Jewel Journal

Natalie + Andrew’s Love Story

March is here and we’re feeling like the month of February flew by, but also dragged on? Anyone else?  Anyways, back to the jewels – welcome back SKFJ readers, Sophia here (Social Media & Marketing Manager) and I’m back with our final Love Story of the month, and this may just be my favorite. Natalie and Andrew came to us from San Diego, and while we often get clients from all over California and the US – these two made the trip up to us multiple times. They were a joy to work with and we love their style! In this day and age, it feels rare when people meet in the wild (just me?) and their relationship unfolded so naturally and organically… read on for their story <3

Names: Andrew Piniarski & Natalie Palmer

Current location: Carlsbad, CA

Meeting date + location: early 2014, at a hair salon in Carlsbad.

Wedding date + location: 12/3/23, ACRE — San Jose Del Cabo, MX

Back to the start of all of this – how did you lovebirds meet?

We first met at a hair salon! Andrew was one of my clients and we both definitely caught some vibes. We became good friends behind the chair that year and slowly started dating by the end of 2014.

Tell us about the first date!! 

First official date was giving rom com vibes! We went ice skating in Coronado then did dinner and drinks.

When was the moment you knew you loved your partner? Who said “I love you” first? 

We both admitted later on that we knew pretty early on and that once we started to date outside of the salon, things felt pretty real from that moment on. Andrew said “I love you” first while we were on a CA coastal trip in Big Sur.

The proposal – please tell us the story!

Ah! Where to start… the thing is, I’m pretty hard to surprise but I wouldn’t expect anything less for Andrew to think of every detail for this event.

Andrew booked a staycation at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa for us a weekend in September. I didn’t think too much of it because that spa is heaven on earth and I remember that month being a really busy one! So a spa day sounded perfect.

On Saturday, 9/10/22, Andrew checked us into the hotel when we got there and since I’ve never stayed at this resort (only done spa days) I was just so excited/distracted that I didn’t notice how stressed Andrew was as we were checking in.

We got to the room and had dinner reservations so as I was taking my sweet time getting ready, Andrew was stressed out about hiding the ring box in his pocket.

We go to walk to dinner at the resort and Andrew is leading the way to a private area. I’m being annoying and letting him know we’re going the wrong way but he insists we are on the right trail. So I follow (even though I know I’m right haha).

We get to a bridge to cross on the property and Andrew’s  grip in my hand gets so tight — I’m just about to ask him if he is okay, but then he stops in the middle of the bridge, takes both of my hands, and says all the things on why he wants me to be his wife. We laugh. We cry. & then he gets down on one knee and asks me to marry him.

Of course, the answer was always going to be yes.

We got to share this private moment on this bridge surrounded by trees and this stunning resort, & I continue to process what just happened…

Then he tells me to keep smiling because our good friend is taking photos.

I look around and of course, see our friend that is also a photographer that captured every single moment. I will be forever grateful for such a gift.

After some more photos, we were ready to celebrate with drinks and went ahead to the reservation we had. We walk into the place and my sister, brother in law, Andrew’s bother & wife are all there. Andrew planned to have them surprise me so we can all celebrate such a monumental moment for us. The rest of the night was an absolute blur of crying, champagne and happiness.

We stayed at this dreamy resort the rest of the weekend and got to soak it all in.

To say this was a weekend I’ll never forget is an understatement. The thought and care behind this proposal will always be something that I’ll cherish throughout our marriage.

 

How or when did you know that your significant other was the one?

Our first date.

What’s your go-to date night idea?

If it’s not champs & grilling then we will definitely be at our local fav restaurant eat & drinking all the things.

Let’s talk jewels – how did you choose this ring?! Who took the reigns on designing or choosing your ring? give us all the deets. 

We visited Sofia Kaman to get knowledge on rings, shapes and sizes. It was such a fun experience and we learned so much. We loved so many options that Andrew truly took the reins on the ring after that day.

How is the wedding planning experience? What’s been different about wedding planning than you imagined?  

We learned that weddings not only cost way more than we thought but also, the wedding planning was more in depth than we anticipated. I couldn’t have imagined both of us trying to plan one without a wedding planner helping us. Investing in a full service planner was worth every penny because it kept our engagement fun and exciting with minimal stress.

If married, what was your favorite part of your wedding? If engaged, what are you looking forward to most about the big day?

Our favorite part of our wedding was exchanging our vows in front of all our guests that traveled to be there. It was a such special ceremony and we will never forget all the people that showed up for us that weekend.

Will there be a honeymoon involved?  Tell us more…

We hope so! We are trying to decide if Italy or Greece will be a trip we take in the fall.

Alright – so what does the future hold for the two of you? Is there a five-year plan in the works?

No 5 year plan as of yet… We are still in newlywed bliss so we are just enjoying life and each other at the moment.

Finally, if you could add any piece to your SKFJ collection, which one would it be?!

How could I choose there’s so many options… but a tennis bracelet would be the ultimate dream!