My process started with Whiteflash and has been one of the most enjoyable buying experiences I have ever had. I had never done anything like this before and very quickly realized that there was a definite process and far too many options. I talked with Bob extensively and ended up going to Houston on two occasions to look at center stones with Brian. Bob and Brian are both wonderful and very enjoyable people to work with.
After hours and hours online, touring my local B&M, and going to Houston...I found the perfect (IMO) center stone. It is a 3.8ct Square Radiant, 67 table, 67 depth, VG P, G S, and an H Si1. I was very concerned about the Si1 but this stone is completely eye clean from all angles and I couldn't be happier with it.
The next process was the setting. I had an original idea of a JB Star ring that we both really liked but the final ring morphed about 20 times. It is a compilation of JB Star, Martin Flyer, Beaudry, Charles Krypell, and probably more...lol.
I will attach the original wax, the rough cast, and the finished ring pictures. I have been trying to take pictures of the ring in the box or on her hand but can't seem to get it right.
On to the proposal, although I kind of already gave her answer away, lol.
She was aware that a proposal was coming but based on the design process, she was lead to believe it could be Jan or Feb before the ring would be done. It was her birthday on Dec 12th, so we decided to get away on a "birthday weekend". She said she wanted to be surprised, so I left every detail very secret and she didn't know where or what until we were experiencing each part.
We flew to Scottsdale on Dec 9th and had lunch with a business partner of mine. We go to Phoenix all the time and she believed I had some business to take care of in the meantime. The 8th was our anniversary and I told her that we would celebrate it on the 9th and then the rest of the weekend would be for her birthday. We checked into the Four Seasons in Scottsdale around noon and went straight out to the hot tub and relaxed for a few hours...they make it very easy. I had made reservations at a new restaurant called Sassi (sassi.biz) because of it's beautiful architecture and scenic views. In addition, it hasn't rained in Scottsdale on the 9th of December for at least the last 5 years...(hint).
She took a long bath and when she was getting out, I told her that I hoped she didn't mind but that I picked out an outfit for her to wear. She thought I was talking about her suitcase but when she walked into the living room, there was a box with a big bow on it from her favorite clothing store and a dress inside. I said Happy Anniversary...starting to get a little nervous that she was catching on.
The sunset was at 5:20pm on the 9th but Sassi didn't open until 5:30. The people at Sassi were wonderful (Jennifer Leeds) and they agreed to set up a table for me at 4:30. I flew in her favorite flowers and had rose petals delivered to spread around. When we arrived, there was a photographer in the front taking pictures of the building. I acted like I didn't notice and started to walk in the restaurant. A few steps from the door we hear someone say..."excuse me". We turn around and it's the photographer. He tells us he is shooting some promos for the facility and did we mind if he took one of us like we were coming out after dinner. Well, one turned into 10, and many more. I had actually paid this gentleman to be there and to photograph this event...he did a wonderful job of acting as well as taking pictures! His name is Matthew and his company is Pefectelegance.com.
Our table was outside with a perfect view to the west and wonderful views of Pinnacle Peak Mtn. When she saw the table with all the flowers, champagne, cheese, etc...she was totally surprised. I said again...Happy Anniversary! lol. After a while, we saw the photographer taking more pics of the building and the grounds and she said...go ask him if he would take some more pics of us at the table...so I did and of course, he did.
As the sun started to set he came over and asked if we would mind one more pose down in the garden area with the mountain and the sunset in the background. We of course said yes and started walking down toward the garden. She is very much into making wishes and I started to tell her that this area was built on ancient Indian ceremonial ground...not sure if she was buying it but it happened so fast, I don't think she had the time to doubt it, lol. I went on to say that the native people believed that if you make a wish on this spot during a sunset...your wish will come true. So, she closed her eyes and made a wish. When she opened them, I was on one knee and reached out for her hand. She was totally shocked. I told her that I have a wish too and went into the proposal. She was so excited and surprised but she did say yes! We hugged and laughed and talked about all the events and what she was thinking...she had no idea.
We finished the champagne and then went inside for dinner, which was fabulous. I asked her what she wanted to do after dinner and she said dancing...so I told her that we should go back to the hotel for a minute and change. When we made it back, I opened the door for her and stood to the side...there was a huge path of rose petals from the door into the bedroom, a very large rose petal heart on the bed, the fireplace going, champagne on ice, and chocolate covered strawberries. I also had a 50th wedding anniversary card waiting for her. Inside it, I talked about how we came together, how wonderful our lives are, and how much I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together and reading the card again on our 50th anniversary with our kids and grandkids by our side. We didn't end up going dancing after all.
To wrap up a very long story...the next morning we flew to San Francisco and spent the day sightseeing and eating! The next day we spent in Napa touring wineries and enjoying the beautiful weather. The last day we spent in Carmel and Monterrey, had a picnic, and walked around.
It was truly wonderful and a time that we will never forget. Thank you again to everyone on this message board for your questions, wisdom, and assistance. Thank you to Whiteflash...Brian, Bob, Lesley, and Vera! I can't imagine you guys doing a better job.
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