A Valentine’s surprise
Published:Friday | February 21, 2025 | 12:09 AM
For Dr Tamara Austin-Gordon and architect Nicholas Gordon, love began with a simple Instagram message. Both 27 at the time, they were navigating demanding careers – Tamara in medical school and Nicholas pursuing his career in architecture – when a casual online conversation turned into something deeper.
Even before meeting in person, Nicholas shared, “I knew she was the one.” They connected over their strong belief in God, a foundation that shaped what life would be like for the couple. “It was rare to meet someone who truly shared my values and was so steadfast in their faith,” Tamara explained. These faith-based conversations made both Tamara and Nicholas believe their connection went beyond surface-level attraction.
When he finally saw her after months of anticipation, he was stunned. “She was even more beautiful than I imagined, and from that moment on, I had no doubt this would be forever. We became inseparable,” he declares.
Within three years, Nicholas was ready to propose. He wanted everything to be perfect. He had taken the time to understand her heart, her preferences, and even the exact ring she dreamt of. He planned every detail of his proposal, making sure all their closest friends were there to witness the moment. Standing there at Devon House with seven roses in hand, he was both excited and nervous.
For Tamara, while she had an inkling that a proposal was pending, having talked about marriage with Nicholas a few times, she started to have doubts about his true intentions. “So when my friend and I arrived at Devon House, and I saw the lights and everyone there, I knew this was the moment,” she laughs softly. “It was everything I had dreamed of. Nicholas gave me my princess moment.”
Their wedding was a testament to not only their love but also their trust in God. They began their wedding day with a quiet walk along the beach, praying over their marriage. “We wanted to start our marriage on a foundation of prayer and faith,” she explains.
It is this foundation of faith that has helped them navigate the highs and lows of marriage. “Graduating from university to losing my grandmother have been defining moments that have drawn us even closer together and made our marriage that much stronger,” Nicholas shares. “One of our biggest learnings is that marriage is not just about love; it is about learning, compromising, and showing up for each other. Love is a choice, and we choose each other, every single day,” he adds.
As they continue their journey together, Nicholas shares, “It is the small, everyday moments that hold the most meaning.” Knowing Tamara loves cooking and baking – but only in a spotless kitchen – Nicholas makes sure everything is clean before she even steps in. He cherishes moments like these, always finding ways to make everything he does for her extra special.
This Valentine’s Day, he orchestrated yet another breathtaking surprise for Tamara – an intimate, candlelit dinner by the pool at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel, where every detail was designed to indulge the senses. With white-gloved waiters attending to their every need, the evening unfolded like a dream, each course a tantalising prelude to the next. Sponsored by Johnnie Walker and Baileys, the experience embodied the essence of both brands – savouring the journey, cherishing each moment, and deepening the bond they’ve cultivated over the years.
“It was absolutely magical – every detail, every flavour, every moment specially crafted just for us. I was totally enthralled by the experience from start to finish. Nicholas did it yet again, of course, with the help of Johnnie Walker and Baileys,” Tamara shared.
Looking to the future, Tamara and Nicholas hope to build a home filled with love and faith, raising children with the same values that brought them together. The couple believe their love story is beautifully captured in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one … if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”