How to choose the Perfect Wedding Bands for YOU – A 5 Steps Buying Guide

Wedding bands – For most of the people, they agree that having the right wedding bands are one of the most important part of the marriage. The wedding bands symbolize your union, commitment and love for one another. From other point of view, it is a jewelry piece that you will wear it everyday throughout all the years ahead. So, having your right wedding bands is an very important thing for your marriage and it is a day-to-day wearing jewelry indeed.

Selecting the favorite wedding bands has always been the most time consuming task for every groom and bride. There is a numerous of brands from different designs, price ranges, metals, stories behind,etc…So, how to choose YOUR wedding bands?

1. Set your budget

Different wedding band designs have different price ranges. The price range is sometimes vary much as you could imagine. Setting your budget on buying the 2 wedding bands at the most beginning will help you to narrow your selection range and make you focus on the right pieces that you are potentially to buy most likely. Normally, a woman’s wedding band may have a higher price of a man’s one due to the diamond setting on the bands. Most of the woman’s wedding band have diamonds that makes it looks more feminine.

2. Select the metal

When choosing the metal for your wedding rings, consider color, durability, and weight as well as your lifestyle, personal preferences, and needs. If you’re looking for a white metal, consider platinum, palladium, cobalt, 18k white gold, and 14k white gold. For a warm glow, the traditional 18k yellow gold may be your best choice. Cobalt wedding bands are a durable, lightweight, and affordable option for men. Matching wedding bands add another element of romance to your wedding. If you’re considering this option, note the metal of her engagement ring and any other jewelry you both regularly wear such as watches. Some brands will provide metal coating service to change the wedding band’s color if you would like some difference one day.

3. Select your style

Wide variety of wedding ring styles both with and without diamonds, including classic, modern, and vintage. Women’s diamond wedding bands may have extraordinary sparkle and shine in every shape and style. Men’s plain wedding bands and women’s plain wedding bands have classic appeal for those who want or need a simpler ring. For woman, try to have styles that match with your engagement ring. It will have a totally different feeling when your put them together.

4. Find your size

Find your size by a ring sizer. Beware that if you are trying the size in summer, DO NOT select a size which you feel loose. In summer time, your fingers will be bloated due to the hot weather. It is an opposite when you are trying the size in winter

5. Timing

This is the most important thing that you have to beware of. From our experience here at Skatell’s Jewelers,  couples usually spend too much time on selecting the style and once they confirm the rings, they found that their size are not available. Re-sizing or new production would be needed in that case. In normal, at least 2 weeks for re-sizing and 4-6 weeks should be expected for a new production. Therefore, start to source your wedding bands and confirm the order earlier as possible

Should You Propose to Him?

 

So you’ve been dating for quite some time and though it’s a bit untraditional, you’re starting to wonder if you should just bite the bullet and get down on bended knee. You’re not alone! The major trend in engagements this year is ladies proposing to their leading men, but is it the right time for you to pop the question? Or is just about to ask and you just need to be a little more patient? Take the quiz to see if your ready.

 

1. How long have you been dating?

More than a year: legit couldn’t be happier
8 months: going strong.
More than three years (oy!)
3 months: but it’s love!

1. Have you talked about marriage yet?

Once or twice, just in passing, nothing serious.
Only once and only because it was in a movie that we watched together.
Too many times to count! I’ve also sent him pins to engagement rings I like on Pinterest, but he isn’t picking up the hint.
Yes – and we’ve both expressed that we want the same things and could see that future together.

1. How often do you fight? And how do you handle disagreements as they come up in your relationship?

We had one really bad fight, and we just didn’t speak for a few days and didn’t discuss it. He got really mad, I got jealous and it just wasn’t a shining moment for either of us.
We’re SO in love, we haven’t had a fight yet.
We don’t fight that much, really just small petty things now. And because we know one another so well, we can handle them with a lot more maturity than in the past.
We don’t fight that much – probably the normal amount for a couple that’s been together for as long as we have. And after trial-and-error, we’re finally figuring out how to better communicate.

1. When it comes to the big things in life: handling money, having children, where you should live and your future career aspirations, how do you handle those discussions as a couple?

We’ve barely scratched the surface on these topics, but from what I can tell, we are on the same page.
We’ve discussed all of these topics several times, and though we might not always see eye-to-eye, we can always find a common ground. He’s even commented on how happy that makes him!
These bases are totally covered. We even have a savings account together for our future home. (I just wish some of that was going toward my ring!)
Oh wow! I haven’t even thought to ask about those things just yet. It’s too early!

