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Taryn Hayden-Thomas, a South Africa based teacher, and US army officer, Daniel Chong, are all set to tie the knot at Hudson’s in March next year.
When we met Taryn we soon picked up that these two have an amazing story, so we asked them to share it with us on the blog.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]How did you meet?
Daniel: We met back in July 2016 when we were both living and working in Seoul, South Korea. I was working as an English teacher, and Daniel was stationed there with the US military. While we were both out with our friends one night, we saw each other for the first time. I remember seeing her and inviting her and her friends over to where my friends and I were. We ended up exchanging numbers and went our separate ways. We stayed in contact and eventually started dating about a month later.
What’s your engagement story?
Daniel: We dated for about two and a half years in Korea. We had such a blast together, exploring and traveling all over Asia. I knew that our relationship was something special. After Taryn’s contract ended, we decided she should move in with me and stay another year while I finished my tour of duty. At the end of our time in Korea, we traveled to South Africa so that I could meet her family. After a short visit, I had to continue on to America to my new duty station. While geographically separated, Skype was our primary means of communication. After about eight months of being apart, we couldn’t handle it anymore. I decided it was time to pop the question to the woman who was, and still is, my everything. I planned a trip back to South Africa and this time, I had a ring with me. The plan was to show up and first ask her parents for their blessing. Due to time constraints, I had to phone and ask her mother while she was in London. With that done, I had to find the right time to ask her father. On the second day of my trip, I found him in the garage. It was definitely more nerve wracking than I expected! Later the same day, we decided to take the dog, Roxy, for a walk along Glencairn beach. My plan was to find a seashell along the way, hide the ring inside it, and strategically place it so she would find it while I was down on one knee. Apparently, Roxy was very impatient that day and kept pulling towards home, which caused Taryn to walk faster off the beach and back towards the house! After some quick made up story about how I wanted to explore the beach’s history, I found the perfect opportunity to ask her to marry me. As the tide was going out, I held Roxy’s leash tightly and got down on one knee on the sand. It was a moment I can never forget.
How did you go about venue hunting?
Taryn: We did a lot of searching online. There are so many beautiful venues, but we decided to narrow it down to just three. Daniel was in America so my mom, sister and I went to view the three venues one Saturday. There was no question – Hudson’s was by far the most beautiful! The support and help they provide also made it a no brainer to pick Hudson’s.
Do you have any advice for couples still looking for venues?
Don’t go and look at hundreds of different venues. Look online and narrow it down to your top five. Remember that this is your special day. Pick a venue that you want, not a venue that you think others will enjoy.
What part of your wedding are you most looking forward to?
Taryn: I am super excited for Daniel to first see me as I walk down the aisle. I am also looking forward to spending a lovely evening of dancing and good food with all those people who are important to us.
Daniel: Spending the rest of my life with the one I love the most.
We can’t wait to host Taryn & Daniel’s big day. To get excited about planning your wedding with us get in touch to schedule a viewing.
Read other interviews in our meet the couple series:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Read other interviews in our meet the couple series:
Inge & Jacques [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]