Valentine’s day fun – Henesh and Rina answer a few questions 

We hope you’re all taking a break from mandaps and wedding planning today to spend time together celebrating you! This valentine’s day we thought we’d share a little more about Henesh and Rina. From the perspective of us as a couple. Here are a few fun and interesting facts about us and our story that you may not have known. We hope you enjoy the read!

Henesh, describe your funniest “Couple Building 101” experience?

Rina and I went to Mexico and took a day trip to XPLOR, one of those adventure parks. We spent the day zip-lining, swimming through stalactite rivers (where Rina got stuck under the waterfall!) and many other activities.

The funniest was probably when we were both bundled onto this little paddle boat to tour the underground river. We were given these hand paddles to navigate us. Sounded easy enough. Not for Rina and I! 

We must have spent 15 minutes going around in circles while couples who started after us were going back around for their second or third round. We spent the entire time laughing and really didn’t get very far at all! 

Henesh, what’s the best holiday you’ve been on together?

That’s tough. It’s a cross between two trips. We flew out to New York and then Jamaica on one of our trips. The other was Washington and the Bahamas. I’d combine Washington and Jamaica.

When we went to Washington, we were heavily binge watching Netflix US Politics shows e.g. House of Cards and Designated Survivor. It was amazing to be in the midst of all of that around the same time that they unveiled the Christmas Tree outside of the Whitehouse, and protested outside the Whitehouse against Trump! 

Where do I start with Jamaica? It was epic. We spent 11 days on the island, at the Secrets Resort, and loved every second. The Jamaican music, drinks and chill factor was next to none. Can’t wait to go back. In fact our three year old tells us he wants to go to Jamaica on holiday every day! 

Rina, how did Henesh propose?

Henesh proposed in Rome in October 2012 and it was magical. The Fontana di Trevi (the Trevi Fountain) has been my favourite spot in the world from the minute I set my eyes on it. An absolutely gorgeous fountain with so much character and a beautiful spot to sit and people watch. Every time I had been, the fountain was heaving with people sitting on the steps admiring the view, having a champagne toast, or chit chattering away. Whilst being my favourite spot, I’d said to Henesh that I didn’t want to be proposed to in front of lots of people – not my thing, I’m quite a private person!

We flew into Rome on a Friday night and after a delayed flight and checking into the hotel, Henesh convinced me that we should head out to get some food. It was midnight at this point! We stepped out and heard the fountain. Following the sounds, we ended up at the Fontana di Trevi.

It was quiet. Only a handful of people sitting on the steps (which is rare). We walked down to the fountain and he asked me “So, how does this throwing the coin in business work?”. As I turned around to throw in the coin and explain the myth, Henesh was down on one knee with a box in his hand. However, the ring had a mind of it’s own and went flying out of the box. Very luckily, the ring landed on the grills and didn’t fall into the drains – that could have been a very painful proposal had the ring disappeared down the drains!

We used to go on a date every Friday night. Henesh said “I love our Friday night dates, but don’t want to drop you back home anymore. Will you marry me?” It was the sweetest moment. And, as soon as he put the ring on, the heavens opened, it thundered down with rain!

At what point did you realise Henesh loves Arsenal more than you, Rina?!

When I walked down the aisle! To be fair, there had been a few giveaways. When we started our wedding planning, he wanted an Arsenal wedding cake. I quickly quashed that idea! We did agree to our pre-wedding photoshoot at the Emirates stadium. And, I thought this would be a good way to avoid having Arsenal feature at our wedding events. How wrong was I?

As I walked down the aisleway towards the mandap, my sister-in laws were holding up a piece of cloth (traditionally there to avoid the bride and groom seeing each as the bride walks into the mandap). When I reached the mandap, they dropped the cloth. BUT! Wait for it… behind that piece of cloth they had another piece of fabric. A flag. The Arsenal Flag! I couldn’t believe he’d found a way to work it in. Hats off to him for finding a way!

Speak soon!