Bradley’s Jewellers York Hosts Surprise Marriage Proposal

Independent and multi-award-winning jewellery retailer Bradley's Jewellers York has had its summer spirits lifted by a special marriage proposal, which took place right outside its front door on Low Petergate.

Born-and-bred Yorkshireman James King proposed to Texas-born Heather Bittlestone in front of the retailer’s 'Something Blue' floral display in June 2025, having selected the location for its sentimental significance to the bride-to-be.

Prior to this moment, Heather had often stopped by Bradley's Jewellers York – her favourite local family jewellers – to point out her dream engagement ring in the Grade II Listed window display. Her groom-to-be knew this and approached Bradley's Jewellers York owner Kay Bradley to purchase the 0.80-carat solitaire diamond engagement ring in platinum.

He then arranged for a surprise proposal to take place outside the front of the store in the shadow of York Minster, with the Bradley's Jewellers York team working hard behind the scenes

to make the moment extra special, capture it on video, and provide the champagne immediately afterwards.

Kay Bradley says: "Thousands of shoppers and passers-by take photographs of our historic storefront and floral window displays every year, so we've always been something of a hotspot of activity on Low Petergate. More recently, though, we've had people contacting us about using our store as the backdrop for their marriage proposals. James and Heather were the first, but I think this is a sign of things to come."

James and Heather, who met in a village pub along Wainwright's Way in Cumbria, have now been invited back to Bradley's Jewellers York to discuss their matching wedding rings and perhaps a suite of bridal jewellery for the big day.

Bradley adds: "This was such a special and romantic moment for our whole team, it was wonderful to be part of James and Heather's big moment. People are sentimental about the trips they take to our great city, and I am thrilled that Bradley's Jewellers York is becoming a destination for proposals. With the purchase of an engagement ring, we are happy to arrange the perfect time to 'pop the question' and provide all the support a man or woman might need to get down on one knee."

Bradley's Jewellers York has made 2025 the 'Year of Weddings', kicking off with appearances at The UK Wedding Event at York Racecourse and The Northern Wedding Show at Newcastle's Utilita Arena, both in March 2025. At the latter, the retailer hosted a competition for attendees to win an Eco Rocks Toi et Moi laboratory-grown diamond ring in platinum, with the winner announced on stage by Strictly Come Dancing 2025 contestant, Vicky Pattison.

More recently, Bradley's Jewellers York achieved national attention by loaning its unique, custom-made York Rose Tiara to Hanni Treweek for her high-profile marriage to Coronation Street star, Jack P. Shepherd. The bride wore the British-made tiara alongside a pair of earrings, a bracelet, a pendant and her bespoke engagement ring, all from Bradley's Jewellers, York.

Looking ahead, the retailer has been nominated in the Wedding Rings and Jewellery category at the North of England Wedding Awards, with voting due to close on September 2, 2025.