Q. How did you guys first meet and fall in love?

A. Kyle and I crossed paths for the first time in elementary school. While Kyle seemed smitten from the start, it took me quite a while to catch up to his feelings. My parents used to tease me about marrying him someday, a notion that once triggered a flood of tears whenever mentioned.

During high school, Kyle struck up a friendship with my twin brother, and we found ourselves working together. Despite his knack for getting on my nerves, our bond strengthened as we navigated the challenges of balancing work and school. My brother openly advocated for me to give Kyle a chance romantically, although by then, Kyle seemed resigned to my repeated rejections of his advances.

Eventually, I mustered the courage to invite Kyle as my escort to our high school graduation. From that point on, we became a couple, inseparable ever since.

Q. How did you know you wanted to marry each other and who wanted to tie the knot first?

A. In the early stages of our relationship, Kyle and I discovered our shared desire to marry. Being pragmatic individuals, we wanted to ensure we were on the same page about marriage, children, and all that comes with it. While I anticipated Kyle proposing relatively early on, given our history, he seemed hesitant to take that step. After about four years together, I found myself urging him to consider engagement. By this point, our families, friends, and even casual acquaintances were eagerly asking about our plans for the future. I often deflected their inquiries to Kyle, as he wanted the proposal to be a surprise and to happen on his own terms.

Q. Why did you choose HIDDENSPACE, how did you hear about us, and what made you decide on this specific ring?

A. From the start, I knew I wanted an engagement ring that broke away from tradition. Upon researching, I stumbled upon Salt and Pepper diamonds, drawn to their allure of embracing imperfections, much like the tale of the ugly duckling. Throughout my school years, I often felt like an outsider, and our relationship, which defies conventional gender norms, has been labeled unconventional by some. We're both equally inclined to tackle any task, regardless of whether it aligns with typical gender expectations. The salt and pepper diamond encapsulates this narrative of our unique and beautiful love story.

Then there's HIDDENSPACE. For years, I scoured the internet, pinning ring designs on Pinterest that caught my eye. One day, HIDDENSPACE appeared in my feed as a suggested ad, captivating me with their distinctive settings and stone selections. Over nearly two years, I regularly shared photos of HIDDENSPACE pieces with Kyle, not to dictate a choice but to offer glimpses into my preferences. In a delightful twist, Kyle independently selected the Meraki Ring, a choice I later complemented with the Chevron Band.

Q. Tell us about the details of the proposal & the wedding. How did you feel? How did it go?

A. One evening, feeling weighed down by incessant inquiries about our impending nuptials, I finally vented my frustrations to Kyle, sensing that I bore the brunt of these exasperating conversations alone. While I knew we would take the plunge in due time, the mounting external pressure had become almost unbearable. Knowing Kyle's penchant for a challenge, I dared him to propose within the year.

Later that same evening, amidst the fog and biting cold of a winter night, we took our dog, Jasper, for a walk to the site of our future home. There, Kyle posed a whimsical question to Jasper about whether they should keep me in their lives. As Jasper wagged her tail in agreement, Kyle seized the moment and popped the question. Despite recent family challenges, I was utterly taken aback, but filled with immense joy at the prospect of progressing to the next chapter of our lives together.

With our engagement sealed, we wasted no time in planning our wedding for the summer of 2023. Our first ceremony took place in the chapel of our old elementary school on July 14th, 2023, with our parents in attendance. The following day, we exchanged vows once more at Heritage Park in Calgary, Alberta, surrounded by our cherished friends and family. Amidst the vintage charm of the park's midway, we savored fine cuisine and reveled in the company of those dearest to us.

Q. Tell us about your favorite memory together.

A. Our most cherished memories revolve around the early days of our relationship. Those initial years brought forth new challenges to navigate as a couple, from stolen kisses before parting ways to our respective homes, to simply reveling in each other's presence. Over the past six and a half years, our journey together has been nothing short of wonderful. With eager anticipation, we look forward to the adventures that await us in the future.

Q. Any advice to couples or newlyweds? Anything else you’d like to share with the world?

A. Staying actively engaged in each other's lives and maintaining open communication are the bedrock of a healthy relationship. When these two pillars are solid, your partnership will thrive and endure whatever challenges come your way.