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I was asked by Invaluable to take a little challenge and tell the story behind my most prized and sentimental piece of jewelry. I chose my wedding ring, it might be a little cliche, but I don’t mind–it’s absolutely my favorite piece of jewelry.
After Marcus and I had been dating for awhile we knew we wanted to get married. We were both broke college students and obviously didn’t have much. We dated long distance while he was attending school in Utah and I was in Idaho. Well one weekend while he was in town visiting, there just happened to be a bridal show going on that I wanted to go to. I was chatting about it with his Mom when she said Marcus why don’t you go with her. His face looked less than thrilled, let’s be honest what guy is really going to jump at the opportunity to go to a bridal show. However, we were still dating which meant he was still into trying to impress me 😉 So eventually after some convincing from his Mom he agreed to go. It actually ended up being semi boring since we weren’t engaged yet and I wasn’t planning a wedding. (And I just realized I sound like a crazy person…bear with me ;)) We walked around though, looked at all the pretty things and then came across a booth doing a giveaway. The giveaway was for an engagement ring. Marcus decided he was going to enter, which surprised me a little since he’s generally a pretty shy guy (total opposite of me). He filled out a little card with his name on it and they were going to draw five names in a little while for the final challenge to try and win. We didn’t think much of it and continued to walk around. Then the next we know Marcus’ name was being called for one of the five finalists to participate in the challenge. I almost started laughing, was this real? Sure enough, it was. A short time later the five of them gathered around for the challenge. They were to dig through a giant cake filled with five rings, but only one of them was real. Whoever found the real one, won! Looking back, I wish I had video tapped it, but I did get some pictures! The competition began and I just sat back and watched as the five guys started digging through cake like madmen. Finally, all five rings were found. The jeweler went around to each one and inspected them to see who had the real one. Next thing I know, they were announcing Marcus as the winner. I was in total shock! I never win things like this. Technically he won, but it was for me so that counts right? 😉
Well long story short, this was SUCH a blessing for two broke college kids. We were ecstatic that we could finally make our little love story complete. I ended up being able to create my own ring and use the credit to do so. This is where it gets even more special.
When I was a little girl my parents got divorced and my Mom, sister and I moved in with my Grandma. She instantly became like a second Mom to me and we had such a strong bond. Honestly, she was my best friend. Growing up, I can remember sleeping on her bedroom floor, listening to her tell me stories about her life and her letting me watch TV way past my bedtime. She was the best. Well shortly after we moved to Idaho when I was 15, she passed away. That was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced and I miss her more and more everyday. So when I found out that I was going to get married I wanted so badly to center it around her. We were married in the same place as her, I wore her dress for part of the ceremony, and the best part–my ring. Since I got to customize my own ring, I used her wedding ring and made it into something spectacular. We couldn’t use the original ring because it was falling apart, but we were able to take the diamonds from it and use part of the band to make the most special, sentimental piece of jewelry I own. Now everywhere I go I have a little piece of my Grandma with me and all tied into the best decision I’ve ever made, marrying Marcus.
I know she’s proud of me and watching over us everyday. I’m so glad that I got the chance to write about this, it’s something so close to my heart and an amazing blessing that I get to experience still everyday. It’s all about the little things y’all and for that I’m forever grateful.
Xoxo,
Jess
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