Blog > Tying the Knot > #28
Tying the Knot #28
:A Love That’s Unapologetically Their Own
James + Vanessa
From a chance connection at the gym to a surprise proposal on a New York City street, James and Vanessa have always embraced being themselves.
A kite-shaped salt and pepper diamond tells that story—a ring as distinctive as the love it represents.
“From our very first date, being together felt like the most natural thing in the world.”
Q. How did you two meet, and how did your relationship begin?
We first saw each other at the gym a few times. I was too scared to talk to Vanessa, but thankfully I found her on Hinge one night after seeing each other at the gym again. I messaged her saying, "Do you go to this gym?" And the rest was history. From our first date on, we just clicked and never stopped hanging out.
“Nothing went according to plan, but on a little street in New York, our forever began.”
Q. Tell us a little about the proposal — how did it happen, and what do you remember most about that moment?
James: Planning the proposal was carefully thought out, and absolutely none of it worked. The first plan was on New Years Eve in NYC, but that was too much chaos. The next plan was supposed to be out front of a castle, but Vanessa's mom got sick so it wasn't right. My final plan was a beautiful garden, but it ended up being closed. Thankfully the photographer I hired helped switch locations on the way there and I was able to finally propose. I was so nervous I actually dropped the ring on the ground before giving it to her.
Vanessa: I had NO idea. I came home from work, and since we were going to a concert that night, when James asked if I was going to put on makeup I said, "Nah, I'll take a nap". Then I ended up not liking my outfit and he told me to change, but of course I defiantly said "Nope!". As we were walking he stopped me on this cute street in NYC and I thought "Weird, but okay". All of a sudden he's down on one knee. Surprised is an understatement, but it's what made it so special.
Q: How did you discover HIDDENSPACE, and what drew you to the ring you chose?
I found HIDDENSPACE by trying to source a salt and pepper diamond for Vanessa, and not one jeweler in all of NYC could do it. So I knew I had to find something unique and special. I was actually Googling to help find a jeweler, and that's how I found HIDDENSPACE. Vanessa knew she wanted a kite-shaped salt and pepper diamond, which we had no idea would be challenging to find. Vanessa also has an edgy, alternative style, so it would make sense that she wanted a non-traditional ring.
“I wanted to find a ring as beautifully different as the woman I love.”
Q: What does the ring represent to you personally?
The ring represents to me (Vanessa), how special it is to just be yourself. I think people get so caught up in what they "should" or "shouldn't" wear or choose in all areas of life. That has never been me. I always have had more of an edgier style, and to have met someone like James who not only understands it, but embraces it, is so special. He loves me and knows me so well that he was able to design the most beautiful ring that represents exactly who I am.
“This ring reminds me that I am loved not just for being myself,
but for everything that makes me different.”
Q: Is there anything else about your story that you would love for us to include?
It's always been important to both of us to just be unapologetically ourselves. We show that with our tattoos, our style, and now my engagement ring that I get to wear everyday!
"We’ve always been unapologetically ourselves,
and now I get to wear a little piece of that love every day."
Arranged by
Emily Johnson
Credit
Photographer: @jonathan_heisler_photography
