A few months ago, our editor in chief Martina Bonnier received a call out of the blue asking if she – and the whole Vogue Scandinavia team – could help him propose to his girlfriend Desiré Inglander. Then, two days ago, she was lying in the sand capturing the big moment from the sandy stretches of a beach in The Hamptons for a digital cover exclusive
It was a few years ago that I first met pole vaulting champion Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis, at an Omega breakfast event in Stockholm. I was instantly charmed by his openness and calm sense of ease. We've crossed paths many times since – including the photoshoot for an issue of Vogue Scandinavia ahead of his success at the Olympics this summer, where he struck gold and wowed the world with his unrelenting record-breaking ability. It was during this year's Olympics that the world become better acquainted with his then-girlfriend Desiré Inglander, as they watched Mondo run directly into her arms to celebrate his win.
Over the summer, we also happened to spent some time together at the home of mutual family friends, and soon after, I received a phone call from Duplantis himself. 'What does the pole vault world champion want to talk to me about?' I wondered. He nervously told me that he wanted to propose, and asked for my help to give Desiré her ultimate dream: a Vogue cover. Inspired by our conversation just weeks before about my summers spent in The Hamptons, Duplantis had decided it would be an idyllic setting for their engagement.
When I embarked on the journey to plan the cover together with Mondo and the Vogue Scandinavia team, I knew we were working with something extraordinary. His athletic accomplishments – Olympic gold medallist, world record holder – are known around the globe. But this was his next, incredibly personal achievement, one that he admits was even more nerve-wracking than competing: proposing to his beloved Desiré.
Photo: Landon McMahon
For months we worked to plan the big moment, which naturally had do be shrouded in secrecy. The seamless collaboration between our team, Mondo, and the couple’s families was remarkable. From the surprise of flying in their loved ones from Stockholm and Louisiana to be there for the proposal, to Desiré saying 'yes' in an unforgettable couture gown: every detail reflected the magic of the moment. As Mondo swept Desiré off her feet – quite literally – the celebration began in earnest, with family and friends coming together to mark the beginning of this next chapter in their lives.
It was an honour to capture this moment for our latest digital cover. To lay on the beach as the sun set to capture the engagement on my phone is a memory that I will forever cherish.
Thank you, Mondo and Desiré, for trusting me with this unforgettable moment. And to our readers, we hope this issue brings you as much inspiration and joy as it has brought us in creating it.
