Romance is within the air for 2 of the celebrities of the hit new BBC TV sequence The Lodge Folks.
Head housekeeper on the Culloden lodge Rose O’Neill (32) was left speechless when long-term boyfriend, concierge Jonathan Wade (42) lastly popped the query after 9 years collectively.
The couple at the moment are acquainted faces in Northern Eire after permitting cameras to comply with them in a uncommon behind-the-scenes have a look at operating the busy institutions within the Hastings chain.
Final week we noticed Rose promoted from deputy housekeeper on the Europa to a brand new position as head of the housekeeping workforce within the Culloden the place new fiancé Jonathan has additionally taken up a brand new position as head concierge, shifting from The Grand Central.
The couple now face the dilemma of the place to have their reception as they plan their marriage ceremony after Jonathan sprung his shock proposal final week.
Rose reveals how he took her unawares by popping the query in entrance of his whole household on vacation in Ballycastle whereas taking part in the board sport Articulate.
“He hadn’t informed anybody, so I believe his mum was as shocked as I used to be,” she admits.
“It was his flip to play the board sport and when he proposed at first I assumed it was a part of the sport.
“He was very nervous and I believe he was nervous about whether or not or not I used to be going to say sure. He had purchased me a beautiful proposal ring and stated I might decide my very own engagement ring.
“I dragged him again to Belfast the subsequent morning and picked a beautiful ring and we opened a bottle of fizz to have a good time.”
The couple met whereas working within the Europa Lodge the place Rose began as assistant housekeeper in 2012 and Jonathan labored as a concierge.
Rose had began work as a waitress in hospitality on the age of 18 to assist pay her method by way of college. Nevertheless she says she fell in love with “the excitement” of the business and determined to make a profession out it.
Now that The Lodge Folks sequence is being aired nationally they're getting used to being within the limelight.
“Folks coming into the lodge would remark that they've seen you on TV and I've suppliers I've handled for years however by no means met, who electronic mail to say they'll now put a face to the title.
“It’s a bit surreal for us however I believe folks don’t realise the work that goes on behind the scenes in a lodge.
“I used to be completely satisfied to be filmed however Jonathan was a bit digital camera shy and chooses to not actually characteristic though you do see him in some clips,” added Rose.
Delighted to be again working collectively on the identical lodge, the couple hope to set a date for his or her massive day quickly.
Spoilt for alternative on the subject of choosing a venue, Rose provides: “I suppose working within the lodge business you'd assume we might know instantly the place to have our marriage ceremony however we haven’t determined but. It could be good to have it within the Europa the place we each met.”
Director of resorts on the Hastings Group, James McGinn was thrilled for the couple. He stated: “Wishing Rose and Jonathan my most honest congratulations. It’s been a very long time coming ... I do know a number of institutions who can be delighted to take care of them “
You'll be able to catch The Lodge Folks on BBC One NI at 10.40pm on Monday nights. All episodes can be found on BBC iPlayer.