The Details

So here is how the engagement process started:
We have always talked about getting married since we first started dating. I know it was probably the "head-over-heels" phase, but we both really felt like it was something that we would eventually do. We started talking about looking at rings last summer and finally did around June. The first jewelry store we went to I did not like at all, and was very turned off on how I'd always pictured this process would be. The owner told me that I needed to make up my mind about what I liked, and until I did that, then he couldn't help me. The whole time I was thinking, "Now isn't that your job to show me what the options are so I can decide what I like?" So after we left I was not pleased, but Hunter wanted to try another store close by. This one was much like the fantasy I'd always imagined. The saleslady sat me down and showed me different cuts, bands, sizes, etc. Everything I ever wanted was there for me to try on and imagine having for the rest of my life. She even taught Hunter the 4C’s (if you’ve bought diamonds you know what they are) and cleaned my earrings while I was there. Well after this trip we didn’t talk about it much. Later around October or November we went to another place in Charlotte that was recommended by one of Hunter’s close friends. The Engagement Ring Manager (I know it sounds cheesy, but true) let me figure out what style I liked and then showed me everything that fit into that category. I had 2 favorites that he wrote down and gave to Hunter for future reference. After that, I didn’t look online or in magazines at the rings I had chosen just in case I didn’t get those I picked. That way I'd be fully surprised at whatever I got.