1. Does your family dig your guy?

They love him! In fact, they might like him more than I do!
They haven’t met yet- but I’m trying to talk him into going down for our next big holiday.
I talk to his mom on the phone nearly every week and we go to all family functions together. We act married, even though we aren’t even engaged!
When they were in town a month ago, we all met briefly for brunch. It went smoothly and my parents liked him – but it wasn’t a ton of time to really get to know each other.

1. When you’ve mentioned that you want to get married – sometime soon – how does he react?

He’s actually brought it up himself occasionally, and even asked about how long I wanted to wait before taking that step.
We’ve only really discussed it once and when we did, he was very open to it, though he did mention that he wasn’t ready to take that step, just yet.
I’ve never mentioned it. I’m waiting for him to bring it up.
He’s so open to it, he just doesn’t really like being put on the spot. It’s something I’ve learned over the years about him, and though I know he loves me, he’s just not the romantic gesture kind of dude.

1. Have any of your guy’s best friends proposed to their girlfriends?

Half are in relationship, a few are married and a few are single. It’s pretty balanced.
Almost all of his friends are married or engaged!
One or two.
Not that I know of, no.

1. When it comes to sex, how happy are you?

Pretty satisfied, but the jury is out on if he’s still the best I’ve ever had yet. (shh!)
At this point, we know one another’s bodies so well, we get to a fantastic ending every time.
Very! We have it all the time!
Very happy! He takes time to address my needs and we both have the same sex drive.

1. In your gut – do you believe he’s the love of your life?

I’ve never been in love, but this feels pretty close.
Absolutely. Bring on the wedding!
I really do – even if it scares me a bit how much I care about him!
I’m not sure, just yet.

1. Be honest: how do you think he’d respond to being proposed to?

I think he’d royally freak out.
I’m not sure I want to spend my life with him!
At this point, I think he’d be relieved!
I think he wouldn’t mind, but it takes the romance out of it, no?

Signs Your Ready to Propose Flow Chart~ See if your Ready

You’ve found the perfect partner and things are great…so what’s next? Find out if you’re ready to take the big step with our fun, easy and oh-so-telling Are You Ready To Propose? flowchart! Hope this helps someone to know when it’s time 🙂

Ok, so now you know your ready, but what’s next? How do you start?

Here are some great ideas we think are some really cool Proposal ideas… please feel free to comment below if you want to add your own ideas. We love to hear from YOU!

In Joseph’s Words:

How did you two meet?
We met at a concert in San Francisco. A well-known DJ (Kaskade) was performing at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium; I went to the show with my friends and she went with hers. Right before the start of the show, we happened to stumble upon the same step and our eyes met. Coincidentally, the show opened with a song called “Eyes,” which is about how eyes reveal true feelings and how love is easy to recognize just by looking into one’s eyes. We had an instant connection, singing to the lyrics of our favorite songs and dancing throughout what we both consider the most magical night of our lives.

How did you propose?
At the Bill Graham, exactly one year since we met! Knowing this would not be an easy task, I emailed the venue’s production company and asked them if it would be possible to coordinate a marriage proposal inside on the steps we met on. They happily agreed and helped me plan the whole surprise, which evolved into something even better!

On the day of, I rented a stretch limousine to take myself and my blindfolded girlfriend to the auditorium. As I took her hand and led her into the space, the song “Eyes” was softly playing in the lobby. As I opened the double doors into the auditorium and removed the blindfold, she was shocked to find a long, red carpet leading to a table for 2 in the center, complete with champagne, flowers, and speakers in the background playing all “our” songs. We shared a toast and enjoyed a dance together. After we left the venue, I took her by the hand, told her how much I loved her and wanted to be by her side until the end, and asked her to turn around. On the marquee, in bold, black lettering, read “Jennifer Brooks, Will You Marry Me?”

What does she love most about her engagement ring?
She said, “I really like that the ring is the perfect representation of our relationship (pure and simple), my partner’s understanding of my personality and style, and the eternal love we have for one another.”

Surprise! Jennifer is stunned to see the proposal message on the marquee.

Jennifer’s eyes filled with tears, she said YES!

What does she love most about her engagement ring?
She said, “I really like that the ring is the perfect representation of our relationship (pure and simple), my partner’s understanding of my personality and style, and the eternal love we have for one another.”

