Hello everyone!
I write to you now as an overly excited newly-engaged woman! I can’t explain to you how excited I am. I feel like a brand new lady!
Long story short: We were in the Berkshire mountains at a friend’s country house (just the two of us). He said: “Will you be my wife?” I said: “YES! Of course!”
Now onto the bracelet part of the story—or the really BIG ring that happens to fit my wrist!
If you read my post entitled “No Ring Need…Put Some Real Estate On it” back in November, then you know that I was really waiting for him to pull out a deed to a brownstone in Harlem. Needless to say, that didn’t happen (every girl has a dream)!
But, what did happen was just as magical. My fiance (feels so cool calling him that) presented me with a beautiful rose gold and diamond bangle that he personally designed. It’s in the form of an infinity symbol to signify our never-ending love and there is also an inscription inside that reads: “To love is, to be happily ensconced in a dissonant equilibrium.” Second line: “Will you be my partner in this journey of love for life?” Don’t you just melt?
Throughout our relationship I told him that I didn’t need a diamond ring or any ring at that (note: but of course we would still get married). I have always been more interested in buying a home, so any money he wanted to put towards a ring I suggested we should save it for our future home. HOWEVER, if he felt so inclined to get me some type of jewelry my only wish was for it to be rose gold (I particular love this metal because my grandma Rosa gave me a rose gold watch on my 25th birthday and I think it looks great against all shades of skin).
Needless to say, he did a fabulous job! I’m so in love…I got my man and a beautiful bracelet as well! Life is good.
Did your significant other propose with something other than a ring? or would you be OK if he did?
Congrats, congrats, comgrats! I am so excited for you. I love a good engagement story and the bracelet is just so sweet and pretty! I got engaged and married without rings, it all happened fast.
Wow…congrats,Julee! What a beautiful bracelet!
I wanted a house more than a ring too! When my now husband and I started looking for a house, we had been together two years and knew marriage was on the horizon for us, but after a slew of friends went into debt for engagement rings and weddings, our priorities were on finding a home that we could start our life in together. We found our first place fairly quickly and as the proceedings of purchasing it began, marriage was the last thing on my mind. Many people asked me when we would get married because they assumed the house meant it was on the horizon- most had their opinions about me purchasing a house with my boyfriend without any guarantees. I had no reservations knowing what our future was together- I didn’t need a ring on it to tell me I was spending my life with him. The house was better than a ring anyway! We closed on a Tuesday and he proposed with a ring ( a blue sapphire as diamonds are not my style) on the Saturday in our new house– caught me completely by surprise!
Congratulations Julee! That bracelet is stunning. And so are you guys for placing your unique relationship above a tradition that didn’t fit for you.
I love that you guys did something unique. The infinity bracelet truly symbolizes your eternal love for each other. I actually feel that the personalized bracelet is way more meaningful than the cliche diamond ring we are used to. bottom line – it’s for you two and not the world, so whatever means the most to you. way to go, julee, for setting the trend and making it OK to break the mold.
Julee, you know I am so excited for you. The house will come later–and will probably lead to another house, and maybe even another after that. But the bracelet can travel with you forever, no matter where you live. Enjoy this wonderful time!
Yes, Id be totally happy with something other than a ring…there arent alot out there that I really care for and honestly, I really just like the look of a wedding band- seems to be the new fad too….I also like the idea of a ring with the center stone not being a diamond, but a stone that means something to both of you…Ive recently gotten interested in the black diamond- such a contrast, but so pretty!
CONGRATULATIONS! Isn’t cloud 9 a great place to be? http://blog.sweetservices.com/sweetscandyblog/
Go Julee! What a beautiful bracelet and what a beautiful inscription. You truly have a special love, I’m so happy for you guys.
Congratulations, Julee! That is so exciting!! I am an engaged woman as well, and a traditional one at that, so I wanted an engagement ring. But I did buck what seems to be standard of going into debt over a ring by choosing a diamond/setting that was small and tasteful, but still elegant and classic. To your question, I would absolutely have been ok with it if my fiance had not gone the traditional route, and had presented me with some other piece of jewelry (especially one as beautiful and touching as your inscribed bracelet!)…or even if he had just popped the question, sans jewelry! Because if getting married is all about diamonds and a wedding, I think that’s getting married for the wrong reasons! It’s about being partners and building a life together, right? Anyways, congrats again!
Many Congrats! LOVE LOVE LOVE the story and the bracelet. How thoughtful of your fiance! I imagine the house will come soon.
Congratulations! You two make a beautiful pair!
Congratulations again Julee…I think the ring or no ring situation depends on the people. Clearly you are okay with it so “Rock on with ya bad self”! Does this mean though that the two of you will forgo a large wedding if its the brownstone in Harlem that you really want?
Congrats! Beautiful bracelet and beautiful story. Thanks for showing how you can still have an awesome engagement story without a ring!
I *love* that he designed it himself, and I love the inscription, and I love the both of you!! Now, what are you gonna wear to your wedding?!?! What a delicious time of life, drink it all in.
congratulations.. carbohydrate diet low
What a great story and wonderful news! Congratulations!!
What a great story and wonderful news! Congratulations!!
My husband 29 years ago proposed to me with a malt milkshake.
He was new to the military and as a first year private, didn’t have any money. He hinted a few weeks before wanting to know if I needed to have a diamond to be engaged. I told him I didn’t need a piece of jewelry to feel loved. My favorite treat back then was malt milkshakes so that’s what he presented me when he popped the question.
15 years later, he bought me the most beautiful amethyst surrounded by diamonds when he was in New Mexico and gave it to me for Christmas.
what a brilliant idea! and so heartfelt. i absolutely love this story and would love to mention it on my blog. we girls get so wrapped up in the big ring & big wedding that we forget sometimes what is truly important. so unique : )
Thank you for all the well wishes! I’m still on Cloud 9 and knee deep in wedding planning. We are going to attempt to keep the wedding at a reasonable budget (still need to purchase that home), but it surprising that even a “low key” wedding costs a small fortune. Ugh! I’m not easily defeated though. Again, thank you for all the love and comments. xxx
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