Geitz getting married
IT started with trembling hands, an engagement ring nestled safely in a sock and the acceptance word ‘yes’ to seal a loved-up couple’s exciting future.
A nervous feeling wouldn’t be an emotion rugby union player Mark Gilbride is accustomed to, but when down on one knee asking for Australian netballer and Allora girl Laura Geitz’s hand in marriage he admitted to being a little shaky.
The beaming couple publicly announced their engagement at Warwick yesterday, sharing their Brisbane proposal of December 3.
Geitz said she knew “something was up” when the usually calm Gilbride started to pace and grappled with the need to wear a jacket during a hot summer’s day.
“It was only after I realised why he wanted a jacket – he never wears jackets – because he wanted to put the ring in a pocket,” Geitz said.
The 23-year-old said she threw her boyfriend of two-and-a-half years some quizzical looks before the couple set off for a walk.
But without a jacket to safely hide an engagement ring Gilbride’s next thought was his shoe and sock, a place to discreetly hide the jewel under long jeans.
“But then I started walking funny, I was so worried I’d lose it,” Gilbride said with a laugh.
The union player who has spent time abroad in Italy and Japan said he knelt and Geitz went down with him, but the romantic proposal ended with a “yes” and some tears.
The Deli Commonwealth Games silver medallist didn’t show off her newly acquired bling yesterday as the couple were caught during their fitness regime at Warwick Indoor Recreational and Aquatic Centre before a few days of holiday indulgence.
The couple have recently returned from time off in Bali and were in Warwick yesterday to celebrate Geitz’s mum’s birthday and would spend Christmas morning with family in Allora before returning to Brisbane to celebrate with Gilbride’s family.
Gilbride is a Brisbane boy but was excited to join Geitz’s extended family, her fans, who are now his on the Southern Downs.
While Geitz said it was too early to speculate a wedding venue or date, the Rose City’s wedding of the year could feature at the netballer’s
former high school the Scots PGC chapel. It would make an intimate venue.
Gilbride knelt and Geitz went down with him, but the romantic proposal ended with a “yes” and some tears
