Groom overcomes fear of heights for mountain-top proposal

The groom had to face his biggest fear to propose to the woman he loved in snowy Japan.

Tahni Turpin

2 min read

March 24, 2022 - 11:30PM

QWeekend

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Groom Jeremy Nichol had to face his fear of heights to propose to bride Nikkila Hallman on Mt Kenashi in Japan on Valentine’s Day in 2020.

Jeremy planned their holiday in the historic village of Nozawa Onsen in the Nagano region, where he popped the question at sunset.

“I wasn’t expecting a proposal but when it did happen, I felt nervous and incredibly happy! The man of my dreams had just promised to spend the rest of my life with me,” Nikkila says.

“I had been cranky and frustrated all day from falling off my board and Jeremy still dared to carry the ring up the mountain on the gondola, get down on one knee and pop the question.

“Eventually, he coaxed me to follow him and I’m so happy I did, because it didn’t matter what happened next. I could have broken bones and I wouldn’t have cared.”

The Kingaroy couple, who met in 2017 at the Malt House in Warwick, married on November 27 last year at the Gordon Country Rivergums Barn at Goomburra, south-west of Brisbane, in front of 90 guests, sharing their first dance to Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran.

Nikkila and Jeremy’s wedding. Picture: RNC Photography

How did you meet?

We met five years ago on Jeremy’s last night in Warwick, or so it seemed. Dating app Tinder brought us together on December 22, 2017.

We both swiped right and decided to meet up that same night at The Malt House and have been inseparable ever since.

He moved to Brisbane and, lo and behold, spent every bit of his free time driving back to a place he never thought he would see again.

Any unique or surprising details about your wedding?

We had plenty of lawn games including bocce, quoits, cornhole, giant jenga, giant noughts and crosses, with a cocktail bar for our guests while they waited in between the ceremony and reception.

We also had our own pimped-out golf buggy for our bridal car.

Nikkila and Jeremy’s wedding. Picture: RNC Photography

What would you do differently?

Not stress so much beforehand, as the day was more perfect than we ever expected and we don’t think anything could have changed that.

What would you spend more or less on?

Most of our vendors were either local to Kingaroy, which is where we live now, or Warwick (Nikki’s hometown) and were very reasonably priced. They did a great job and exceeded our expectations.

What was the standout moment of the day?

Seeing all of our guests’ faces light up as we walked into the reception as Mr and Mrs Nichol.

Best advice for other couples planning a wedding?

No matter what obstacles that come your way don’t worry, as you will have the time of your life! And don’t choose your dress too early (I ended up with three!).