WATCH: Bride says ‘shell yeah’ to beach proposal

Friday 29 June 2018

With the island’s temperatures rocketing, one boyfriend thought that it was the perfect 'sea-sun' to propose – on the sands of Plémont Bay.

Mikus Plaudis decided to 'seas' the day and pop the question to his girlfriend of three years, Kasia Kowalska, on Thursday.

But rather than over a romantic meal or sunset walk, Mikus decided to shun the stereotypical and do something 'spe-shell' for his love.

The pair met when Kasia started working at Rozel Pub, where Mikus is a manager. A romance quickly blossomed, as the duo became closer over their shared love of coastal walks, which they normally do on their day off. “We’ve always loved the seaside, we’re not townies,” Mikus told Express.

Pictured: The sand art proposal was created by Jersey Sandman, Andy Coutanche.

After spending two months “cooking up the idea”, Mikus enlisted the help of his friend of nine years and ‘Jersey Sandman’, Andy Coutanche – an artist known for his intricate beachy designs. 

“We needed a good, sandy beach and Plemont is the most romantic place,” Mikus explained. 

Once the location was set and design chosen by the Sandman, they waited for the ideal day – “it had to be low tide and perfect weather.” That day came as temperatures spiked on Wednesday this week and weeks of keeping his plan quiet. “I kept very cool, but I normally don’t like to keep secrets. It was hard,” Mikus said.

Pictured: Kasia said she was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw the heart in the sand.

On the way to the beach, Mikus told Kasia they’d be going for a walk from Plemont to St. Aubin. As they got out of the car and approached the beach, Kasia was shocked to find the surprise in the sand.

“I started to see this big heart on the sand… I couldn’t catch a breath, and started to cry! Then I looked at Mikus and he was already on his knee with ring waiting for an answer… Of course I said yes!” Kasia, who now works down the road from Mikus, said. 

“It was an amazing moment.. the best day, I’m so happy!”

Video: The happy couple spent the rest of their day lounging inside their heart with a bottle of pink champagne from Plemont Café.

The couple were then treated to a bottle of pink champagne by Paul from Plemont Café, who had made plans with Mikus the day before. 

He said he was delighted to have been part of the couple’s big day.

“I’ve worked here for 12 years – that’s the first time I’d seen something like that… People cheered when she said yes… It was the perfect day, perfect canvas.” 

Pictured: Mikus and Kasia celebrating.

The Sandman was equally happy to have played a role in the romance. He said he had done four sand proposals in the past – “one viewed from a plane, another a walk by, and the other was for a skydive at the Gunsite.”

“Kasia loved it and I guess I was probably the first to congratulate the lovely couple. Next time I need to get flowers at the ready!” he added. 

The couple spent the rest of the day lounging inside the heart, and listening to a playlist that he prepared – including ‘Marry You’ by Bruno Mars. Despite being a busy day, beachgoers kept their distance to allow the couple to enjoy their moment.

The pair haven’t yet set a date to 'tide' the knot, and are taking some time to enjoy the engagement first before the difficult task of deciding where to hold the ceremony. “I’m from Latvia, she’s from Poland – it’s an international love,” Mikus said.

Mikus, who expressed his gratitude to the Jersey Sandman and Plemont Café, said the proposal came after months of teasing from Kasia that he “could be more romantic.”

“It shows that romantic things are not dead yet!”