Sam & Alex
What was your ring buying experience like?
S & A: Wonderful. Chelsea was informative and helpful throughout the entire process. Alex wanted everything to be a surprise, so Chelsea really helped give not only a professional opinion, but a personalized one. It was nice to have someone trustworthy to guide Alex along the experience as opposed to someone that just wanted to sell him something and be done with it. Chelsea was patient and kind throughout the entire design process and through the engagement coaching sessions. It truly was a one of a kind experience that we are both extremely grateful for.
Why did you choose Honey Designs to design your ring?
S: Alex wanted the ring to be unique and one of a kind. He wanted something custom designed that would show how much time and effort put he had into it. Alex wanted someone he could trust to give him the best experience possible, and I truly believe that was accomplished.
What surprised you the most?
S: The extreme attention to detail. When choosing Chelsea with Honey Designs, Alex knew that there would be a very close focus on the attention to detail, but mostly just on the ring. Overall, the full attention to detail around the entire proposal and everything that went into it was above and beyond what anyone would do. Chelsea not only made the ring absolutely perfect, but she worked with Alex to find out what was important to him in the proposal itself and then helped make it happen.
What do you love most about your ring?
S & A: Alex and I can both agree that what we love most about the ring is that it's mine. There is nothing else specifically like it. It was made for me in the exact way that Alex had hoped. It is the most beautiful piece of jewelry I have ever seen, and I love that when I look at it I see all of the small details that took so much time and effort. To me it is a representation of just how much he loves me. I was not expecting anything quite like it, but I will never want another ring. It is absolutely breathtaking and we could not be happier with the end result.
How did you meet?
S: We met in my cousin’s wedding. He was a groomsman and I was a bridesmaid. We weren't paired off together and quite frankly did not get along. And that is putting it lightly. We were reintroduced a few years later when the groom of that same wedding tricked us into meeting at the gym. We really hit it off and the rest is history.
Where was your first date?
S & A: Barrio in Lakewood. It was not meant to be a date, just two friends going out, and he wanted to show me this restaurant he loved that I had never been to. It ended up turning into the best first date by the end of the night.
Where’s your favorite hidden gem in Cleveland?
S & A: It's hard to pick one! We love Cleveland! Definitely Barrio, though they are gaining in popularity. While it may not be hidden, I think the Cleveland Botanical Gardens (where we got engaged!!) is extremely underestimated. It is absolutely beautiful and one of my favorite places in the city. Clifton Martini and Wine Bar is one that we have come to love recently. Their food is delicious and have an entire vegan menu. They have to die for flatbreads and salads, and have a dog friendly patio. On top of that, they have a humidor that you can hand select cigars out of to enjoy them on the patio. We love that place. We also love 16 Bit, an arcade themed bar that allows you to drink movie star themed drinks (the Carrie Fisher and Hulk Hogan are among favorites) while you play arcade games. They have Mortal Kombat, Super Mario, Area 51, Terminator, the whole lot. Even my parents enjoy it, haha.
What other local Cleveland businesses do you love?
S & A: We love GV Art and design for t-shirts and apparel (we've gotten some really cool beer and wine glasses there too!). We are also big fans of the West Side Market and do majority of grocery shopping there.
Favorite Way to Spend a Date Day/Night:
S & A: We love to go hiking, eating tacos, playing video games (at 16 Bit or at home), checking out different restaurant/bar patios, exploring new places, or introducing each other to new things. We both love being outside so the majority of our date days are spent outdoors.
Proposal Photography by Lauren Gabrielle
Flowers by Molly Taylor & Co.