A sparkler in the snow
Andrew Deuxberry made a smooth glide towards putting a ring on the finger of his true love during a snowy day on Rails to Trails near Cranbrook.
Bride's name: Amanda Willumeit
Groom's name: Andrew Deuxberry
Proposal Location: Rails to Trails
Proposal Date: February 11, 2020
“Cross-country skiing is something we’ve always done together and is how we got to know each other,” said bride-to-be Amanda Willumeit. Still, she was surprised when Andrew chose a ski day to ask her to be his forever.
The scenic rail-bed-turned-recreational trail was where the couple shared their first kiss. “Skiing has been our thing since the first time we went,” said Amanda. “It’s quiet and peaceful and one of the ways we get to connect and be alone without children or pets needing us.”
Andrew and Amanda recreated their proposal
on the Rails to Trails path near Cranbrook BC (Photo by Krevan Photography)
After making some tracks, Amanda was putting her skis away when she turned around and saw Andrew on one knee. She immediately said yes to a second chance at love with Drew, a transplanted Ontarian who has travelled the world working in a stage production for Princess Cruises.
“I just know that she’s so pretty and shiny and diamond-y!”—Amanda (Photo by Krevan Photography)
Drew picked out the ring, a three-stone stunner in white gold with a weight just over a full carat, at Jewels on Ninth. “He was very particular about cut and clarity, things I know nothing about,” said Amanda. “I just know that she’s so pretty and shiny and diamond-y!” The pair have since chosen a wedding band from Jewels on Ninth as well.
Amanda met Andrew back in 2017 - when she was on a blind date with someone else. “My date brought Drew as a backup,” said Amanda, “and we ended up talking most of the evening.”
Amanda, whose first husband passed away in 2016, felt a connection to Andrew almost right away. After a first date, the pair made plans to go skiing and bring in New Year 2018 together at the Stemwinder Bar & Grill in Kimberley. The rest has pretty much been a downhill glide.
The couple plans to wed in October 2022 and share their special day with their children. “Drew and I have a daughter together, Briar-Rose Aurora Deuxberry,” said Amanda. “She just turned three in January, so we have a very busy household with the four kids. They are all part of the wedding party. My oldest daughter Demijalyne will be a bridesmaid, my sons Torrin and Teague are giving me away, and Miss Briar-Rose is the flower girl.”
After the winter snows had melted, Andrew and Amanda returned to the scene of the proposal for official engagement photos. And they’ll return to the scene of one of their first dates later this year when they celebrate their marriage with a reception at the Stemwinder in Kimberley.
Engagement photos from Kraven Photography, a Kimberley, BC photographer who specializes in engagement and wedding photos.