Sergeant Jasmine was so in love with her boyfriend, Sergeant Luis. They met and bonded while they were in the same Army Reserve Unit. Confidence just overflows from Jasmine. She knew what she wanted and decided to go the non-traditional route. After she surprises and proposes to Luis, he in turn proposes to her! This unique love story (and this adorable military couple) makes hearts melt!

Please feel free to comment below if you want to add your own ideas. We love to hear from YOU!

Signs He’ll Propose This Valentine’s

Wondering if you’ll be showing off a ring on your finger this Valentine’s?  Maybe you have a hunch but you’re still not quite sure. Here are 6 signs that he’ll propose for Valentine’s ! Ready your heart and see if all signs point to ‘yes’:

He’s not stressing over what to get you for Valentine’s. If he’s typically stressing over gifts for you, and he seems cool and collected, he probably already has your gift in a teeny little box hidden in his sock drawer. He knows that he’s got this swoon worthy gift in the bag.

You’ve noticed that one of your favorite rings are missing. Chances are, one has been whisked away for size reference (which is a sizing tip we’ve been giving guys for a while, now).

Valentine’s plans have been locked in, way in advance. He’s probably been planning this way in advance, so if he’s the one initiating that the two of you visit your family soon after Valentine’s or if you two are going to have a quiet evening alone, he may have something way bigger (and long-term) planned.

He’s talked about getting married earlier … but has been strangely quiet these last few weeks. In an attempt to throw you off course for the big surprise, he could even be acting aloof and distant. Sometimes the anxiety of the proposal can make guys seem distracted and/or brain-dead.

He’s been squirreling away some cash. Is it just you, or does his shopping list look a little short this year? Has he been cutting back on Starbucks, washing his own car, and passing on the beer during date night? He may be saving for a big shiny purchase…

You’ve got some special plans this year. You and your guy typically spend time with friends around the weekends, but he’s suggested some other super romantic outing for this special holiday weekend ( Valentine’s fall on a Friday this year ). Are either of you super shy and private? He may want to have a private proposal with you and would rather celebrate with friend’s at a later time.

If any of these ring true for you.. you may want to schedule in a mani before the festivities! Are you hoping for an engagement during Valentine’s? Or would you prefer to keep these seperate? Do you prefer a proposal around family or privately? Let us know if you see the signs!

Watch this New Arrested Video Proposal below, one of the best Ideas we found: Traffic stop turns into a Proposal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N8j0BQOHOs&feature=player_embedded

Samantha and Matt met at a party their freshman year of college… which was busted by the cops. After that, it seemed the two connected, and began dating.

When it came time to propose, Matt decided that since they mat as “trouble makers”, it only made sense to propose in that way. The police pulled them over, and had him by the vehicle putting him in handcuffs. Samantha didn’t know what to think as the officer began patting her boyfriend down… until the officer pulled something out of Matt’s pocket.

An engagement ring.

Matt then strides over to Samantha, clearly not cuffed, and asks her to marry him. As he does, friends appear from all over to get it on camera. Obviously they were staged around the area, knowing what was going to happen.

– See more at: http://www.yourengagement101.com/blog/2014/01/an-arrested-proposal/#sthash.CWcNDMrD.dpuf

Samantha and Matt met at a party their freshman year of college… which was busted by the cops. After that, it seemed the two connected, and began dating.

When it came time to propose, Matt decided that since they mat as “trouble makers”, it only made sense to propose in that way. The police pulled them over, and had him by the vehicle putting him in handcuffs. Samantha didn’t know what to think as the officer began patting her boyfriend down… until the officer pulled something out of Matt’s pocket.

An engagement ring.

Matt then strides over to Samantha, clearly not cuffed, and asks her to marry him. As he does, friends appear from all over to get it on camera. Obviously they were staged around the area, knowing what was going to happen.

– See more at: http://www.yourengagement101.com/blog/2014/01/an-arrested-proposal/#sthash.CWcNDMrD.dpuf

Samantha and Matt met at a party their freshman year of college… which was busted by the cops. After that, it seemed the two connected, and began dating.

When it came time to propose, Matt decided that since they mat as “trouble makers”, it only made sense to propose in that way. The police pulled them over, and had him by the vehicle putting him in handcuffs. Samantha didn’t know what to think as the officer began patting her boyfriend down… until the officer pulled something out of Matt’s pocket.

An engagement ring.

