Jewelry Joy Story

The story

When Katie and I first met, it was through work. I had heard all about her, but we had never met, and she said the same about me. Our mutual friends kept talking to us about each other, planting the seeds long before we realized it.

My mom always told me, “When you know, you know.” I never really understood that until I met Katie. I can remember the exact day, the time, and even what she was wearing. We became friends quickly, started hanging out with the same people, and working together. It did not take long to realize we were both attached to each other in a different way.

Once we started dating, I told her, “I am going to marry you someday.” Fast forward a few years, and I went to visit Carrie at Exclusively Diamonds. Carrie and her team always take the best care of me, making me feel like VIP every time. She helped me pick out the perfect ring, and then came the hard part: how I was going to pop the question.

I talked to Katie’s parents, got their blessing, and the planning began. I took her to our family’s lake house while my sister set everything up. I was early, so I drove as slowly as I could and told Katie we had to watch for deer. I was still too early, so I even went the wrong way on purpose while I waited for it to get dark.

When we finally arrived, I was so nervous I think I blacked out a little, but she said yes. Then it was time to start wedding planning. The only thing I was certain of was that I wanted doughnuts. We chose a destination, and everything came together from there. It was truly one of the best days of our lives.

I am so thankful for everyone who could be there and for our amazing photographer, Manuel Ayala, for capturing the moments so beautifully.