Amanda & Kevin
What was your ring buying experience like?
A: Chelsea made the ring experience absolutely amazing! I was overwhelmed at first, being my first introduction to the ins and outs of engagement rings, styles, diamonds, etc. and Chelsea was able to walk me through each part of the process and make everything less overwhelming and fun. I sent her some rings that I liked and at our style appointment we looked through designed she had hand-picked for me. I quickly realized that I did in fact have a preferred style (unbeknownst to me at the time) and from there we narrowed in on what elements I wanted to change and customize. She was always available to answer questions, and even ordered a prototype specifically in my size when I had a freak out moment and needed to see something on my hand. She helped me feel knowledgeable about my options and I always felt like she understood what I was looking for.
K: The ring buying experience was wonderful. As much as I thought I knew about diamonds and rings I learned even more through the Honey Design experience/process. It was great that my now fiancée went for an initial consultation and was able to design her perfect ring and then provide me with multiple ring options to choose from to make the final decision. Chelsea met with us as many times as needed until we received the ring and diamond we wanted! Consultations were fun, easy, and could be conducted anywhere around the city. With my hectic work schedule and life, Chelsea being able to adapt to my schedule was very beneficial.
Why did you choose Honey Designs to design your ring?
A: Kevin was referred to Honey Designs by our close friends, and he then suggested that I go meet with Chelsea myself and check it out. After my first style appointment with Chelsea I had no interest in going to other jewelry stores to look at rings. It felt awesome knowing that Kevin was getting great guidance, support and advice from Chelsea throughout the entire process and I knew we were both going to love the end result.
K: We knew we wanted a custom designed ring. We felt locked into buying a ring that didn’t fit all our criteria at jewelry stores. Our friends told us about what a great job Chelsea/Honey Designs does and we weren’t disappointed.
What surprised you the most?
A: The variety, the ring, the detail, the service, the price – literally everything exceed my expectations! The thought of creating my own custom ring was intimidating at first since I came in with no previous knowledge, but Chelsea made the entire process so much easier and convenient than I was expecting. She was always available - either over text, email, or to meet in person anywhere in the city – to talk about different options, answer any questions or concerns I had, or to mock up more design options. I went from not having a clue to being able to narrow in on the perfect ring that felt very “me”.
K: Ultimately the biggest surprise to me was how much planning goes into designing a proposal. I can’t thank honey design enough in helping me coordinate and pull off a proposal that meant the world to me and my fiancée.
What do you love most about your ring?
A: I knew I wanted a simple solitaire, but still wanted it to be special and unique. I was blown away with how many options Chelsea provided for ways to incorporate special elements and small details. We were able to keep the ring simple yet still incredibly special. What I love most is just staring at it all day.
K: I love knowing that we designed the ring and it wasn’t a “cookie cutter” ring. There’s definitely something special about that!
How did you & your significant other meet?
A: This is something we disagree on to this day. He’ll say that we met playing golf with friends or when he stopped by a volleyball practice, but I don’t remember either of those and we actually met at a concert. I had just moved back from college and started coaching high school volleyball, where all of his friends also were also coaching. They had an extra ticket to a Zedd concert at Bogarts and I had no plans so I tagged along, and that’s where we really hit it off. At some point in the night I decided to crowd surf, and at the end of my run he saw the crowd starting to let me go and he swooped in to save the day. From there the rest is history.
K: Depends on who is telling the story. The first time we officially met was through friends at a golf course. But we both agree that we publicly kicked things off at a local EDM (ZED) concert. She was crowd surfing and I plucked her from the sky and the rest is history.
Where was your first date?
A: Our first official date was dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. We had a nice time and when boxed up our leftovers after dinner Kevin realized that the sweater I was wearing matched the takeout bags exactly, so to this day that’s my “Cheesecake Factory Sweater” and I can’t wear it around him anymore.
K: IHOP, both of us playing hooky from work!
Where’s your favorite hidden gem in Cincy?
A: Bad Tom Smith’s Brewery. We’re lifetime members and personal friends with brew master Todd.
K: Eli’s BBQ: Best BBQ in the City!
Bad Toms Brewery: We’re lifetime members!
Church Festivals: Love me some BIG 6!
What other local Cincinnati businesses do you love?
A: I love trying out all of Cincinnati’s local breweries; Madtree, Rhinegeist, Bad Tom’s, Braxton, Listermann, 50 West, Nine Giant, Rivertown, Streetside, Taft’s, Woodburn are some faves. I’m also always down for Dewey’s pizza.
K: The Reds, Bengals, Cyclones, FC Cincinnati, Coffee Emporium, and local breweries.
Favorite Way to Spend a Date Day/Night:
A: Some of our best dates are just exploring new places around the city and eating and drinking our way through an afternoon. Finding places where I can pet a dog and eat free popcorn is a win in my books.
K: We always like to try new things and adventures. So I’d say the perfect day/night depends on the season. But we always like to invite friends over and cook new recipes while drinking and playing games!
Proposal Photography by Ben Elsass Photography
Flowers by Katie's Blooms
Proposal {Mini} After Party at Nada