Builder pops the question to the love of his life in hot air balloon over Winchester

For Aldo Llando had planned a surprise trip in a hot air balloon with Winchester firm Atmosphere Hot Air Balloons in order to pop the question to the love of his life Paola Tanas while floating above the Hampshire countryside.

And the special moment, which took place on April 18, was captured on camera by balloon pilot Jonathan Greatrix.

Aldo said he was delighted that his girlfriend of four years said yes.

Aldo, 33, said: "I was planning to propose to my other half in a nice private place. I wanted it something special for her because she is a special person to me.

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"I was looking for an interesting idea to propose for more than a year. And then I thought will be lovely to do that on a hot air balloon.

"By the way, my fiancé is afraid of heights but she always wanted to try something like that. So I wanted it to give her that first experience."

However the moment nearly didn't happen as interior design student Paola, 28, was hit by last minute nerves and almost didn't get into the balloon.

After some gentle encouragement she overcame her fear, much to Aldo's relief.

He said: "Paola didn't know anything about it. I have been to Winchester once before and loved it. I like Winchester because of its history and I thought it would be a perfect place.

"So I organised a trip for us and we went into the city centre before I took her to meet the hot air balloon. At first she was scared and she said she was not going in, but thankfully Jonathan's team put her at ease."

SEE ALSO: Stunning views of Winchester captured by hot air balloon company

It was also the first time in a hot air balloon for Aldo, and luckily the pair had perfect weather for their flight. It was also the first time Aldo had ever popped the question to anyone.

Aldo, a structural engineer who runs his own construction company, said: "I was a little bit nervous about the trip and asking her. It is something I have never done before. When I took out the ring, I feared that I would drop it.

"But everything went well. It was perfect up there. It was like a little slice of paradise."

After the flight, the couple, who first met in London by chance and struck up a bond over their heritage as they are both Albanians who grew up in Greece, enjoyed a glass of Champagne on the ground to celebrate.

The couple, who live in Surbiton, have already booked a venue and set a date, and will be tying the knot on July 22 at The Old Marylebone Town Hall.

They hope to honeymoon in Croatia later in the summer.

Also added: "We are both so happy."

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