US couple travel to Windermere hotel where they got engaged
Steve and Penny Rutledge, originally from Los Angeles, flew in from California to return to the spot where they got engaged 30 years ago.
Three decades after their engagement at Lindeth Howe Hotel, near Lake Windermere, the couple made the journey from their home in Beaumont, just outside Palm Springs, to mark the anniversary and recreate photos from the special day.
The couple first met in 1993 on the beaches of California—Mrs Rutledge was rollerskating when they bumped into each other.
At the time, Mr Rutledge was working for World Cup Soccer, and Mrs Rutledge worked in central Los Angeles.
They shared a love of laughter and good conversation, and even had matching Chuck Taylor high-top trainers.
‘I don’t shave for friends,’ was Mr Rutledge’s joke when he turned up to their date with a beard—this made it clear to Mrs Rutledge that their connection was more than friendship.
On the night of his company Christmas party, when Mrs Rutledge got a run in her stockings and Mr Rutledge dashed out to buy her a new pair, she knew he was someone ‘truly special.’
Two years later, during a holiday to the UK, Mr Rutledge proposed to Mrs Rutledge at Lindeth Howe, which was ‘lovingly orchestrated’ with a champagne glass and a sparkling ring.
They had first visited Lindeth Howe in 1994, charmed by its link to Beatrix Potter and captivated by the Lake District’s natural beauty.
Mrs Rutledge said: “It was like something out of a storybook.
“We’d just arrived in our room, Steve poured me a glass of champagne and casually said, ‘I think there might be something in there.’
“I thought it was a bit of cork, but then I saw the ring.
“I cried, he asked the question – and of course I said yes.”
The pair came down to the hotel bar that evening to celebrate with a dram of whisky, taking a photo to commemorate the occasion.
Now, 30 years later, Mr Rutledge arrived in the same sweater from the night of the proposal, and Mrs Rutledge brought along a turtleneck in the same colour.
They recreated the photo that captured such an important moment in their lives together.
Describing being back as a ‘relaxing exhale,’ the pair reflected on how much the hotel has changed in 30 years.
Mr Rutledge said: “Coming down the driveway and seeing the house again was just magical.
“The hotel has changed significantly since our first stay, but we love it as much now as we did then – and we especially love the new décor.”
They say the key to a long and happy marriage is laughter, a strong friendship, and open communication.
Mrs Rutledge said: “We were best friends first.
“That gave us such a strong foundation.
“We’ve always been relaxed around each other – we can have a spat and be laughing two minutes later.
“That’s what love really looks like.”
The team at Lindeth Howe was honoured to welcome Steve and Penny back.
Tony Holden, the general manager, said: “Lindeth Howe is such a special place.
“From its timeless history and connection with Beatrix Potter to its secluded location overlooking Lake Windermere, it’s no wonder Steve felt it was the right place to propose.
“Each year we host numerous weddings, and each one is just as magical, memorable and unique as the last.
“To welcome back Steve and Penny to celebrate their 30-year engagement milestone was a real career highlight for me – and it just goes to show how much this hotel leaves a lasting impression on all those that visit.”
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