Two long-time lovers started the development of their relationship at a Starbucks.
So, of course, it made sense to honor that love by having their proposal at one of their favorite Starbucks, in the Amsterdam airport.
Their Love Story
Esther Havens and Austin Mann met almost a decade ago, (2008), in Waco, Texas. They both have 2 things in common: their love of photography and their love of travel. And it just so happens that the pair gets to live their dream! The two of them are both freelance photographers and supporters of developing non-profit start-ups. So with having those amazing jobs, they also have the opportunity to travel over 100,000 miles per year all across the globe.
After the two met, Austin was on his way back from Africa and would be making a stop through Amsterdam’s airport. He was also aware that Esther would also be passing through that same Amsterdam Airport. So Austin did what any adorable guy would do in a cinematic love story; He left Esther a note at the Starbucks located in the airport. Austin then sent Esther a text of a riddle as a way to let her know that there was a note for her in the airport Starbucks. And that is when all the feelings hatched out of their friendship, turning into a precious relationship.
This concept of love notes quickly scattered around many Starbucks locations around the world. Anywhere from L.A. to New Dehli, Austin was always putting in the cutest efforts and surprises for his lovely lady.
Seriously…this guy is boyfriend goals!
So what exactly did Austin say in these surprise notes?
In a statement with Starbucks, Esther explained,”Austin’s notes were always filled with something to make me feel special.” And actually, Esther also added some of her own personal notes to Austin. “My notes for Austin were many times filled with encouraging words about how awesome I think he is.” Aww! This is just right out of a classic romantic movie!
But the most special Starbucks in the world to the newly engaged couple is the Starbucks located at the end of the terminal in the Amsterdam airport. The reason being, that Esther frequents Europe for travel and job assignments and Austin finds that specific Starbucks to be a “hidden gem.”
The Proposal!
Austin made flight arrangements to make this proposal happen in the Amsterdam airport. So he booked a flight that arrived an hour before Esther’s early morning arrival from Tanzania to Amsterdam. He let Esther know that there was a note waiting for her in the Starbucks of the airport, upon her arrival. Austin also decided to reign in the help of Esther’s sister, Anna, so she could help capture the special moment and let the baristas know what Esther looked like and what was about to go down.
When Esther arrived at the Starbucks, she found the love note that Austin promised that also let her know about her pre-ordered drink waiting for her at the counter. And as Esther turned around, there was Austin with flowers and a ring, popping the question and she said yes!
Afterward, Esther gushed about her now fiance to Starbucks, saying: “There are things we can dream about forever, but that’s what I love about Austin is he does it. He makes it happen. He’s like, ‘Why not? I’ll fly to the other side of the world.'” All of the feels!
Their engagement story was so special and touching that Starbucks featured them on their website!
So can we expect Starbucks to cater at the upcoming wedding? We sure hope so! That would make this love story that much more iconic.
Congrats to the happy couple!
