Finding Love Through Tinder: A 2020 Engagement Story
We caught up with Kellie and Derek after his October 2020 proposal at Mt. Pocono to hear all the details! Derek proposed with a 1.667 J VS Brian Gavin Signature Hearts and Arrows Round Diamond set in a Six Prong Fishtail Pave Platinum Ring. We were thrilled to read Kellie's reaction to seeing her engagement ring in person!
Let's start from the beginning. How did you first meet?
We met in Chicago, IL in March of 2018. Tinder is what originally brought us together; however, we like to think it was our conversation about family traditions and food based around our home state of Pennsylvania that really sealed the deal. After a few weeks of talking, we finally met up for our first date. We went to a restaurant in Chicago called Hop Cat. When first meeting I (Kellie) loved Derek's smile and fit physique. What I also loved about Derek was rather an awkward handshake (pre-covid days) when first meeting someone, he gave me a sweet hug! 🙂 We had a great night!
Describe the day of your proposal.
He proposed on my 33rd Birthday! SO SO SWEET.
From Kellie's perspective: My birthday was approaching and I was curious if Derek had anything planned. The day before my actual birthday, Derek told me to pack my bags and we were going on an overnight trip. We hopped in his car and headed north! Our first stop was to pick up take out Indian! Indian food is my absolute favorite cuisine so I was ecstatic. After ordering my two favorite dishes- butter chicken and chicken tikka masala we headed on our way as I salivated over the smell of the food.
While arriving in the dark we pulled up to this adorable rustic red cabin with a tree lined drive and fire pit in the back. On the inside, it was picture perfect with a kitchen, living room, and loft. We ate the food, made a fire, drank some wine and played rummy 500 all evening. While having a grand time, I will say I was slightly disappointed when the first night did not end in a proposal. LOL
The next morning I felt excited and nervous for what the day was to bring and was greeted with breakfast in bed! After getting changed into some leggings and one of Derek's flannels, he asked me to come downstairs and head outside. At that point, I was feeling REALLY nervous. I opened the front door and there Derek was on the front step down on one knee with the ring box wide open. I instantly cried! I dropped down into Derek's arms and balled my eyes out as he whispered "Will you marry me" in my ear! Needless to say, it was a birthday I will never forget! 🙂 PS I never cry so it was very special!
What were your first impressions of your new Brian Gavin Diamonds ring?
When Derek got down on one knee and opened the box, my first impression was WOW! It was truly perfect and everything I was hoping for! I did make it difficult on him since I went back and forth in the beginning with what I "thought" I wanted but he did great with his final selection!
If you could describe your ring in one sentence, what would you say?
My Brian Gavin ring is simple yet brilliant!
We know things don't always go as planned, how did you plan to pop the question?
Derek: Amidst the ever changing Covid lockdowns and quarantines, I was having a difficult time planning to pop the question. I wanted to be able to capture the moment without fear of breaking any local health rules. At the same time, many locations that held a sentimental value to our relationship were off limits or temporarily closed. With my fiance's birthday approaching, I knew I had to pop the question soon to make it a surprise. I came across the perfect Airbnb isolated out in the woods, complete with an outdoor fire pit. It was a cozy renovated farmhouse. My fiance has a fondness of unique houses and design, and this place checked all of those boxes. I knew this would provide the perfect backdrop for the proposal.
How was the diamond buying process?
It was a very daunting process to start shopping on your own. I read a couple of blogs online to help give me a basic understanding of selecting an engagement ring. I started searching diamond inventories from online retailers to get an idea of what was in my price range. Unfortunately, the settings offered on most online retailer sites left a lot to be desired in terms of quality, uniqueness, and "it" factor. I then tried visiting a local, highly rated jeweler that specialized in engagement rings. While I appreciated the human interaction and the personalization of this approach, I was still left wanting something different. I then came across BGD and their light return images for diamond cuts. After many months of research and waiting for the right ring to come along, I finally found it with the help of Emily.
What was your favourite part of working with the Brian Gavin Diamonds team?
The customer service of the Brian Gavin Diamonds team was able to put my mind at ease with such a large purchase. From the minute I created an account and wish list, they reached out to assist with any questions. The initial diamond I had selected was no longer available, and Emily was able to suggest an even more magnificent selection. My calls and emails were always returned in a timely fashion, and I felt valued as a customer through the entire process.
What are you looking forward to most when it comes to your wedding?
When it comes to our wedding, we are most excited to celebrate with friends and family in a unique setting with lots of LOVE. I also can't wait to see how the diamond looks in the wedding photos! 🙂
And finally, what's your dream honeymoon?
