Proposal Stories: Bri & Blaise

The couple met in London through work – Bri had just relocated from the US to join the marketing team for a well-known chef, and Blaise worked on the digital side of the same brand. ‘She asked if we could take the train to a work event together so she wouldn’t get lost,’ Blaise said. ‘We ended up getting lost anyway because we were so caught up in conversation.’ It turned out to be the perfect detour – and marked the start of their relationship, which has now spanned two incredible years.

The proposal wasn’t entirely unexpected, which is what made it even more meaningful. ‘Bri is such a planner, and I wanted her to feel part of the process, especially designing the ring’ said Blaise. ‘She knew the proposal would probably happen at some point during our trip to Finland, but she didn’t know exactly when.’

The couple had planned a snowboarding holiday, just the two of them – a chance to unwind and soak up the Nordic winter magic. 'We saw reindeer, explored the snowy landscapes and admired the incredible scenery together,' reflected Blaise. Being a professional photographer, Bri was excited to capture the scenery with her drone, and Blaise saw his chance.

‘I suggested we check out a bridge in the middle of a snow-covered forest, knowing it would be the perfect spot,’ he said. Once the drone was in the air, and the couple stood together on the bridge, Blaise dropped to one knee and proposed. 'I chose this moment because it combined our love of adventure, the beauty of nature and a memory that would always feel uniquely ours,' explained Blaise.

‘It was such a magical moment. I had a feeling he was going to do it because he asked if the drone was recording,’ Bri shared. ‘Out of the corner of my eye I saw him kneel down, and I think we both immediately started crying. It was so special.’

Watch the magical proposal via Instagram below.

When it came to the ring, the couple were drawn to the idea of something classic but completely personal. ‘From the very start of exploring engagement rings, Bri and I were both drawn to the oval shape,’ said Blaise. ‘It just felt timeless, beautiful and perfectly suited to her.’

After visiting some of the world’s most renowned jewellers, from Beverly Hills to Bond Street, nothing felt quite right. 'I also didn’t love the idea of spending $45,000+ on a ring that had been tried on by so many other people. I wanted it to feel truly special', explained Blaise. But everything changed the moment they stepped into Queensmith’s showroom in Hatton Garden.

‘Our trip to Hatton Garden started with an appointment at another place that ended up being quite disappointing. We were almost ready to give up when we spotted Queensmith,’ Blaise said. ‘We were lucky to get an appointment with the founder, Brett, who made the whole experience amazing and made deciding on Queensmith a no-brainer.'

After seeing the jewellery-making process first-hand, learning about natural and lab grown diamonds and discovering they could design a fully custom ring, Bri and Blaise knew they'd stumbled across the jeweller they'd been searching for – a true gem.

When Brett showed the couple a selection of diamonds, there was one that stood out instantly. ‘We both audibly said “wow” when we saw it,’ Blaise added. ‘It was a 3.52ct oval cut diamond in D colour, and it felt absolutely perfect.’

'We wanted the ring to feel truly us,' explained Blaise. 'It's a classic style, but it's incredibly special knowing we helped design every detail – and the fact that the diamond we fell in love with was lab grown, and such amazing quality for the value, just sealed the deal.'

For Bri, who used to think she might want a halo ring, the final design surpassed all expectations: a striking oval brilliant Portman Scallop engagement ring with a hidden halo of diamonds in platinum. ‘I love everything about it! I used to think I wanted a halo, but thanks to the amazing value at Queensmith, we were able to get a stunning diamond that really speaks for itself,’ she said. ‘It’s everything I imagined and more.’

The couple are planning to marry in Texas, where Bri is originally from. ‘A Texas wedding just feels right,’ said Blaise. ‘It’s where her family are, and we’re hoping to move there soon, so it’ll be extra special to celebrate in a place that’s becoming such a big part of our lives.’

With dreams of delicious food, country music and maybe even a little line dancing, the pair are still in the early stages of planning, but we can’t wait to see what’s to come and wish them the very best of luck!