How We Met
We first met in Adelaide, South Australia when I moved to Andrew’s primary school in 2008. We were 10 years old! We ‘dated’ for maybe 3 months back then in grade 5.
Somehow we weren’t together anymore because he got his friend to ask me out at the grade 6 school disco! I said no because I had a crush on another boy at the time 😂.
In grade 8 in high school, we got back together again and Andrew asked me to be his girlfriend on 11/03/2011. We were 13 years old.
We were together for almost 2 years when he told me that his parents had decided to move back home to England at the end of 2012. I was absolutely heartbroken because he was my first love and I didn’t know what to do without him 😭
Over the years, we’d kept in touch but not a great amount. We shared the occasional ‘Happy Birthday/Merry Christmas’ message and general chat about each other’s families but that was about it.
Andrew plays AFL for Great Britain and I got word that he would be coming back to Melbourne, Australia in August 2017. After the tournament, he came down to Adelaide to see our mutual family friends. We caught up as friends, as I had a long-term partner at the time, and Andrew went back home to England. But never stopped wondering.. what if?
Another year went by and I had broken up with my then-boyfriend. I messaged Andrew on the off chance he would reply to me. He did! And we continued to talk and FaceTime daily. Our love grew even stronger.
At the end of 2018, my family and I went to Germany for Christmas/New Year’s. Andrew flew over from Manchester and we could finally test the waters as a couple again. We were so happy! But 12 days later, we had to say goodbye again.
I flew to Manchester for 1 month in February 2019 to surprise Andrew for his 21st birthday. This allowed me to work out if I would have the courage to move countries, as I was planning to take the leap in June.
Between March and June, we knew it would be a struggle, as long-distance relationships really do suck! Andrew managed to get 10 days off work in April 2019 so he flew over to see me. I then put a rush on my VISA and decided to fly back with him. I moved to England on the 15th of April 2019 and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done!
How They Asked
It was a normal day like any other. I freaked out that morning, as I thought Andrew was late for work. He told me that he’d phoned in sick, so I dosed him up on medication and we watched a film.
Our plan for the day was to walk our Staffy, Bailey, and possibly go out for some lunch (even though I said it wasn’t a good idea because Andrew was meant to be ‘sick’). I should have realized because it was the 11th of March 2020.
We were on our dog walk in the trail park we always go to. There is a path where the trees interlock overhead next to a small lake. Andrew pulled me aside, commenting about how pretty it looked. I didn’t think anything of it because he usually pulls me aside for a quick cuddle/kiss.
He began by saying “I did have a speech planned but you make me so happy and I love you so much.” I didn’t fully realize what was happening until he got down on one knee, pulled out the ring, and said, “Jessica Ingrid Buechter, will you marry me?” Of course, I said yes! But also, “wait, are you serious? Oh my gosh!” Yes!
He then reminded me of what day it was again. It was a dream come true and a complete surprise! It was just the two of us (and the dog) and it couldn’t have been any more perfect.
We walked home to call friends and family. He then surprised me with a night away, glamping in Lady Heyes.
It was so private and peaceful, just perfect!