An Engagement Story: Eric & Donovan

This week, I am thrilled to introduce you to our lovely clients, Eric & Donovan. I first met with Eric a few months ago to discuss his idea of utilizing a very sentimental heirloom in an engagement/wedding band design for his partner and himself. During our conversation I was instantly taken by his charm, warmth, and thoughtfulness.

His idea perfectly encapsulated what I love about my job: working with clients to bring new life to meaningful pieces during a very special moment. When a client really cares about the process, it shows, and it was evident from both Eric and Donovan that they each took this step seriously both from a milestone standpoint as well as from a design perspective. And, I loved their rings: they perfectly balanced a masculine feel with their desire to integrate diamonds from Eric's mother's ring. I was thrilled with the result (as were they)! Read on to learn more about what brought Eric and Donovan together (and see their beautiful rings)... 

How did you meet?

Eric: We met in August 2019. We spent our evening having pomegranate martinis in D.C. and were both eager to plan a second. After a series of dates ranging from dinners out, to sipping white wine at Wolftrap while watching a Sound of Music sing-a-long, we both quickly realized that we had found someone special. 

What drew you to each other initially?

Eric: There were a few things that drew me to Donovan initially. Donovan has a beautiful smile. He is engaging and funny, beautiful and smart, and he eventually wanted a dog.

Donovan: Besides his height (he's 6'5) and good looks, Eric kept us both laughing during our first date with his effortless charm and bubbly personality.

What made you decide you wanted to get married?

Eric: For us, it wasn’t so much a decision as it was a realization. We realized that we made one another better people, brought true happiness to one another and that we were going to end up spending the rest of our lives together, so why not get married? 

Before getting engaged, did you know what you wanted for a ring?

Eric: We both had a general idea of what we wanted, and we had a few heirloom diamonds that we wanted to incorporate. 

Donovan: Outside of matching rings with diamonds, was something we described as 'masculine yet delicate, humble but eye-catching'. 

Tell us about the design process.

Eric: Working with Meaghan was amazing. She spent time getting to know us and what we were looking for. She walked through several different metal options, how the stones and metal can accentuate one another and really spent time working with us on creating something beautiful. Meaghan delivered and we couldn't be happier with the results and to work with her again in the future. 

How did you propose? Was it a surprise?

Eric: The original plan was for me to propose to Donovan during a trip to Hawaii later in 2022 and have a wedding in fall 2023. The trip was planned and Eric just needed the ring. Between the first and second sessions with Meaghan (only I was attending at this point) the Supreme Court reversed Roe v Wade and we felt that there was a chance that our ability to be wed legally could be threatened. As a result, we decided to get married as soon as possible. Because of this decision, we both began attending the sessions with Meaghan together, because the cat was out of the bag, we were going to get married. It was a surprise, to both of us.

Any tips for those who are thinking about getting engaged?

Eric & Donovan: Do it. It’s wonderful.  

Can you describe your design processes in one word?

Eric & Donovan: Phenomenal