What began as an afternoon with family at Lonehill Dam turned into the day that changed Marina Vizzini’s life when her boyfriend proposed.
Byran Barkley set the scene under the guise of a family fishing trip to one of the couple’s favourite leisure spots.
“Like any other fishing trip we packed our rods, bait and equipment, and we were off to enjoy a day in the sun, filled with relaxation and enjoyment. No sooner had I cast in when my boyfriend asked me to head to the store and get snacks and drinks. Feeling a little annoyed that I would miss my first fish, my mom and I headed down the road to get some snacks,” Vizzini said.
As Vizzini’s family was involved in the surprise, they schemed together to distract her while Barkley prepared to ask her the biggest question of their relationship. “When we got back my brother asked to head home, which was not too far, because he was feeling sick. Very annoyed at this point, I took him home,” she said.
Determined to make the most of the fishing trip Vizzini returned and settled down next to her rod.
“Twenty minutes after that, my line finally ran. In the excitement I jumped up and began to reel in my fish – at this point my boyfriend was telling me that I would have to take the hook out of the fish’s mouth, (something which) I usually don’t (do). When I finally pulled out the fish I noticed that there were rings attached to my lines. Feeling very confused I investigated how I had caught these, and standing up to ask my boyfriend what it was all about I found him on one knee,” she said.
“Baby, I have caught the best fish in the world, will you marry me?” Barkley asked.
An overwhelmed Vizzini answered, “Yes.”
Referring to the day, she said, “I had the greatest catch and I am the luckiest girl alive.”
