There are many ways to make that special proposal, from the usual dinner-and-candlelight scenario to all sorts of decidedly unusual approaches

SAFINDIT wants to hear about your marriage proposal – the more original the better. The top-three proposals stand to win a lunch or dinner to the value of R500 per couple at Paarl’s Laborie Wine Estate. So start writing about how you managed to pop the question.

The surprise factor usually scores major points – but there are limits. Steven Sparks, from Brighton in the UK, is a case in point. The Mirror recently published the following story:

Then there’s the recent mountain-top marriage proposal that went wrong in North Carolina, US, when the couple were struck by lightning. The super adventurous ought to bear in mind that sometimes less is more – simple and meaningful can be spectacular, not to mention a lot safer.

Competition rules, terms and conditions:

E-mail your wedding proposal stories to cindy@safindit.co.za;
The closing date for entries is 31 July 2010;
Proposal stories will be posted on www.safindit.co.za;
Meal vouchers, valued at R500 per couple, expire on 31 December 2010;
Should the bill exceed R500, the excess will be for the couple’s own account;
Bookings are subject to availability;
Vouchers are non-transferrable; and
Employees of SAFindit (and close family) are not permitted to participate in the competition.

Laborie Restaurant

Laborie Restaurant is the pride and joy of Belgian owners, Peter and Maureen Raes, who invite all to indulge in marvellous global-fusion cuisine and a wide selection of fine wines.

Executive Chef Alicia Giliomee and her proudly South African staff will present glorious food, prepared with only the finest and freshest South African produce. All cuisine is elegantly presented as fine dining pieces of art in hearty South African portions fit for a king.

Warm but professional service is one of the important basic philosophies of Laborie Restaurant. Some of Laborie’s staff have worked for the restaurant for years and have become familiar faces to visitors who return time and time again.

For a truly global-fusion style dining experience, Sunday visits to Laborie are highly recommended. Visitors are treated to music performed by talented local artists.

Our restaurant can accommodate groups of up to 30 people in the private “Salon”, which boasts a beautiful fireplace for chilly days. Our “Salle à Diner” area can accommodate groups of up to 120 guests, making it ideal for wedding functions. A dancefloor can also be included for groups of up to 100 guests. The gardens are available for larger functions and tents or gazebos can be arranged for warm sunny days.

The Paarl Valley is also renowned for its professional service providers including decorators, florists, photographers, musicians and caterers. Laborie Restaurant works in conjunction with these professionals to ensure a hassle-free setup for your function.

Business Hours: Open every day for lunch from 11.30am to 3.30pm. Open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, from 6.30pm to 9.39pm. For bookings, telephone +27 (0)21 807 3095, fax +27 (0)21 863 0502 or e-mail www.laborierestaurant.co.za

Wedding venue

Situated in the heart of Paarl, Laborie Estate is the ideal venue for your dream wedding. The restaurant is situated among the Laborie vineyards with the majestic Paarl Mountain as a backdrop, overlooking the outstretched Drakenstein panorama. Several splendid chapels are in close proximity, including the historic Strooidak Kerk and the petit Het Gesicht wedding chapel.

For weddings on the estate, couples can choose between the historical manor house as well as the tasting room and historic wine cellar. The graceful gardens and huge lawn, surrounded by beautiful oak trees, is the perfect backdrop for wedding photos. Wedding functions are regularly hosted in the garden in the true French “Sur la Pelouse” style. For further information, telephone +27 (0)21 807 3095, fax +27 (0)21 863 0502 or e-mail www.laborierestaurant.co.za