Have you ever watched a real-life proposal? I once witnessed a desperate failure unfold in a restaurant in Cork. Over dinner I watched, in a paroxysm of mounting tension, as a young man failed to snag his gal. He presented the ring across the table. She quickly shook her head. He then had to endure the awfulness of pocketing the ring box in his jacket as the waiter put down their dinner plates. 

The experience was quite scarring. For him, sure. But for me too. I would caution anyone planning grand romantic gestures to enact them in a quiet corner where one’s rejection cannot be seen. I also recommend reading Ajesh Patalay for some other tips on how to propose in a restaurant. If you must.

I was proposed to in an elevator (I was in New York) coming back down from the top of the Empire State. My wannabe husband bungled the rooftop announcement, got all light-headed and then stammered out something about “maybe getting married” when we were whizzing past the 20th floor. I thought he was having a peculiar turn and decided to ignore him. We then didn’t mention it for months. Eventually someone congratulated me on my engagement, and the rest is matrimony.

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Had he whipped out a 40ct sparkler, I would have been in no doubt about his plans. This issue’s wedding special kicks off with a suite of gobstopper-sized diamonds that would unquestionably seal the deal. The mega-stone betrothment bauble has become more popular of late: blame Cristiano Ronaldo, who persuaded Georgina Rodríguez to become his fiancée by plopping down a massive 30ct stone. Said to be worth somewhere between $3mn and $5mn, it’s a knuckleduster for the win. See also Mrs Bezos. And Taylor Swift, whose look is now complete with an estimated seven-to-10-carat old-mine-cut diamond set into a vintage-inspired engagement ring. 

What is an old-mine-cut diamond, you wonder? Vivienne Becker is here to help. Swift’s ring has reignited collector interest in vintage gemstones sourced from mines discovered in the early 18th century and found predominantly in Brazil. According to Becker, the stones are distinguishable for their often wonky symmetry, chunky facets, lower colour and clarity, yet sought-after for their soulful, charming quality. 

Charm is found in abundance in our cover story, shot over two days in New Orleans. Photographer Ina Levy worked with style director Isabelle Kountoure to cast a group of local talents and create a dreamy Southern wedding party. The clothes are flouncy. The fits are fancy. The hair has a retro ’70s panache. I love a fashion story. And this one sparks a dozen plots.

Even more adorable, we meet the couples who said “I DIY”. They’re a group of brave (maybe foolhardy) romantics who decided to bring a homemade touch to their big day: florists who did their own flowers, and artists, creatives and jewellers who decided to make their wedding props. I’m especially in awe of Hayley Cherkas, who not only made her wedding dress, but then – God love her – performed an after-dinner set with her own band.  

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THREE MORE STORIES TO READ THIS WEEK

Lucia Caponi: ‘Comfort first – then sex appeal’ The creative director of the Florentine linen label has a passion for Fracas, marrons glacés and Frank Sinatra