February 14 is often referred to as the most romantic day of the year,so it isn’t surprising that it’s a go-to date for declarations of love. According to data,Valentine’s Day is the most popular non-holiday and non-weekend day of the year for Australians to get married. And for many people,including the prime minister,can also be a perfect day to propose.
Nathan Davey proposed to his partner Natalia Reyes on the same day as Anthony Albanese.Supplied
For Nathan Davey,40,who proposed to his partner Natalia Reyes,41,on the same day as Albanese,Valentine’s Day was chosen specifically for the date’s significance.
“The 14th is a very special date for us,” says Davey. “We met on January 14,2023,and Valentine’s Day last year marked our one-month anniversary together.”
The couple,who are based in Western Australia’s Scarborough and met on a dating app,say their connection was immediate,sharing a mutual love for sunsets,picnics at the beach and books – three elements Davey incorporated into his proposal.
“I blindfolded my partner as we left our house and drove her to where we had our first date. I had some of her friends already there,arranging a beautiful picnic scene at the very location where we had our first date,” he says.
“I handed her a book,which was a complete photo book of all our times together,and also handwritten notes about what each month meant for us. The[last page] in the book read,‘If I have planned this right,can you do me the honour of turning around now,so I can ask you:will you marry me?’”
Davey proposed with a picnic and book of shared memories.Supplied
After Reyes said yes,the couple celebrated into the evening with their friends.
For 29-year-old Melbourne man Jed Dib,who proposed to his partner Chanel Taskovski,the Valentine’s Day date was a complete coincidence.
“I was planning to propose earlier,but Chanel had appendicitis and because of the recovery time,it got pushed back. It being on Valentine’s Day wasn’t in the plan at all,” he says. Despite the date being a fluke,the proposal itself was elaborately organised,thoughtful and romantic.
“We got engaged at the first place we went away together,” says Taskovski. “But I can’t say exactly where that is because we snuck our cat and dog in – and they aren’t actually allowed.”
The couple’s cat,Choupette,and dog,Dolce,took part in the proceedings with Dolce donning a tuxedo and Choupette a rose,as Dib – also in a tuxedo – popped the question surrounded by flowers and candles.
Jed Dib,Chanel Taskovski and their dog Dolce.Supplied
“I was about to have a bath and had my dressing gown on – all I could think was how underdressed I was,” says Taskovski.
For fellow Melbourne couple,Bec Farchione,26,and Simon Misevski,27,Valentine’s Day served as a practical date for Misevski’s proposal. “It was a nice way to do something special for Valentine’s Day and also kill two birds with one stone,” he says.
The couple who dated in high school,then separated for a period,say that the pandemic lockdowns played a key role in rekindling their romance.
“We came back together in 2020 when lockdown hit. We have been inseparable ever since – it was like it was just meant to be,” says Farchione.
Bec Farchione and Simon Misevski got engaged on Valentine’s Day.Supplied
The proposal took place at their home with red balloons,flowers,champagne and Misevski down on one knee. “It was super sweet and really unexpected. I always wanted a low-key proposal,so this was absolutely perfect,” Farchione says.
When it comes to wedding plans,nothing has been set in stone for any of the couples,including Albanese and Haydon.
As for the three couples sharing their engagement date with the PM? Well,it may not be the most memorable part of their special day.
“I actually thought he was already married,” laughs Dib.
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