Matt then strides over to Samantha, clearly not cuffed, and asks her to marry him. As he does, friends appear from all over to get it on camera. Obviously they were staged around the area, knowing what was going to happen.

– See more at: http://www.yourengagement101.com/blog/2014/01/an-arrested-proposal/#sthash.CWcNDMrD.dpuf

Samantha and Matt met at a party their freshman year of college… which was busted by the cops. After that, it seemed the two connected, and began dating.

When it came time to propose, Matt decided that since they mat as “trouble makers”, it only made sense to propose in that way. The police pulled them over, and had him by the vehicle putting him in handcuffs. Samantha didn’t know what to think as the officer began patting her boyfriend down… until the officer pulled something out of Matt’s pocket.

An engagement ring.

Matt then strides over to Samantha, clearly not cuffed, and asks her to marry him. As he does, friends appear from all over to get it on camera. Obviously they were staged around the area, knowing what was going to happen.

– See more at: http://www.yourengagement101.com/blog/2014/01/an-arrested-proposal/#sthash.CWcNDMrD.dpufhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N8j0BQOHOs&feature=player_embedded

5 Reasons Not To Accept A Proposal Without The Engagement Ring

There are a lot of ways that your guy could propose to you without a ring. He can get really creative, propose in a really romantic way, go ring shopping with you after, or you might not even want an engagement ring. However, if you were totally let down and were hoping for something a little sparkly, read on. While keeping the whole proposal execution in mind, here are five reasons that you might want to say no to his proposal (or at least make him do it over).

1. The first reaction your girlfriends are going to have is “How did he propose?” The second: “Can I see the ring??” Even if they don’t ask, curious eyes are going straight to your ring finger (trust me, it’s going to happen). When they see that it’s vacant, they are probably going to feel a little confused and ask…

2. “Where’s your ring?” You’re visiting your parents to share the news and you tell them that there is no ring. Depending on how traditional your parents are, they might wonder if he’s taking you seriously and if your future husband didn’t plan ahead to get an engagement ring, how is the rest of your future together going to look? An awkward conversation is about to happen in 3…2…1…

3. Does your guy typically act on impulse? The process of purchasing an engagement ring is not typically as carefree as buying a pair of new stilettos and you can’t always just return it. It takes a huge amount of education, research and shopping, so the guy will have spent time seriously thinking about the huge commitment he is about to make. In a contest that we hosted, a woman explained to us how her fiancé proposed to her, “We were laying in bed watching The Simpsons, when he rolled over and said, ‘So, you wanna get married?’” A broken engagement can just as easily happen as a proposal without any serious thought or planning.

4. The “I’m engaged” excuse to the next guy who hits on you won’t be as believable if you’re walking around sans ring. “So then where’s your ring?” Even the “I have a boyfriend” line had a guy retorting, “Come on, I know you don’t.” Seriously, there are jerky jerks like that out there! #TrueStory

5. An engagement ring isn’t just about the shiny bling or the price tag, it’s the symbolism behind it that makes it so special. Because the guy has to sacrifice a little bit symbolizes that he is not taking this decision lightly. No matter the budget, your guy has been squirreling away money for some time to prepare for this by cutting back on beer and the latest PS3 games. He isn’t proposing on a whim.

20 Perfect Proposal Ideas

When it comes to proposing there are three comfortable approaches: the Traditional, the Non-Traditional, and the Event. As you read through them, remember, none of these proposal ideas are impossible for you to pull off. If you need any help or advice, just see one of our Perfect Proposals experts at Skatell’s Jewelers or call us at (864) 576-6434

