Romantic combine driver proposes in harvest field

Harvest 2021 will be unforgettable for one Warwickshire couple, who decided to tie the knot while combining.

John Walley proposed to Sally Unwin in a brief break from cutting wheat next to the Rollright Stones, an ancient monument near Chipping Norton.

“It was a complete surprise,” said Sally. “I still can’t quite believe it – and am over the moon.

See also: Harvest 2021 Photography Competition

“John suggested we had a picnic, but I didn’t think anything of it because we’d discussed it earlier in the week, so I went over there that evening and, when I came down the combine steps, he was kneeling in the field. 

“I thought initially ‘what are you doing?’ then I saw ‘Will you marry me?’ written in the dust on the side of the combine and I realised he had a ring box.

© Sally Unwin

“I was overwhelmed, I started crying – then of course I said yes!”

John is an electrician by trade, but has a passion for agriculture and helps Tubbs End Farms every harvest, while Sally works for an Australian company selling horse-related products.

“His proposal was extremely romantic and unique,” said Sally. “I would have hated it if it had been in a restaurant with everyone looking at us.  It was a very ‘country’ proposal – so him and so us.

“He’d even arranged with the guy grain carting to turn the tractor around so the auger made an archway with the combine auger.

© Sally Unwin

“John’s the most kindhearted person I’ve ever met – he’ll do anything for anyone. We both have a very similar outlook on life and just get on so well.”

The couple, who were reunited on Muddy Matches last year and live in Northend in Warwickshire, hope to get married before harvest 2022.

“It was a traditional ‘Haribo’ ring and we’re now looking forward to going ring shopping when harvest has finished,” said Sally.