Tell us your love story — how did you meet, when did you know they were the one? :
Brandon and I met during vet school in Colorado, where we were first classmates and friends before beginning to date. I visited Washington for a job interview during the early weeks of our relationship and all I wanted to do was get back to CO to see Brandon. It was supposed to be a fling that ended when we graduated, as we were moving to opposite sides of the country (Brandon to VT and Cari to WA). Fate had another idea for us and we decided to pursue a long distance relationship. On our first visit since moving (after only 3 months of dating), we visited a ring shop on a whim to start getting some ideas. I began doing research online into unique rings, knowing I didn't want a classic diamond, which led me to PNPS. Once I moved to Vermont after one year in Washington, Brandon and I moved in together. He proposed during peak foliage on a hike overlooking Lake Willoughby and Mt Pisgah. We were alone with our black lab, Atlas, at a beautiful overlook and Brandon surprised me even more afterwards with champagne and a charcuterie and cheese picnic on top of the mountain. He later told me that he brought the engagement ring along on all of our recent adventures waiting for the perfect moment to propose. I wouldn't have wanted it to go any other way!
Do you have any advice or tips for others planning a proposal?:
I had a few specific things I knew I did and didn't want to happen with our proposal, but ultimately left the rest of the planning up to Brandon. It was even better to be surprised than to have expected it or planned it myself! My advice to those being proposed to is to is to try to enjoy the surprise and unknown of it as much as you can without trying to predict when or what will happen.
Why did you choose a PNPS ring? What stood out to you?:
I found PNPS online (instagram) and was pleasantly surprised that the was only 25 minutes from where I was living in Bothell. I knew I wanted a colored stone, something unique and not a traditional diamond. I found that PNPS specialized in kite shaped diamonds and fell in love with that style. I chose a kite shaped green sapphire because green is my favorite color. I loved that I could use an existing design or customize my own and ultimately, used an existing design but added my own spin on it. This ring is one of a kind and uniquely mine, which is what I love so much about it.
What has been the most memorable part of your engagement/wedding?:
We ended up eloping on a whim, which was one of the most spontaneous things I've ever done. We came up with the idea on Friday and were married 4 days later on Tuesday. Brandon and I had just bought a house together and were already engaged, so we figured, why not? We had a justice of the peace marry us with beautiful views of the Green Mountains in the background. While I didn't get to use a PNPS ring as my wedding band at that time, I am so excited to design a wedding band that fits perfectly with my engagement ring.
