The Ring

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” – Eden Ahbez

When G and I decided we wanted to get married, both of us went to one of my favorite jewelry stores in our hometown.We did this so he could get a clear idea of the exact ring I wanted. Unfortunately, everything that was in the case was primarily white gold and platinum at the time. I've always worn gold jewelry, and was super bummed that the metal I wanted wasn't readily available. We spoke to a designer, and he reassured both of us that an engagement ring could be made for me. G and I talked it over, and we decided to custom make my engagement ring, as well as my wedding band.

Today I'm sharing my experience on designing a custom piece with a designer, as well as some things I learned. 

  1. Design with the long-term in mind. It is absolutely important to design a piece that is practical and will stand the test of time. Select a piece you will love forever, and truly matches your style.

  2. Start the design process early. Depending on the jeweler, it can take 6-8 weeks to have your ring completed. Also, if you are getting a custom wedding band, take that into account as well, and add an additional 4-6 weeks to that timeline. Sometimes the design process can be expedited, but with an extra fee, so be absolutely mindful of the timeframe.

  3. Bring examples and gather inspiration. This is so very important. When I had my ring designed the designer sketched out my vision, but I came prepared with samples. Also, my designer provided G with renderings to ensure he was on track before proceeding in the process. It was key that the designer matched our vision.

  4. Be clear in your expectations. It is very important to inform the designer on all of the specific things you want in the ring. For me, it was a must to have a ring that was gold. Also, I wanted the ring to have etching and an antique style to it. It’s always important that your partner knows the exact diamond size your ring will have added to it. This part in critical in the design of the ring, and will affect the renderings.

  5. Enjoy the process. Most importantly, enjoy the design process. I had the best experience with the jeweler and designer we partnered with. They made the process so much fun and educated us both as a result.

Have you ever designed a piece of jewelry? If so, share your experience below!

XO, Analise

 

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

Bride Guide

"Here comes the bride ... "

Getting engaged was one of the most exciting moments of my life. When you say "Yes", to that special someone and decide to spend your life together, it's an amazing feeling.

Yet, the time spent planning a wedding can be super intense. If you are not careful, you can get lost in the moment. Today, I'm giving some advice to the newly engaged, bride-to-be. These tips are a few things that I learned during that special time in my life.

  1. Keep calm. You will be pulled in a million directions - cake tastings, venue tours, and flower selections. Make sure to keep yourself calm, focused, and well rested. This time should be exciting, and not draining.
  2. Surround yourself with supportive people. When I was engaged to G, there were a lot of people who were supportive and kind. Then there were those who weren't so happy for our special moment. Surrounding yourself with a great support system truly makes all the difference in the world.
  3. Put you and your partner first. Unfortunately, people will try to make your wedding about themselves. They will try add their two-cents into your special day. At the end of it all, it's about you and your soon-to-be spouse. If the two of you want a chocolate cake wedding cake ... get it. Don't make decisions based on people's expectations. Do what is best for the both of you, and what makes you the happiest.
  4. Stay healthy. It can be a busy and chaotic time. Personally, I was working full-time, wedding planning, managing family expectations, and coordinating the bridal parties. Make sure to stay healthy - mentally and physically. Consistently work out, eat well, take a break, and get some rest. During my engagement, I went to yoga or barre class a few times a week, and scheduled a 90-minute massage once a month. These activities were key for me to stay healthy.
  5. Embrace every moment. We planned our wedding for about 12 months. It was a fun but very busy time. G and I made it a priority to enjoy every moment. The wedding day went by super fast! Make sure you take a moment to step back and embrace the moments leading up to and on the big day.

Tip: We scheduled date night once a week during our engagement where we did not talk about the wedding planning process at all!

What are some things you are looking forward to on your special day? Also, if you are a Mrs. what were your favorite moments from the big day?

XO, Analise

Miss to Mrs.

Finding Mr. Right ...

In April of 2014, my mother texted me during the middle of my work meeting, and insisted that I go on a date with a young man ... 

My mother and I have a fantastic relationship, and even though I was not here for this blind date idea, she told me a little about him, and shortly there after I broke down, and gave into her "plan". I complied to her idea of this date, and with my permission she gave him my phone number.

During this time I was in my mid-20s, living in Richmond, VA, and dating someone new was the furthest thing from my mind.

A few days later, one evening I get a call, and I knew who it was ... "blind date guy". I picked up reluctantly, just knowing the conversation would last approximately 2 minutes, and 35 seconds ... instead it lasted for nearly an hour. He was smart, kind, funny, and wanted to know my favorite type of food, so that he could make reservations at a restaurant for our date. I was sort of smitten, but my wall was up and didn't know how this would pan out, but I knew I'd be getting calamari (FYI, I love calamari) out of the deal ... so what's the worst that could happen?

The day of our date, I was super nervous, and decided to wear a cobalt blue (which ended up being our wedding color) dress to the seafood restaurant where we would be meeting. My mother was thrilled, and super giddy ... it was a bit ridiculous if you ask me. 

I arrive to the restaurant, and here I see a man approach me (yes, my mother sent him my photo, and gave me his as well) with a single red rose ... seriously, I was blown away. We both got to the restaurant early, and decided to walk around the shopping center, G and I immediately connected. We loved the same things, art, comic books, family ... it was kind of creepy how well we got along.

After that date, on a Saturday evening, we made plans to keep in touch ... what I didn't expect was for him to meet my entire family on Mother's Day the next morning. He arrived at my parent's home before I traveled back to Richmond, VA, and met my whole family. I knew in that moment, he was indeed serious about keeping in touch ... and this would not be the last I saw of him. 

From that first date Mother's Day weekend, we never spent a weekend a part, for 5 months we travelled between Virginia Beach and Richmond, until I made the decision to return home and take a new job near my family. Four months after my move to Virginia Beach, G proposed, and hands down it was one of the easiest decisions I ever made in my life. 

Yet, little did we know, we both had to make several adjustments before either of us said "I do". G and I immediately started attending marriage ministry classes, it literally changed our relationship and lives. We put the work in very early to ensure our marriage was successful. G is a supportive partner and incredibly kind, but during this major, and exciting change in our life, I went through a lot to figure out my identity. 

Becoming someone's wife is amazing, but it can also be super overwhelming. Between the wedding planning process, and finding a house you'll make a home, you quickly get caught up in it all. I will never forget the day I finally changed my last name ... it was pretty scary, but kind of exciting. It was like this shift occurred, and it hit me ... oh gosh, I am someone's wife, and I'm so thrilled, but yet in a moment of shock. Being a wife is a major responsibility that I do not take lightly at all.

The biggest piece of advice I was given when we got married was, "Do not lose your identity, and make sure you stay the woman your husband fell in love with." This quote helped me remember who Analise truly was, even though I was taking on the last name of Gregory.

So, while I am now a Mrs., I'll always hold onto my core identity that I encompassed as a Miss. 

XO, Analise

 

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography