To Have and to Holden is our series where we interview real couples about their romance, weddings, and whatever else comes up along the way. Enjoy!
Bri and Fay fell in love in college, and after a romantic Parisian proposal, they were married in Jacksonville, Florida (Fay chose our Domed Profile in rose gold). Check out their sweet story, favorite wedding memory, and advice for any couple planning a wedding.
How did you meet and start dating?
Bri
Fay and I met during college and were first introduced by my roommate, who was also Fay's basketball teammate! We were casually friends for a few weeks, but she had no idea that I had a huge crush on her. Coincidentally, I was on the cheerleading team and was assigned to make posters and treats for Fay before each basketball game (clearly the universe was pushing us together). After many over-the-top game posters failed to give her the hint, I mustered up the courage to let her know how I felt. The more we started to talk and hangout, our connection was evident and we’ve been inseparable since!
How did you get engaged?
Fay
Our engagement story begins with Christmas 2016. I was planning to propose in Europe but didn’t know how to get Bri there without being suspicious of a proposal. I decided to gift her a trip to London and Paris for the following year, which worked perfectly! I told her that I had also planned two surprise excursions on the trip and she would need one casual outfit as well as one dressy outfit. Our first excursion to Stonehenge was a blast, and she had no suspicions about our second “excursion.” While in Paris, we woke up before sunrise to “meet the excursion group” by the Eiffel Tower. Little did she know, I was a nervous wreck because I was about to propose. Once we got to the Eiffel Tower, Bri started taking some photos of the gorgeous sunrise. She turned around and said, “OK let’s go before we are late!” I nervously explained that there was no excursion and then got down on one knee and asked her to be my wife! It was the happiest and most beautiful moment. I hired a photographer to capture the entire proposal and am thankful that we have pictures of that morning to cherish forever.
What’s a moment from your wedding that you’ll remember forever?
Bri
We both agree that our first look was one of the most memorable parts of the day. I will always remember the moment when Fay turned around to see me for the first time and how she just burst into tears! We both had so much excitement and nervousness about the day, but having time together before the ceremony helped calm us down.
Fay
Like Bri said, our first look is something I will always remember. I was standing facing the other direction while Bri walked up to me. My heart felt like it was about to explode. When I turned around and saw her in her dress, I melted. I had anticipated seeing her on our wedding day for 2 years! I will never forget that moment and am so happy we had those few minutes alone together.
What’s some advice you have for couples planning an upcoming wedding?
Bri
My advice to those planning a wedding is always stay true to who you are! Don’t be afraid to show your unique qualities or convictions through details. If you and your spouse are vegan, serve all vegan options! Do you feel that the bouquet toss and garter removal are gender normative? Me too, so don’t do it! Are you an advocate for your local animal shelter? Have a donation jar on your bar! Your wedding should be a reflection of you both as a couple!
Fay
Don’t sweat the small stuff! Bri and I spent weeks making a custom greenery seating arrangement wall that said “Find Your Seat and Bon Appetit.” During our wedding, we noticed that the “Your” broke and said “Yo.” At that moment we started cracking up hysterically. We realized that spending countless hours stressing about the small stuff doesn't even matter, because things may go wrong regardless! At the end of the day, it’s about getting married to the love of your life.
What was important to you in choosing a ring? What made you choose Holden?
Fay
I felt that it was extremely important to have a ring that felt like “me.” I am not a blingy person and wanted a simple but sleek rose gold band. Secondly, it was important that I could engrave my ring! I chose Holden not only because of the quality for the price, but also the engraving and resizing options. I needed to resize my ring before the wedding, and Holden made the process extremely easy!
What does love mean to you?
Love means accepting someone completely for who they are, flaws and all. It is supporting your partner in their dreams and helping them be the best version of themselves, because that is what they do for you. We also think that when you can be equally weird/silly with each other without judgement….that’s love. :)
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