Sophie Delezio - I'm marrying my best friend

It was the happily-ever-after moment the nation has always wanted for Sophie Delezio. The inspirational survivor reveals exclusively to The Weekly she happily said "yes" when her long-term love, Joseph Salerno, popped the question.

- JENNY BROWN

Everybody was in on the big secret, except Sophie Delezio. Her parents, brother, overseas friends – even her nail artist – knew boyfriend Joseph Salerno was about to pop the question in the most romantic way, on Valentine’s Day.

“Oh my God, I had no idea,” laughs Sophie, her big blue eyes out-sparkling even the diamond and platinum ring shining on her finger. “Funnily enough, I got a heart painted on one of my nails the week before and joked that it might give Joseph the hint! That’s how little I suspected what he had planned.”

Good mates for years before they became romantically linked, theirs is a love story against the odds. Terribly injured in two separate car crashes as a cherubic toddler, little Sophie’s courage and tenacity rapidly made her Australia’s sweetheart. And, eventually, Joseph’s too.

“She has always been the strongest person I’ve ever known. I could tell from our first handshake, a very strong grip,” smiles Joseph, recalling that fateful face-to-face when they were both Year 9 students. “Strong, confident and generous, those three words best describe Sophie. That’s what I see when I’m with her.”

The feeling is entirely mutual. “Honestly, Joseph is the most open and accepting person I’ve ever met,” Sophie says proudly. “He just understands and jumps in when I need help. I never have to ask or explain. It’s an absolute honour to be marrying him.”

Gently teasing each other, sharing their excitement, swapping tender glances, the couple’s adoration is palpable. At home in their stylish unit close to Sydney’s Luna Park, they cook together, entertain, watch old movies and plan fun weekends away in country NSW.