Traditional

1. Take her to New York, Paris, San Francisco or Las Vegas and propose to her at the top of a landmark skyscraper with the twinkling lights of the city below.
2. Take her for a walk on the beach and draw a heart in the sand and write, “Will you marry me?” in the center. Write it ahead of time and fill the heart with candles and rose petals. Just make sure the tide is going out and not coming in.
3. Treat her to a decadent breakfast at a five-star hotel, and tell her that you couldn’t wait until evening to ask her to marry you.
4. Pop the question at the location where you met or had your first date. Depending on where it is, you could bring a bottle of champagne with you.
5. Arm yourself with a good supply of rose petals then sneak into her house or office. Arrange the petals to read, “Marry me” on the bed, the floor or another flat place.
6. If you can sing or play the guitar/piano/accordion without making dogs howl, you can create a musical proposal. Compose a ballad or folk song, or pop the question with some pop music. If you’ve found the words but can’t carry a tune, hire a local singer or band to perform the proposal. If you can carry a tune but can’t compose, go to your favorite karaoke place and sing your favorite love song. Then, as the song ends, ask her to come up to the front, and propose in front of everyone!
7. Carefully open a box of Cracker Jacks, steam open the prize packet and place the real engagement ring in and then re-glue packet and box. Casually give her the box of Cracker Jacks during a movie and watch closely as she opens the prize.
8. Hire a car service that has classic cars, such as a vintage Rolls Royce, and drive around to romantic areas for an hour. Have the driver stop at a place that holds special meaning and propose. Then, spend the second hour of your elegant drive cuddling and enjoying your first hour as an engaged couple. Bring the champagne (not to be shared with the driver).
9. Hire a friend to take photos of you both just for fun. Then, surprise her by getting down on one knee and proposing. You’ll have photos you’ll both cherish forever.
10. Consider a holiday theme around Christmas, Easter or the Fourth of July. Use the magic of these celebrations to create a “halo effect.” Stash the box in her stocking or right under the tree. Or adorn the tree with lots of lights and garlands but only one ornament: a velvet ring box tied up with festive holiday ribbons. On Easter, give her a basket and hide plastic eggs in the backyard, one of which has the ring inside. During Fourth of July fireworks, pop the question during the finale.

Non-Traditional

11. Hire a magician to perform with the rabbits, the doves, the scarves and all the usual. As the last trick, he can make her engagement ring appear from behind her ear. It’ll be a truly magic moment.
12. If you are both golfers, have a ball imprinted with “marry me.” Give her the ball to put on the tee, but have her “inspect” it first. Then, open the golf ball-shaped ring box when you get down on bended knee.
13. Flying together? Join a different mile-high club. For this one, you need to let the flight attendants know your plan ahead of time. And that plan is to tell your girlfriend you are going up front to get some water/more peanuts. Then, ask the attendant to make this announcement: “Hello everyone. We hope you are enjoying your flight today. We have a special guest on board today, (your girlfriend’s name here) sitting in seat number X, row X. Go ahead and come on up here!” Then, you’ll get on the microphone, and tell her how much you love her, then propose 30,000 feet in the sky! Have the crew pass around bubbly (7-up will do) and celebrate with everybody on board.
14. If you attend a place of worship, walk up with her to the altar following a service. With the pastor, priest or rabbi there (and in on the surprise) tell her you want to stand at this location with her when you become husband and wife. Then get on one knee and propose.
15. Love to ski or snowboard? Propose at the top of a mountain. For you expert athletes, go for the top of the double-black diamond run!

Event

16. If she wakes up each morning to the clock radio, arrange for an ad on her usual station at just the right time so she hears your proposal when she wakes up in the morning. Try to be at her door (or beside her) when she hears your public proposal, and have the diamond in hand.
17. Place an ad in a local newspaper or on a billboard asking her to marry you. If you choose the newspaper, make sure it’s in a section you know she loves to read everyday. Be there when she reads it! (It’s a good idea to have a talented friend help with the design.)
18. Rent ad space for your proposal at a theater and invite her for a night out at the movies. Get there in plenty of time to buy popcorn before the ads begin. After your proposal has run, present her with a ring. Hooray for Hollywood!
19. Propose at a sporting event or concert. Arrange to have your proposal broadcast over the public address system or displayed on the large screen. You could also contact the team’s/performer’s public relations department and try to make arrangements to make your proposal on the field at halftime or during an intermission.
20. Hire a local high school marching band to play “your song” in front of her house. When she opens the door, kneel down and present her with the ring.

* Please leave a comment below if you would like to add an idea and share with our readers below:

Halloween Proposal Ideas…

  Costumes, sweets and surprises! These are the best elements for a marriage proposal! There are some couples that just absolutely love the fun and exciting festivities revolving around Halloween. It might even make sense to propose marriage during the spooky holiday. Costumes also add the element of surprise. Here are some ideas you might want to consider for a Halloween proposal:

Carve the proposal into a pumpkin: A reader named Courtney told Glamour that she and her boyfriend had a pumpkin-carving contest. Her boyfriend insisted they hide their pumpkins until they were done. On the big reveal, he turned his pumpkin around and it read: “MARRY ME?” He definitely won the contest. The pretty lighted pumpkin also adds an element of romance.

