Brandi & Patrick
What was your ring designing experience like?
I met with Chelsea back in January to get a better understanding of all things rings. I just wanted to know more about the 4 C's, shapes, sizes, pricing, settings, all of it. She showed me a few renderings and from there I got to pick and choose aspects I liked and preferred. I even got to try on a few samples, because I have never put a ring on before. What felt like a casual conversation with a knowledgeable friend left me feeling good about what was to come one day when we were ready to start the process.
Why did you choose Honey Designs to design your ring?
I came across Honey Designs on Instagram through some mutual friends in the wedding business, then we ended up working an event together and I connected the dots! Once I got to know Chelsea she charmed me, it was easy to talk with her and she was so raw and real about everything. That is so important when you are going into a big investment too. The trust that can be built off of feeling comfortable and not just pushed into a decision is priceless, I knew my boyfriend would click and respect her style too.
What surprised you the most?
I met with Chelsea once, just for a general information consultation. From there she had picked up and ran with my boyfriend (now fiancé, wow) and I had no idea or suspicion. They had been meeting for months in secret, and she had kept real attention to detail from our initial one hour, really incorporating my style and personality not only into my ring, but our proposal experience too.
What do you love most about your ring?
I love the filigree detailing on the side of my ring, it's subtle and beaded adding that unique extra detail.
How did you & your significant other meet?
Months after establishing a “cute guy” at the Panera Bread near my high school, I get a message on Facebook from a stranger saying, “Hey, I do music with my buddy and he wrote a song about you, I know this sounds crazy but I think you should hear it – he doesn’t know I am sending it to you. He works at Panera, you probably see him all the time.” I’m thinking okay, you’ve got the wrong girl, but I do know exactly who you’re talking about … so I listened and the song was about seeing a girl but being so caught up in her presence that he can’t say a word.The next week I go into Panera for a pick up order, and I’m waiting at the counter, he has his head down. When he calls, “Brandi” I reply with a thank you and replace the bag with a small red slip of paper on the counter. It said, “I love your song” but I was gone by the time he looked up.
Finally he reaches out to me, and with little small talk asks me out. It was my senior prom weekend, and I was headed to college in the fall – so I’m thinking okay why not, but it will just be a summer thing. We went out and it was just easy – to have conversation, to be myself, to enjoy his company. We kept dating, alllll through college and beyond.
Where was your first date?
We went to Monster Golf - a glow in the dark mini golf course nearby. My white t-shirt also had sunscreen spilled on it and that big spot showed up in the black light - I was horrified but Patrick laughed and we kept playing, he let me win. Then he asked me where I wanted to go eat and the first place that came to mind was Max & Ermas ... no idea why. We sat and I ate soup while he charmed me, and the conversation was easy. That night he dropped me off, came around and opened the car door for me and asked when he could see me again, we kissed on the first date!
Where’s your favorite hidden gem in Cincinnati?
How do you pick just one? We love Nation brunch down in Pendleton, or Blind Lemon in Mt. Adams for a cocktail.
Favorite Way to Spend a Date Day/Night:
Right now we are on a Mazunte kick, we can walk there and it's always buzzing but has that small, hole-in-the-wall feel. Anytime we can spend time together, without phones, having great conversation (and food) we grow a little closer. Conversations that are deeper than just, "How was your day" or "What do we have going on this week."
Photography by The Smyth Collective
Custom Proposal Bouquet by Katie’s Blooms
Custom Lyric Cards by Honeybee Creative
Lounge by Queen City Vignette