Surprise Motat proposal triggers tears

Lisa Woodley had ‘‘absolutely no idea’’ a proposal was on the cards on a recent trip to Motat with partner Chris Light.

As they went through the museum gates Woodley, age 32, said she thought ‘‘what’s going on here?’’.

Light, age 44, said their first date was at Motat and he wanted to do something special for the engagement.

The west Auckland couple are both wheelchair users who met 16 years ago at Lynnmall, and have been together for more than two years. Now engaged, Woodley said she will change her name to ‘‘Lisa Light’’ which has a ‘‘a real sparkle to it.’’

Motat spokes woman Vanessa Hefer said they arranged for an approved temporary wheelchair ramp to be attached to The Chapel of Good Shepherd, in Motat’s historic village.

Light said the proposal was inside the chapel, and his fiance was ‘‘all tears’’ when he proposed.

She said she was ‘‘absolutely blown away’’, and it was cool to get engaged at the old church.

Being engaged feels really wonderful and the proposal was such a surprise, she said. She said the ring is beautiful and she couldn’t believe he picked it.

Light said one of his colleagues at the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation helped organise it weeks prior to the event.

He said Motat made it so easy and organised a photographer.

Hefer said Motat wanted to make a special effort and it was about being community focused.

The ramp was attached to the heritage building which is one of Motat’s collection items, and cannot be altered in any way, she said.

According to Motat the building was formerly St Saviour’s Church in Blockhouse Bay and was built in 1898. It has a bell tower that is supported by a Celtic cross at each end.

Light said he is still getting used to being engaged and is looking forward to the next step in their relationship. He said Lisa is a really quiet person and has a good sense of humour, and they get on pretty well.

Woodley said they haven’t set a wedding date but will be able get a classic car for it, through her brother.

Light currently works at the Muscular Dystrophy Association and does nature photography in his spare time.

Woodley said that Light has been a big support with her health and now ‘‘it’s the light at the end of the tunnel’’.