If we had our dream honeymoon I think we would hope to be in a small cottage on or near the water with blue skies surrounding us. We've never been on a tropical vacation together so we are excited to get away in that type of setting together.
Let's start from the beginning. How did you first meet?
We met in Chicago, IL in March of 2018. Tinder is what originally brought us together; however, we like to think it was our conversation about family traditions and food based around our home state of Pennsylvania that really sealed the deal. After a few weeks of talking, we finally met up for our first date. We went to a restaurant in Chicago called Hop Cat. When first meeting I (Kellie) loved Derek's smile and fit physique. What I also loved about Derek was rather an awkward handshake (pre-covid days) when first meeting someone, he gave me a sweet hug! 🙂 We had a great night!
Describe the day of your proposal.
He proposed on my 33rd Birthday! SO SO SWEET.
From Kellie's perspective: My birthday was approaching and I was curious if Derek had anything planned. The day before my actual birthday, Derek told me to pack my bags and we were going on an overnight trip. We hopped in his car and headed north! Our first stop was to pick up take out Indian! Indian food is my absolute favorite cuisine so I was ecstatic. After ordering my two favorite dishes- butter chicken and chicken tikka masala we headed on our way as I salivated over the smell of the food.
While arriving in the dark we pulled up to this adorable rustic red cabin with a tree lined drive and fire pit in the back. On the inside, it was picture perfect with a kitchen, living room, and loft. We ate the food, made a fire, drank some wine and played rummy 500 all evening. While having a grand time, I will say I was slightly disappointed when the first night did not end in a proposal. LOL
The next morning I felt excited and nervous for what the day was to bring and was greeted with breakfast in bed! After getting changed into some leggings and one of Derek's flannels, he asked me to come downstairs and head outside. At that point, I was feeling REALLY nervous. I opened the front door and there Derek was on the front step down on one knee with the ring box wide open. I instantly cried! I dropped down into Derek's arms and balled my eyes out as he whispered "Will you marry me" in my ear! Needless to say, it was a birthday I will never forget! 🙂 PS I never cry so it was very special!
What were your first impressions of your new Brian Gavin Diamonds ring?
When Derek got down on one knee and opened the box, my first impression was WOW! It was truly perfect and everything I was hoping for! I did make it difficult on him since I went back and forth in the beginning with what I "thought" I wanted but he did great with his final selection!
If you could describe your ring in one sentence, what would you say?
My Brian Gavin ring is simple yet brilliant!
We know things don't always go as planned, how did you plan to pop the question?
Derek: Amidst the ever changing Covid lockdowns and quarantines, I was having a difficult time planning to pop the question. I wanted to be able to capture the moment without fear of breaking any local health rules. At the same time, many locations that held a sentimental value to our relationship were off limits or temporarily closed. With my fiance's birthday approaching, I knew I had to pop the question soon to make it a surprise. I came across the perfect Airbnb isolated out in the woods, complete with an outdoor fire pit. It was a cozy renovated farmhouse. My fiance has a fondness of unique houses and design, and this place checked all of those boxes. I knew this would provide the perfect backdrop for the proposal.
How was the diamond buying process?
It was a very daunting process to start shopping on your own. I read a couple of blogs online to help give me a basic understanding of selecting an engagement ring. I started searching diamond inventories from online retailers to get an idea of what was in my price range. Unfortunately, the settings offered on most online retailer sites left a lot to be desired in terms of quality, uniqueness, and "it" factor. I then tried visiting a local, highly rated jeweler that specialized in engagement rings. While I appreciated the human interaction and the personalization of this approach, I was still left wanting something different. I then came across BGD and their light return images for diamond cuts. After many months of research and waiting for the right ring to come along, I finally found it with the help of Emily.
What was your favourite part of working with the Brian Gavin Diamonds team?
The customer service of the Brian Gavin Diamonds team was able to put my mind at ease with such a large purchase. From the minute I created an account and wish list, they reached out to assist with any questions. The initial diamond I had selected was no longer available, and Emily was able to suggest an even more magnificent selection. My calls and emails were always returned in a timely fashion, and I felt valued as a customer through the entire process.
What are you looking forward to most when it comes to your wedding?
When it comes to our wedding, we are most excited to celebrate with friends and family in a unique setting with lots of LOVE. I also can't wait to see how the diamond looks in the wedding photos! 🙂
And finally, what's your dream honeymoon?
If we had our dream honeymoon I think we would hope to be in a small cottage on or near the water with blue skies surrounding us. We've never been on a tropical vacation together so we are excited to get away in that type of setting together.