Hide The Ring In A Pumpkin: Another way to incorporate the pumpkin is to carve a pumpkin with  her, but already have the ring planted inside the pumpkin. The easy way to go about this is to carve a hole at the bottom of the pumpkin, fill it with your surprise, and place the piece back on.

Another way to hide the ring in a Pumpkin…

Wear A Costume And Surprise Her: Being that it’s Halloween, it’ll be easy to hide behind a mask and surprise her somewhere totally unexpected… like while trick or treating with a group of kids.

Did you propose to your sweetheart on Halloween? Spill the detail and let us know how!  Would you like to be proposed to during Halloween?

Please Post your Stories and Ideas to share 🙂

When She said Yes!

When She Said Yes: Darla & David

I had a dive class at the Lake. Little did I know, David had been planning to come out and “dive with us” – to propose –  all along.  As I hear it now, he was planning to leave work on Sunday early, to come out to the lake, but the ceremonies got switched, or he got it mixed up.  He wasn’t able to leave as early as he wanted to.  He thought he had missed the dive, when he didn’t hear from me.  He changed his clothes to go out to mow the yard.  Then I text him suggesting that he come out.

Realizing that his plan was back on – he got out there lickety split, nearly forgetting to bring the ring!  As we were coming out of the water after the dive, he said ”hey, there is something over here I want you to see.”  We went back under the water and he popped open the ring box, under water!  You should have seen the bubbles coming up!   We surfaced, because I had to come up, it was a HUGE surprise.  I had absolutely no idea.  Then he asked me, and I said yes, and he put the ring on my finger.  After we got our gear off and situated, he pops open a bottle of bubbly he was hiding on ice in the car. You see, …sneaky, sneaky 😀   The Jeweler where he bought the ring gave it to us. He even brought the “fancy” glasses – no red solo cup for us!  He was thoughtful to bring those for anyone else who wanted to join in.  What an amazing man!  I didn’t think he could surprise me, and did he ever!

When She Said Yes: Katherine & Kevin

Kevin proposed to me on May 5, 2011 at Pretty Place, the site of our planned wedding nuptials. He led me down the garden path to a lit gazebo where he had previously placed 4 large vases of a dozen roses and each vase was a different grouping of rose variety. On each vase was a numbered card.

The first card on a bench to my left read, “When I went to bed last night, my last thought was of you.” The second card on a bench to my right read, “When I woke up this morning, my first thought was of you.” The third card inside the gazebo read, “You are my everything; my sun, my stars, my sky.” The fourth card on the steps of the gazebo read, “You are my everything…and this is the reason why.”

I knew at that moment he was going to propose to me and I had tears in my eyes. Kevin dropped down to one knee on the step to the gazebo and recited the remainder of the poem in which he had amazingly memorized and asked for my hand in marriage. It was absolutely the most memorable, and romantic day of my life.

When She Said Yes: Laura and Adam

Adam and Laura visited Skatells Jewelers in June 2012 to look for engagement rings. They were just browsing at the time, trying to evaluate all their options. Both Adam and Laura wanted to pick out the ring together and then later Adam would surprise her with the proposal. They had been to almost every other retail jeweler in the area it seemed, but still hadn’t found exactly what they wanted. After looking through the cases at Skatells Jewelers, they found a beautiful Vintage Diamond Ring with Diamonds all along side of the Band and around the Top Diamond.  Laura knew this was the ring she wanted to look at the rest of her life, just like she knew Adam was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

They kept looking everywhere, but she knew in her heart this was the ONE! And never told Adam, but a few weeks later he brought her back into Skatell’s to take another look, as she tried it on, Adam got down on one knee and proposed! He had already had it sized for Laura and she was blown away. She knew in an instant that this is the man she wanted to spend forever with.

When She Said Yes: Katie And Albie

On January 11th, 2008 I arrived for what I assumed would be a typical Friday at work.  After about an hour on the job, one of my bosses came in and handed me an envelope marked, “Katie.”  My boss then instructed me to open the envelope and follow the instructions enclosed.

After opening the envelope, I found the first clue of a large scavenger hunt.  This first clue, and three others I uncovered in order, eventually leads me to the top floor of a hotel on Carolina Beach.

In a room on the top floor I found the fifth and final clue, which instructed me go outside to the balcony, which looked out over the beach.  When I ran to the balcony I looked down and saw “KATIE WILL YOU MARRY ME?” written in the sand, with my boyfriend Albie standing next to it. Of course, I said “YES”!