Actress Marisa Abela has shared a humorous and 'disappointing' story about the moment she mistakenly believed her now-husband, West End actor Jamie Bogyo, was about to propose during a romantic getaway to Paris.
The Parisian Proposal That Wasn't
In a candid new interview, the 29-year-old Back to Black star admitted she was convinced a proposal was imminent during a trip to the French capital with Bogyo, 31. The couple were dining with friends when Jamie excused himself, claiming he felt unwell and should return to the hotel, but insisted Marisa stay out. "Pretending to play along with what I thought was going to be a proposal," Marisa told The Sunday Times, she anticipated a scene of roses and champagne upon her return.
Instead, the reality was far less romantic. "I got back later, expecting roses and champagne to be everywhere, and instead found Jamie in a ball on the floor being sick," she revealed. "I had to play off my disappointment really quickly!" The actual proposal came weeks later, in July 2024, during a stroll through London's Primrose Hill.
A Fairytale Wedding at Firle Place
The couple, who first met while studying at RADA in 2016, eventually tied the knot in September at the picturesque 15th-century Firle Place manor house in Sussex. Their late-afternoon ceremony was filled with personal touches and old Hollywood glamour.
In a romantic nod to their early relationship, Marisa walked down the aisle to the theme from Cinema Paradiso, the film they watched together before first saying 'I love you'. Jamie's best man, Nate Janis, officiated, while both fathers gave readings. Friends from drama school, Liadán Dunlea and Iwan Davis, performed a touching rendition of 'May You Never' by John Martyn.
Bridal Style and Celebrations
For the big day, Marisa exuded elegance in a stunning satin Emilia Wickstead gown, inspired by Audrey Hepburn. The dress featured a drop waist, sculpted off-the-shoulder micro-sleeves, and a structured corset. She completed the look with a dramatic nine-foot veil and custom Jimmy Choo Max 150 heels, personalised with the couple's initials on the sole.
"It was its own show-stopping moment with its simplicity and cut," Marisa told British Vogue about her choice. For the evening reception, she changed into a second Emilia Wickstead creation, the ivory Micheline gown, noting "I needed something to be able to dance in!"
Meanwhile, Jamie looked dapper in a custom double-breasted tuxedo by Dunhill. After saying 'I do', the newlyweds celebrated with champagne, cocktails, and canapés before guests were whisked away to Soho House Brighton for an intimate dinner and a night of dancing.
