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She said yes: Couple’s quirky dive-in engagement party

A pair of local lovebirds have proved that an engagement celebration is possible despite the world being in a health-induced lockdown.

Sunshine Coast Falcons player Sammy Burns proposed to his long time girlfriend Ashleigh Cooper this week and managed to celebrate with friends despite the global pandemic.
Sunshine Coast Falcons player Sammy Burns proposed to his long time girlfriend Ashleigh Cooper this week and managed to celebrate with friends despite the global pandemic.

A PAIR of local lovebirds have proved that an engagement celebration is possible despite the world being in a health-induced lockdown.

Sunshine Coast Falcons star Sammy Burns proposed to his long-time girlfriend Ashleigh Cooper this week, popping the question on the beach.

The next morning, the pair and some of their closest friends – which included fellow Falcons Tom Rafter, Jake Ainsworth, Nicho Hynes and Darryn Schonig – went out for a celebratory surf.

Sunshine Coast Falcons player Sammy Burns proposed to his long time girlfriend Ashleigh Cooper this week and managed to celebrate with friends despite the global pandemic.
Sunshine Coast Falcons player Sammy Burns proposed to his long time girlfriend Ashleigh Cooper this week and managed to celebrate with friends despite the global pandemic.

Without bending the rules, the group were able to share the couple’s special moment together.

“It was really nice,” Mr Burns said.

“We will be having a proper engagement party probably late July when it’s safe to do so.”

The couple have been together for seven years with Ashleigh waiting patiently for her partner to drop on one knee.

The groom to be said while he “was due” he had wanted to wait until he finished his education degree.

Sunshine Coast Falcons player Sammy Burns proposed to his long time girlfriend Ashleigh Cooper this week and managed to celebrate with friends despite the global pandemic.
Sunshine Coast Falcons player Sammy Burns proposed to his long time girlfriend Ashleigh Cooper this week and managed to celebrate with friends despite the global pandemic.

“She wasn’t expecting it at all. We just had a little picnic and some drinks and I popped the question,” he said.

“She didn’t say yes initially. I think she was in complete shock.

“She had her head on my chest, crying, then said yes. I was a little relieved.”

The pair are due to tie the knot in October next year to coincide with the end of football season.

“In an ideal world, we win the grand final the week before, then I get married.”

Originally published as

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/sunshine-coast/she-said-yes-couples-quirky-divein-engagement-party/news-story/36d0ef1cb9a406ec264045bc8b4c6082