As believers in timing, fate, and the magic of missed chances turning into perfect moments. Tu and Benji’s story is one that reminds us love will always find its way. Sometimes, it’s a gentle nudge from mutual friends, or a quiet moment across a table that changes everything. And when two hearts are meant to meet, even years apart, the universe has a way of bringing them together.
It was an absolute pleasure working with Benji to bring Tu’s dream ring to life, elegant, thoughtful, and crafted with intention. Today, we’re honoured to share their journey with you, a story of patience, intuition, and a beachside proposal that caught the sunset... and her heart. From a first date with melting ice cream and meaningful conversations, to a surprise video from a stranger, this is the kind of love story that feels like it was always meant to be.
How did you and Tu meet? What defining moments made you realise they were ‘the one’? (We’d love to hear both perspectives!)
It goes back to late 2022. Tu was catching up with her friends in Melbourne as they were expecting their first child. They mentioned a friend of theirs, Benji, who would be perfect for Tu. However, Tu was getting over a breakup and didn’t feel like it was the right time to be meeting anyone. Unbeknownst to her, their friend also mentioned her to Benji at a separate time and place, but it was also not the right time for a relationship for him either.
Fast forward to the beginning of 2024, and their friends were celebrating their child’s 1st birthday party. As people were seated, mingling and eating, Benji noticed Tu sitting on her own on the other side of the table and, in a look of interest, he decided to sit next to her and “trouble her” for a little while. As they introduced themselves to one another, they realised this was the person their friends had recommended two years ago.
As the party went on, it was evident there was some interest between the two, which led him to asking her (“I’m enjoying this conversation, let’s continue this sometime over a drink, what’s your number?”) out on a later occasion.
Despite Benji being a little late (read: more than 30 minutes) to his first date, forcing Tu to wait outside in the summer breeze, the two had a lovely date. Towards the end of the date, while eating ice cream along the beach, Tu asked Benji about his intentions; Benji clarified that he was looking for something meaningful that would result in marriage, and that he was seeking the “right candidate for this long-term/permanent role.” The feeling was reciprocated and here we are now.
What do you most admire and appreciate in each other?
Benji appreciates the support and groundedness that Tu brings to the relationship, but as a person, he admires her for her unwavering support in all areas of his life, her non-transactional love, and the desire to see and help him become the best part of himself.
Tu appreciates Benji’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to all facets of his life. She is also grateful for his patience, as she knows she is a handful! We both value each other’s commitment to one another and share similar values. Common values set a strong foundation for the future. It was the many small moments where our character and value sets shone that made us realise this was The One.
We’ve heard a little in-store, but please tell us again about the romantic proposal Benji planned!
After returning from a lovely two-week holiday in the Philippines in January 2025, Benji thought soon after that it was time to proceed to the next level of their relationship, The Proposal. Despite only being together for one year, he didn’t see the point in waiting.
On January 17th, Benji arranged to have dinner at a restaurant by the beach. It was a pleasant early evening with cloudless skies and a promising sunset. However, he kept checking his watch, as he planned to take Tu to the Glenelg Ferris wheel after dinner.
After considering the logistics of that endeavour, he decided instead to take Tu to a quiet area of the West Beach promenade for a sunset walk (he was constantly checking his watch not very suspicious at all, right?). While walking on the beach, he noticed the sun touching the horizon.
He took off his jacket (he would not let her hold it for him again, not suspicious) as he wanted to take some pictures of her (she does not like taking photos). At this point, he was playing some soothing ambient/lounge music on his phone on speaker to set the mood (again not suspicious at all). He asked her to turn around to take some angled photos, and when she was asked to turn back, he was on one knee “Tu... will you marry me?” Of course, she said yes!
A few minutes later, a passer-by on the beach approached them and apparently had filmed the proposal from the promenade walkway above. This wasn’t planned and was an appreciated surprise from a complete stranger. It was nice to have the moment saved in a video to look back on one day.
We loved working with Benjamin to design Tu's ring tell us about your experience with The Classic Jewellers and any advice you'd give to other couples choosing their ring.
We both went into our appointment feeling anxious and out of our depth, but Jess guided us through the process and made us feel comfortable. We were in safe, warm, patient hands. We ended up finding Tu’s engagement ring really quickly, and the wedding band selection process was also straightforward. We are both simple people, and the entire process was seamless. We would recommend other couples just come in and have fun!
What are you most excited for as you step into this new chapter together?
We’re excited about our future together, building our family and business, and growing with one another. We believe our rings are a symbol of our love and commitment to one another, classic, simple, straightforward, and timeless.
