Meet ourinaugural’Real Couple’, Nicole and Brandon! Their love story is one for the books and will even have the toughest of the tough tearing up after reading how they fell in love. Congratulations Nicole and Brandon!
The Couple
Brandon: Nicole and Iare both in law enforcement and first met during a training class for work.When I walked into the classroom and saw her, I was instantly overtaken by howincredibly beautiful she was and it was love at first sight! In the afternoonwhile socializing with the other classmates, she and I began casuallyconversing. Nicole had learned about my online fishing business and hadmentioned to me that she had also operated a business in the past. During thisconversation, she mentioned that she makes cakes and before thoroughly thinkingabout my reply, I too mentioned that I too had made cakes.
Completelyembarrassed and thinking I had just forfeited my “man card,” I proceeded toshow her the photos of the cakes I had made (which were not anywhere near the qualityof hers) and she was quite impressed. We continued to talk throughout thecourse of the week. Upon talking to each other, we realized we had so much incommon, and it was an instant spark. We exchanged numbers and remained incontact and eventually arranged a day date to meet for lunch.
Nicole and Imet for lunch and shared amazing conversations and began learning about eachother even more. This lunch date was the first time I had shared a meal withsomeone and couldn’t even eat because I was trying to keep all the butterfliesfrom flying out of my mouth when I talked. The way Nicole looked at me that dayis something I will remember forever. The moment I told her goodbye, I knew Iwanted to spend the rest of my life loving her. We continued to go on moredates and began spending much more time together, and I eventually asked Nicoleto be my girlfriend.
We continued todate and our love grew even stronger.
Nicole issignificant to me for one reason and that is because she shows me a love that Ihave never felt before and she loves me for the person I am. That love is equalbecause when I look at her, she always tells me that she has never had someonelove her the way I do and those feelings are something that cannot be ignored.I think we knew that we were the one for each other because we both knew thatwe wanted to share our lives together. I never believed in “love at firstsight” but after meeting Nicole, I am a firm believer that this candefinitely happen.
The Ring
Brandon: The ring…ohthe ring! I had never had to do this experience before so this was all new tome, who knew that picking out an engagement ring could be so difficult. Thereare literally more options for buying an engagement ring than there are in anew car. Size, color, clarity, shape, setting, lab-grown or mined, type ofmetal, and the list goes on. I wanted to be sure I got the perfect ring sincethis was going to be for the most amazing person to ever come into my life. Ibegan asking her what her favorite styles were should we ever come to thatpoint in our relationship and also what stone shapes she liked and we begancasually looking at examples of some of her favorites. She very much liked theoval-shaped diamond with the Calia setting. Although she picked the style ofthe ring she loved, she had no idea about the purchase and I did the designingon my own.
I decided on anoval cut 1.51-carat lab-grown diamond as a center stone in a Calia setting in aPlatinum finish. After ordering the ring, I was so excited to see the finishedproduct, I must have called Gage ten times to check the status of the ring.When Nicole first saw the ring, it was absolutely breathtaking and she was inawe. To this day she admires the ring while it’s on her finger and the fire ofthe ring is absolutely remarkable. My favorite part of the ring is the centerstone. The stone is so radiant on sunny days that the sparkle is almostblinding. Both of us could not have asked for a better engagement ring than theone we received from Gage.
Design Your Own Calia Engagement Ring
The Proposal
Brandon: We planned a campingtrip for Memorial Day weekend to Pismo Beach for just the two of us and I knewI was going to pop the question on this trip, I just didn’t know when or where.I spent all day on Saturday carrying around the bulky ring box in my pockethoping she wouldn’t feel it while we were out shopping. I guess I forgot thatthis was going to be the busiest weekend ever, but I wanted the proposal to beprivate with just us, but it seemed like everywhere we went people were around.
Later thatevening I told her I wanted to go watch the sunset so we drove over to ShellBeach. I knew this area was usually quiet as we have been on this beach beforein the evening. This beach is kind of secluded and long, so we went for a walkalong the beach as the sun was setting and I found an amazing spot with nobodyaround. I whispered to her and reminded her of how much I loved her and howmuch my life has changed for the better since she has become a part of it, Ithen got on one knee and asked her to be my forever love and withouthesitation, she said “yes!”
We spent theremainder of the weekend doing what we do best which was enjoying beingtogether. We went shopping, went out for sushi, and to finish the weekend, wewent on a sunset horseback ride through a private vineyard which was absolutelyamazing!
My favoritepart of the proposal was the fact that it was intimate and on the same beachthat we spent time together on for our first beach trip just months prior. Wewent to Pismo for a work trip and went for an evening walk on the same beachafter dinner which ended with a romantic kiss under the stars. We both love thebeach so much and have decided that our wedding will also be on the beach inbeautiful Carmel, California.
The GageDiamonds Experience
Brandon: My favoritepart of working with Gage Diamonds was the ease of the entire process alongwith the exceptional customer service. The website was so easy to navigate andit was fun to play with the different create your own styles. I had severalquestions regarding the purchase and every time I contacted Gage via the phone,a representative was eager to help. After I gave the ring to Nicole, she had tosend it in to get it resized just a tad bit smaller, just like before thatexperience was too was very simple and quick and we had it back in no timeflawless as can be.
Online shoppinghas come a long way and more and more people are purchasing larger moreexpensive items online. This was my first jewelry buying experience online andI must say I am amazed at the process. Gage Diamonds has incredible jewelry atamazing prices and the overall experience is something that cannot be beaten.The reviews online are definitely true and my experience exceeded myexpectations. From the quality of the ring, the box, the shipping, andfollow-up emails, I will definitely be recommending Gage Diamonds to all myco-workers who are in the market for a new piece of jewelry. Nicole and I arehonored to have such a beautiful custom piece of jewelry that we have alreadygone back and bought her wedding band from Gage which is just as gorgeous. GageDiamonds is an A+++ in my opinion and is laying the foundation for onlinejewelry shopping. Thank you again Gage Diamonds for making this such a greatexperience!
About Gage Diamonds
Gage Diamonds is Chicago’s premier jewelry showroom and online retailer of engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry. We offer a selection of dazzling handpicked diamonds, including certified natural diamonds and lab grown diamonds, moissanites and gemstones.
We’re committed to helping you find the ring of your dreams. For inspiration, browse our selection of natural and lab grown diamonds, or set up an appointment with a member of our trusted staff at our in-person showroom.
We offer no-credit-needed financing – feel free to apply and get your approval within 24 hours!
Pay over time, because love shouldn’t wait.