Husband-to-be bowls his girl over with unusual proposal

Theology student Becki Brown thought boyfriend Mark Bunger, from Walsall, would not propose this year having expected him to do so before New Year's Eve.

So she was not prepared for the unexpected way the teacher finally asked her, on December 31- writing 'Will you marry me?' on a ceramic bowl he made at the The Codsall Hive arts and crafts centre.

Whilst Becki was painting a ceramic elephant, Mark disappeared into a back room with a special fine liner pen to write the question in his bowl.

He returned to his girlfriend with the ring inside and got down on one knee.

Mark said: "I was a bit nervous on the day, nothing compared to asking her dad for his blessing though, and although I was quite sure she'd say yes, I was worried she wouldn't like the surprise or that I'd mess up the bowl."

Becki had initially had her heart set on a beach proposal, and knew that Mark had bought the ring.

Mark said: "I was worried she'd be a bit upset we hadn't done it on the beach, but it was such great fun making the bowl that it took my mind of the nerves.

"I only booked the Hive session about a week before the proposal date and it was a bit of a last minute affair, but I thought the idea was brilliant because we could do it in any weather, it was unique and we walk away at the end of the day with an awesome keepsake to display in our home."

Lavinia Thompson, owner of the Hive, which is the only arts, crafts and pottery cafe in the city, said "They were quite a quiet couple.

"But when he asked the question, she screamed, and of course, said 'yes'."

Lin Leadbeater, the duty manager on the day of the proposal, said "When they arrived they said they would like to paint some pottery. When Mark came back having chosen a bowl, I thought that was quite an unusual choice.

"Next thing I heard was a squeal and when I entered the room, the lady said, 'He's proposed!'.

The proposal is the first of its type to ever take place at the Hive, and the owner thinks it may inspire others, particularly in the lead up to Valentine's day.

Mark said: "She just stood there made a high pitched noise with her hands over her mouth for a while not saying anything when I asked the question. Though I'm sure it wasn't that long a time, it sure did feel like it to me. Eventually she said yes!

"I found out later that the speechlessness was a good thing - caused by happiness and excitement and not second thoughts, well that's what she tells me at least"

Mark was also celebrating his birthday on the same day, so the couple left the Hive together to go for a meal - to celebrate both occasions.

They are very grateful for the support of the Hive staff and are currently planning their wedding, which is to take place in the summer 2017, in Plymouth, where Becki is from.

"Becki loved the proposal and unbeknownst to us her best friend got engaged on the same day out in the U.S, but Becki will tell you our proposal story was definitely cuter." said Mark.

Lavinia said: "People assume our activities are only for children but they are so wrong we offer lots of creative activities for adults and Mark's proposal is a wonderful example of adults enjoying our creative cafe environment"

To find out more about the Hive, visit www.codsallhive.co.uk or call 01902 842771