Can you feel the love in the air… because we can! Valentine’s Day is around the corner and we’ve been having a blast this month with new clients coming in for engagement rings and past clients returning for those special Valentine’s Day gifts. Both being special celebrations of love that we can’t help be giddy over!
As promised, Love Stories are here for the month of February and this week we are staying in the holiday spirit, celebrating an adorable couple with a happy story, Kelsey and Jacob. Read on for this couple’s adventurous proposal story, what they learned not to do when in quarantine with your SO, and what they adore about each other the most.
Names: Kelsey Leland & Jacob Israel
Current location: Culver City CA
Meeting date + location: Culver City, March 17, 2018.
Wedding date + location: October 23, 2021 (if it’s safe to do so by then!)
How did you meet?
We were at a professional development seminar, and we were put in the same group! We learned a lot about each other that weekend, and then kept finding excuses to meet up after it was over.
The proposal – please tell us the story!
Jacob: We had planned a trip to Mallorca with a group of our friends. I had planned ahead to propose on a beautiful dock, overlooked by a balcony where our friends could photograph. Unfortunately, COVID waylaid those plans, so I had to plan something new, so I decided to create a local adventure.
Kelsey: A little background: I’m a nutritionist and completely obsessed with Chris Kresser, who’s a pretty big deal in the health & nutrition world. Jacob got in touch with Chris on Twitter and asked him to record a video that would kick off a scavenger hunt all over Los Angeles. I was completely star-struck and started crying immediately when I heard Chris Kresser say my name and introduce the game! I knew exactly how it would end, too. The hunt took me to all our memorable places in the city (first meeting place, first dinner date, first concert venue, etc) and at each one, I found a little gold card hidden somewhere with the next clue (and a QR code with the google directions just in case!) I was driving like a maniac and blasting music the whole time, just so excited to get to the last stop. The game ended at Yamashiro, on a hilltop in Hollywood with a great view of the city. But the best part of the view was Jacob, all dressed up, getting down on one knee with the most perfect engagement ring.
When did you know that your significant other was the one?
Kelsey: For me it was seeing Jacob play with my two rescue dogs with such undying love and care. Pretty immediately in our relationship, he started buying them thoughtful gifts, generally obsessing over their wellbeing and falling into a nightly cuddle/belly rub routine that he NEVER skips, no matter how busy or tired he is.
Jacob: For me, it was when Kelsey threw her full support behind two big life decisions. I had a great job at my dream company that made me absolutely miserable. I hadn’t ever not worked since college – even between jobs, and I was really scared by the prospect of living off my savings. Kelsey encouraged me to embrace an abundance mindset and make the leap. Scary as it was, it was 100% the right choice, kicking off one of the best summers of my life and leading to exciting new business ventures. The other was when I decided to invest in a music production program. Kelsey knew I made music but I hadn’t let her know the intensity of my drive to make music. She didn’t hesitate for a second telling me that I should chase that dream and that she fully supported me in doing what makes me happy. From these moments I knew Kelsey would also push me to be bold, to achieve more, and always have my back.
What is your favorite thing about your significant other?
Kelsey: Life is never boring with Jacob. He’s smart, funny, ambitious, intense, goofy, and affectionate–our relationship is a wonderful balance of thoughtful debates, political rants, and butt grabbing.
Jacob: Kelsey is caring and compassionate in a way I had never experienced. The time she takes to understand where other people are coming from is so admirable. And the pride and joy she takes in helping people (both in her work and personal life) is tremendous. She can always be counted on to bring kindness to any situation. On the other hand, she is whip-smart and insanely motivated. She inspires me to work hard every day.
What has COVID taught you about each other/relationships? Did you learn anything about your SO?
Covid taught us that if we can get through uncertain and stressful times like this, we should probably stay together for life! With both of us working from home and running our own businesses, it’s hard to snap out of “work mode.” We had to put structure around recharge / relax time, date nights, and our separate catch-ups with friends. Some small things we’ve figured out: No serious conversations if one of us is hungry. No starting new home improvement projects after 8pm. Headphones work wonders to signal that one of us is in “focus mode.” Little things like bringing each other coffee or a snack go a long way. Compliments and words of appreciation are a must during lockdown–anything you can do to keep the positive energy up!
Do you have any notable stories that have stood out over the years – hilarious, sentimental, anything!
Jacob: Kelsey is an amazing gift-giver. Early on in our relationship, I was binging a tv show where a character wore a Japanese style kimono sort of as a joke. Offhand I made a comment that I could totally rock one of those. Didn’t even think twice about the comment. ~8 months later for Christmas, what did she get me? An amazing kimono. I had forgotten I even mentioned it – but she remembered.
What’s your favorite go-to date night idea? Pre or post quarantine!
Post-Quarantine: Walk to our local movie theater to catch the latest. After the movie, we head to a nice dinner and then to a bar or lounge for a few drinks before a stop at a concert to round out the night.
During Quarantine: Friday night is blocked out for date night. We keep a fairly strict diet during the week, so this is our chance to get a splurge meal. We’ll sometimes get a little dressed up, eat, then walk our dogs before settling in for a movie.
Let’s talk jewels – how did you choose this ring?!
I knew I wanted something unique, and one day I wandered into SK doing a little pre-shopping 😉 The girls were so helpful! I decided that day I definitely didn’t want a pure white diamond. The grays and champagnes were just so pretty and felt more like my style. A few months later, I saw what was the “Annika” ring on the SK website and fell in love with its gorgeous champagne pear diamond. Jacob worked with Sofia to put the ring on a slightly different setting, and the end result is absolutely my dream ring!
How is wedding planning going?
Planning has honestly been a blast so far because we have amazing planners (Round Town Events @roundtownevents) who help us every step of the way. We’re still a ways out, and time will tell if we can keep our original date (safety is a huge priority for us), but we’re forging ahead for now and hoping for the best!
What are you most excited about for your wedding? What was most exciting, if married?
Kelsey: I’m most excited for the dance party, even though I’m a horrible dancer, ha! I can’t wait to be in one space surrounded by all my favorite people, especially after more than a year of social distancing!
Jacob: I’m most excited to have all of the people who are important to us in one place together. We’re both so lucky to have amazing friends and great families, and so many of them have never even met one another. Also, I can’t wait to watch Kelsey freak out when she gets lifted up on the chair.
Are you going to honeymoon? Yes! We’re waiting to plan too much due to Covid, but we’re thinking Southeast Asia.
Alright – so what’s next for the two of you?!
First and foremost we have businesses to run & grow. But starting a family is definitely a near-term goal.
Finally, if you could add any piece to your SKFJ collection, which one would it be?
I already went back and bought the Stardust Single Baguette Band for my right hand (it needed some love!), and I’d love to keep stacking on that ring. I love the Classic One Diamond Wire Band & The Chevron Stacking Ring.
—
Do you have an engaging story to share of how you met your love? Stop by here and share for your chance to be the next featured Love Story!
