How it all began
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Savannah and Austin met through Greek life and mutual friends while attending George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.
After being part of the same friend group for years, the duo’s light-humored friendship soon turned into something more in 2017; they quickly turned smitten with one another after Austin kidnapped Sav for their first date.
Their relationship quickly blossomed over a shared love for travel, unique cuisine, live music and fantasy lore. She fell in love with his unapologetic dad humor and big heart, and he with her goofy personality and infectious laughter (especially towards his jokes).
Their story would take them through two apartments in Arlington, several international adventures, and the addition of their fur-child, Teddy.
And the rest is history
Last year, Savannah, Austin, and Teddy began writing an exciting new chapter to their fairy tale, purchasing their first home and fixer-upper in Alexandria, Va., and when Austin asked Savannah to spend the rest of their lives together when they were visiting most magical place in the world: Madeira.
On Sept. 7, 2023, Austin privately proposed during the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, one of the highest peaks on the island. Later that afternoon, he surprised her with his “formal” proposal at the magnificent Miradouro Do Guindaste (Crane Viewpoint).
They capped off their celebration with a bottle of Blandy’s Madeira Wine.
History of Blandy’s & the Quinta
Villa Quinta De Santa Luzia
Quinta de Santa Luzia is home and producer to one of Maderia’s most famous wines: Blandy’s
The villa is part of a traditional working Quinta—an estate which typically makes wine—from 1826 that has been in the Blandy family for seven successive generations. “It is a unique property, in that it still possesses the characteristics of a farm or estate, as they once existed in Madeira, but also because of the strong family connection behind the running of this distinctive place.”
Savannah and Austin fell in love with Blandy’s during their first trip to the island, and can’t wait to celebrate their big day at the Quinta where it is produced (and with plenty of the wine to go around).
To read more history about the Quinta or the Blandy’s family, please click here.
(Pictures above are property of Villa Quinta De Santa Luzia)