A sentimental boyfriend left his girlfriend of 5 years speechless after proposing with a sea shell she discovered on their very first date collectively
On January 4, Topher Richwhite bought down on one knee to suggest to his journey buddy, Bridgit Thackwray, utilizing the tiny scalloped shell as a token of his affection.
The couple are well-known for his or her round-the-world journey, expedition earth, which they launched into collectively after simply six weeks of courting.

Topher Richwhite, left, and Bridgit Thackwray, proper, of expedition earth, lately bought engaged

Topher proposed utilizing this tiny shell, one thing Bridgit had given him on their very first date, at a seaside in New Zealand

The couple have since been to 67 international locations collectively – turning into quick journey buddies – however by no means utilizing the phrases ‘I really like you’ on the street
Greater than 16,900 individuals have preferred their engagement announcement on Instagram, which was posted a month after the preliminary heartwarming second.
‘I used to be so pleased I forgot to say sure,’ Bridgit informed FEMAIL, noting that they had delayed telling followers so they may inform family members first.
The younger lady revealed she was shocked that regardless of all of their unimaginable adventures, by means of 67 international locations, the second she handed him the fragile little shell on the seaside close to their house in New Zealand continued to face out for him.
‘He informed me he wasn’t positive about marriage, but when he ever did suggest he knew how he would do it,’ Bridgit mentioned.
‘I hadn’t even remembered the shell.’
Within the teary video caught by shocked family Topher defined the shell reminded him of Bridgit’s coronary heart; lovely and fragile.

The couple could be seen kissing right here – on one aspect every of the Arctic line – the began their journey six weeks after their first date

Cappadocia, Turkey, as seen from the roof of Gunther – the couple’s trusted Jeep

Topher had by no means had a girlfriend earlier than Bridgit – however they’re now inseparable
His wife-to-be defined Topher was 31 after they met and had ‘actually loved the one life-style’.
He had requested his psychologist about whether or not he ought to get right into a relationship – and the physician had warned him hearts are fragile and break if they aren’t cared for correctly.
So when Bridgit caught his consideration on the seaside that first day and gave him the little shell, he could not assist however use the physician’s phrases to match the 2.

The couple deliberate to journey 90 international locations throughout seven continents – right here they’re in Namibia on the Skeleton Coast

They’ve even travelled to Siberia, Russia, collectively of their automobile

Italy’s Dolimite mountains have additionally hosted the couple who share a love for journey
On the couple’s third journey Bridgit mentioned she advised they journey the world collectively, weeks later they got down to purchase a automobile and start their journey.
They purchased their Jeep Gunther in Canada and bought to know one another within the entrance seat as they cruised towards the expedition start line.
They deliberate to journey by means of 90 international locations over three years, making visa and passport runs house to separate the journey into three elements.
They put their stuff in storage and set off collectively – in Topher’s shed was a bit of silver field with the shell – a reminder to him to not drop Bridgit’s coronary heart.

This photograph was taken on Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni, on a salt expedition throughout leg one of many journey

Regardless of their apparent affection for one another and skill to get on Bridgit was by no means positive if there can be a marriage
It took Topher 4 years to inform Bridgit he liked her.
That they had been a pair by means of their journey however she thinks he solely felt secure to say it as soon as ‘issues labored’ after they bought again to the true world – after abandoning their automobile in Russia when Covid was declared a pandemic.
‘We’ve been inseparable because the begin although,’ she mentioned.
‘We have not spent an evening away from one another, we’re at all times collectively.’
They’ve since moved to a distant property the place they dwell in a tiny home.

Pictured in entrance of Torres Del Paine, Chile – throughout leg one of many journey – the couple say their households have been very supportive of the journey

They’ve come throughout unimaginable landscapes and met pleasant locals throughout their time on the street
Topher wished to make Bridgit a hoop however as a result of they like to be with one another on a regular basis the duty proved unattainable.
‘Final yr he went into city by himself two days in a row, telling me he wanted to purchase me a Christmas current.’
‘On the second day I informed him I did not want one, not wanting him to go once more.’
Throughout his time ‘on the town’ Topher had really bought the diamond for a hoop, which he introduced to Bridgit with the first-date shell.

Monument Valley was additionally on their first leg – mere months after that they had met

Lake Tuz, Turkey, was featured within the second leg of their journey – by this time they have been in tune with one another

Now the couple have a tiny home within the far north of New Zealand the place they dwell an hour from the closest city
The couple are but to determine if they are going to have a giant marriage ceremony or get hitched abroad someplace.
‘The marriage planning is getting pushed again a bit, the subsequent precedence is rescuing our automobile Gunther, who’s in Russia.
‘We’ve to stand up there and transfer hime earlier than the top of March or he shall be bought off.’
The couple cannot proceed on their deliberate route as most of the international locations are closed.
In addition they journey to distant communities and do not need to unfold the illness.