1. How did you meet?
Erica: We met like many pandemic couples: the internet. Our first date, after being vaccinated, was at another favorite Logan Square local business--Emporium. I knew I liked Arnley when I realized we had so many things in common and he didn't get his feelings hurt when I beat him in Skeeball that night.
Arnley: We met on the internet during the pandemic and had our first date at Emporium in Logan Square. I just remember being very nervous around her and could barely hold eye contact with her, LOL!
2. Tell us what you love about your ring(s)?
Erica: I knew a classic diamond ring was never going to suit me. While I think they're beautiful, I couldn't see myself wearing something so traditionally bridal everyday. I love that my ring feels like me: a little witchy and something my inner 16-year-old emo girl would be happy to wear. I love the metal work of the ring and the uniqueness of the 3 types of stones: the little black diamonds, the baguette diamonds, and the part of the ring that leaves everyone amazed--the salt and pepper center diamond.
3. How was the process of designing your ring?
Arnley: Both Bianca and Madison made the process so easy and seamless from beginning to end. They both made sure that the ring was exactly how we designed it all the way down to the center diamond. We had gone back and forth a few times in order to make sure that we had the perfect salt and pepper diamond. Madison went above and beyond in showing me the different options that she had until we finally found "the perfect one" that would suit Erica. This really showed me that not only did they care for the final product, but I could tell that they also really wanted Erica to be happy with the ring. I couldn't have been happier with the help I received and also the finished product.
4. How did you propose?
Arnley: I had decided during the process of designing the ring that I wanted to propose on our trip to Japan. Erica is very hard to surprise so I knew I had to plan it meticulously in order to really surprise her. I had found our photographer, Manu, in Osaka via social media that specialized in doing surprise engagement shoots at the Osaka Castle and booked him about two months before our trip. The day of, I had to be very nonchalant about our plans so that I wouldn't give too much away. It was such a hectic morning because we had to be at the location at a certain time frame in order to avoid all the tourists and to be able to capture "the perfect shot" with the castle in the background. We arrived about 20 minutes late and the perfect spot was filled with dozens of tourists. I was frantically trying to communicate with Manu via social media regarding a plan B in secret, all while Erica was a couple feet away from me. We eventually came up with a plan and found a secluded area where I was able to propose and he was able to get "the perfect shot" and it was all such a blur. I remember just being so nervous; my hands were sweaty, my heart was racing, and it felt like my knees were about to give any second. I just remember my mind going completely blank and just by instinct I got on one knee and asked her to marry me and thankfully, she said yes!
5. Any advice for someone planning to propose?
Erica: Our advice would be to film it! Full disclosure: I'm not just saying that because we're wedding videographers/owners of Til Death Films! While calling all our closest friends and families to share the news, I learned about the shared experience of forgetting everything that just happened. I'm not sure if it's the surprise, the high intensity of emotions, the excitement, but I certainly blacked out and can't remember much but I think I said "yes!"
Arnley: Film it and always have a plan B if you're planning a surprise!
