that reflected who they are together: thoughtful, creative, deeply connected, and full of laughter. It’s the kind of love that inspires everyone who hears their story, and we couldn’t be more honoured to have played a part in it. From the first phone call to the moment the ring slipped onto Macy’s finger, we’ve been in awe of the intentionality and care woven into every detail. Here’s to their next chapter—wedding plans, travels, and all the adventures still to come. And to Jess and Macy: thank you for letting us share in your beginning. We have no doubt the rest of your story will be just as extraordinary.
With love,
Morgan & Laura xo