An Engagement Story: Lucy & Andrew

This week, I am pleased to introduce our clients, Andrew and Lucy, in our next Engagement Story. Andrew first visited our shop many months ago with a defined vision of what he wanted in the engagement ring (he loved our Kathryn design) but he was very open to customizing our classic setting into something more unique. He also knew that he wanted to set the ring with a sapphire – ideally one that referenced his future fiance's beautiful light blue eyes. Very romantic!

Photographs of Lucy and Andrew featured here are by Alexandra Kent.

Throughout our meetings and emails, Andrew was careful to keep his future fiance's tastes front and center, but he carefully added elements of a family ring to integrate his own thoughtful touch into the design. I loved how this ring turned out: a unique interpretation of our classic Kathryn design that beautifully matches the vibe of this sweet couple. I sat down with Andrew and Lucy recently to learn more about what brought them together and how Andrew pulled off a perfectly-planned surprise engagement...

Meaghan: Andrew, you designed this from ring start to finish without Lucy, which is always a fascinating process to walk people through. When we first met, I was struck by how much you referenced Lucy's style and tastes and directed so much of your decision-making back to what she would like. It was clear you knew her well and value her as a person. How long have you two known each other?

Lucy: Five years! Our first date was at Peregrine Espresso in Eastern Market, and Andrew was really excited that someone was up for grabbing coffee and talking for a first date. He really appreciated how interested I was in having a nice conversation, which holds true to this day! 

Andrew: Lucy was pleasantly surprised by the suggestion for a coffee date, and was probably the one who suggested mimosas after we walked around a neighborhood we both love.

Meaghan: I recently listened to a great This American Life episode all about finding love and feeling "the magic" with a person. Did you know that each other was "The One" pretty quickly or did it take time?

Lucy: Though we both had some really strong feelings early on, we took some time to settle into the realization we'd found our person. We quickly got along like old friends, and still do, and we both knew that was special.

Meaghan: Andrew, I have been dying to hear about the proposal. How did it go down?

Andrew: We both take turns planning a monthly date night, although that is never our only date, we have found it really important for the other person to intentionally plan a little fun day for the other. So, I knew this was the perfect time for a surprise!

I worked with a photographer, Alex at Alexandra Kent Photography, to pick a good location for a surprise proposal so she could be there to document it. We chose the gardens behind the Smithsonian Institute, which are always so beautiful. Afterward, I had another surprise up my sleeve: a surprise cocktail party with our parents and some friends at The Duck and The Peach in Eastern Market! Alex joined us at the party and captured some great photos of us all together, which will be exciting to compare to our wedding day photos someday in the future, too. Friends and family drove and flew from all over to join in the fun. Then, we hosted out-of-town guests for brunch at our home the next morning.

Lucy was surprised at each step, and we had a great time celebrating with friends and family.

Meaghan: We love when DC people find us! What went into your decision to work with Alx&Co. for your ring?

Andrew: A few friends from Alexandria are familiar with Alx&Co's work and recommended I give them a look. After reading about their interest in designing and customizing rings to suit each client, I reached out to schedule a consultation with Meaghan and was immediately confident I was in good hands. Bill was also a very convincing sales dog.

Meaghan: Bill is truly our hardest-working team member. Tell us a bit about what you were hoping to achieve in the design. What surprised you most about the design process?

Andrew: I knew that I wanted to have a non-diamond "centerpiece" to the ring and that I wanted to incorporate some of the old stones but, beyond some general ideas, I was eager to learn from Meaghan about the stone selection process and different design elements.

I really enjoyed how Meaghan explained every step of the process – from deciding on an overall design, narrowing down some design elements and colors, and selecting the sapphire. But getting to choose "the" sapphire amongst Alx&Co.-sourced gemstones was a surprising and fun element of the design process. I really enjoyed the personal touch this provided and felt very comfortable with the decisions I made thanks to Meaghan's guidance (and Bill's help in pointing out the sapphire after I dropped it).

I became really invested not just in the gesture of designing and giving the ring itself, but the individual elements of the ring and the thought process that went into selecting them. When we both look at the ring now, it makes it that much more special to know how much thought went into it.

Meaghan: Now that you have the engagement in the bag, what are you most looking forward to on your big day?

Andrew: We haven't planned much yet, just that we are excited to get married here in DC and will be prioritizing planning a fun evening celebrating with family and friends. Lucy, the Chief Dance Officer in our friend group, is particularly excited to dance the night away.

Meaghan: Do you have any tips or suggestions you would share with other couples starting their own engagement journey?

Andrew: Though Lucy and I love making big plans, that isn't for everyone! Do what feels right in planning your engagement and make sure it centers around what is important to you. It doesn't have to be a grand or public gesture, and you don't have to make a big deal out of it either. It's just another exciting step in a journey, albeit a big one!

I will say that, for us, having a photographer to document the day was very meaningful (and saves the trouble of planning an engagement shoot later, if that's something you'll want to do). Though hiring a photographer isn't for everyone, I'd consider it.