Love in a holy land

Jin Fei and her boyfriend Peng Bing posed for pictures in Jerusalem after he proposed with a ring and a dress. Photo provided to Shanghai Star

Jin nodded and cheers filled the lobby. Peng then revealed a wedding gown, which he had secretly brought from Shanghai. "I had imagined various ways how he would propose to me but never believed I’d ever wear a bridal veil in an alien land," she says.

Jin went to the hotel room and put on the wedding dress. "Looking at the beautiful bride in the mirror, I told myself that I was going to get married, which I'd been anticipating for so long, and it was happening in Israel," she says.

The couple posed for pictures in the streets after sunset, celebrating the sweetest moment in their life.

"I made this proposal plan because Jerusalem is alluring as it connects my interests and career. More importantly, I wanted to make this solemn commitment in the most holy city on the planet," Peng says.

The following day, the sweethearts had their pre-wedding portraits taken at city landmarks, such as the Tower of David, the Wailing Wall, and the Bridge of Strings.

"Wherever we were, passers-by applauded and cheered and some asked to take pictures with us. We were greeted by smiling faces of Israelis and tourists of different complexion. This city, which seems to have nothing to do with romance, surpassed all the romantic icons in my heart," Jin says.

That amazing proposal happened six months after Peng, a native of Hunan province, and Jin from Gansu province, first met in church. They didn't talk much until one day in July she told him that she dreamed about him. They soon discovered that they held the same beliefs and core values and they would make perfect life partners.

"I never felt that I would have this determination of having a family so quickly until I met her," says Peng.

They will tie the knot next month.

About the sweethearts

Him: Peng Bing, 29, business director at a company that helps Chinese businesspeople invest in Israel

Her: Jin Fei, 32, human resources manager