A Little Romance from Denney Jewelers

Mackenzie and Adam – May Nominee

michelle — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:39:47 +0000

Mackenzie and I first met ten years ago just before our freshman year in high school. We quickly became friends and remained that way for a while. Before long I knew I wanted more but she didn’t. It took me a year of chasing before she agreed to go on a date with me and that was all it took. We started dating our junior year and dated through high school. We eventually graduated and went to different universities; it was hard but we realized that it was true love and stuck it out through the distance which made us stronger.

After college we discovered true happiness when we moved in together and have spent almost two years in Champaign. In February I decided that after 7 1/2 years it was time to get engaged. I went into Denney Jewelers and showed them a picture of what I was looking for. When the ring came in I had it all planned out.

Mackenzie’s favorite flowers are roses and I’ve always loved how the different colors have different meanings. I had made 6 cards and had corresponding colored roses representing the six stages in our relationship: yellow for friendship, blue for chasing the unattainable, white for new beginnings, red for true love, pink for true happiness, and deep red for the future commitment.

I asked Mackenzie to meet me in a park that we often go to so that we could run. She walked up in her work out clothes and was very confused to find me in the flower garden dressed in black slacks and a red button up shirt holding roses and cards! One by one I handed her the cards and the roses explaining how much she has meant to me in every stage of our relationship. The last explained to her how much I love her and how I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her; it ended with two simple words: marry me. As she read it I got down on one knee, showed her the ring and asked her to marry me.

With tears in her eyes she said yes!

Melissa and Tony – May Nominee

michelle — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:31:36 +0000

I had never been to a St. Louis Cardinals opening day baseball game and was excited because my now fiancé, Tony, had found tickets for us not only on opening day but for 2 games against the Cubs on opening weekend. He suggested spending the night in the St. Louis area but I decided it would be best to save money by just riding with other family members that were going on Friday and drive ourselves on Saturday. He was in St. Louis on Thursday for a business meeting and sent me a text message informing me that he had won a pair of tickets in a raffle drawing. They were for a VIP Opening Day Breakfast at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch the next day. I could tell he was excited, but I was actually mad because I knew this was going to give him a reason to say we might as well stay for the weekend. By the time I got off work I had calmed down some and just thought it wasn’t worth fighting over. I called him to get more details. He said the VIP manager at the hotel told him it was a special event that only a select group of people were invited to and to make sure I had my camera with me. Not really knowing what to expect, I speculated with my family as to who would be there or what it would entail. We guessed the Cardinals Hall of Famers were the VIPs. We would get to enjoy breakfast with them and get pictures and maybe even autographs. I then began to get a little more excited about what I was telling my coworkers was “some stupid little breakfast thing I have to go to”.

Friday morning came and we were running late when we arrived in downtown St. Louis for the 10:30 breakfast. I was thinking this is typical as Tony is always running late. We better not miss this VIP breakfast! We had to contact the VIP manager when we arrived since this was an invitation only event and he was going to escort us to the proper location. He informed us to meet him on the top floor of the Hyatt. When we got off the elevators, Tony introduced himself to the VIP manager who then asked if I was his wife and Tony promptly said “No, this is my girlfriend, Missy.” He then escorted us to the room, complimenting us along the way that we had the most authentic jerseys of anyone there. He said we were the best dressed couple and everyone would probably notice us. Down the hallway, another Hyatt employee had a clipboard and asked us our name and proceeded to check us off the guest list. We continued to a set of double doors where two more employees opened the doors to an empty room full of empty tables. At the far end of the room, near the floor to ceiling windows that provided an awesome view of the terrace and the Arch, was a table set for two with red roses in the center of the table. I was looking for all these people the VIP manager spoke of and knew we must not be in the right place, but he had stopped at the double doors leaving us alone in the room.

We proceeded out the door at the side of the room to see if the breakfast was through that door. I was even more confused when we found that it just led to the outside terrace where it was raining. We turned around to go back into the original room but we were now locked out! So, we walked back down the hallway to the doors where the manager and the employees were still standing telling them we weren’t sure where we were supposed to go. He pointed us to the end of the room again and said, “It is right there.” I seriously thought the man had lost his marbles because there was no breakfast, no VIPs, and certainly no one stopping to stare at our supposedly “best dressed” attire!

As I approached the table set for two again, completely baffled, Tony said, “I have a question for you. Will you be committed to me for the rest of your life?” Of course I said yes, and then instantly realized something was up and asked, “Was this all a set up?!” With a smile, he replied “Maybe” as he got down on one knee. He asked me to marry him and slipped the most beautiful ring than I could have ever imagined on my finger! After a short embrace and a kiss he pulled out the chair for me and we sat down to enjoy the view of the Arch and the calming rain falling on the softly illuminated terrace floor. The VIP Manager then delivered our delicious breakfast, poured our Mimosas, and left us alone to enjoy the moment that I’ll never forget.

Tony mentioned there was a sign, that the hotel fabricated just for us, located just outside the elevators on the top floor. The sign pointed us in the direction of the VIP breakfast. Distracted by the conversation with the manager, I didn’t see it at that time. When it was time to leave, I took the rose bouquet off the table, so I could carry them with me at the game, and we headed back to the elevators to see this sign I missed. I was disappointed to see the sign was gone. Surprisingly, it was replaced with another sign that read “Congratulations Missy and Tony!” It had a picture of Fredbird wearing a veil and a huge diamond ring on his left wing!

We went down to the lobby. As we walked out the front doors of the hotel, there was a horse drawn carriage waiting for us! I certainly felt like a princess and was enjoying how romantic this had all been, while also appreciating not having to walk to the stadium in the rain. Even though there was a 2 hour rain delay and the Cardinals lost, it was not only the best opening day I could’ve ever imagined, but one of the most memorable days of my life.

Bettianne and John – April Finalist

michelle — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:02:10 +0000

On the morning of St. Patrick’s Day, my fiance, John, and I were “greening up” in preparation of the parade in downtown Springfield. Being Irish and having a birthday that falls on the day after, St. Patrick’s Day has been my favorite holiday for many years!

Since the weather had been unseasonably warm, we decided to ride our bikes. On the way there John suggested we stop and take some pictures near the Capitol. There wasn’t anyone else around, so we set up our little tripod. He set up the camera to take 10 continuous pictures in a row. We did goofy poses, then looked at the results. He suggested 10 more, and as I was preparing to get goofy, he was preparing to get serious.

I struck my first pose, as he struck a pose on his knee. With a ring. And a proposal. The subsequent pictures capture his proposal and my candid reactions. I said “Yes” and he said, “I’m not finished yet!”

This was something that John had planned, and I am so glad that he did. Now we have this memorable collection of real time photos to keep with us forever.

Samantha and Daniel – March Finalist

michelle — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:23:18 +0000

My girlfriend and I have been together for just under 3 years. She has always thought marriage was the last thing on my mind and I was someone who wanted to wait a long time before we made that commitment. Whenever she would mention marriage I would just brush it off.

A little over 4 months ago I came to Denney Jewelers with a sketch of an engagement ring I designed. I’ve always been interested in art, drawing, and painting, etc. ever since I was little. So, the idea of designing my own ring really interested me. I also liked the idea of my girlfriend having a one of a kind ring that no one else would have. For about a month now my girlfriend and I had made plans to take a trip to Chicago (her favorite city) with her aunt and uncle to go shopping. Just 4 days before the trip I told Samantha I changed my mind and wanted to go to St. Louis over the weekend with my family since I hadn’t had time to see or spend time with them lately. She became very, very upset that I had decided this last minute and would not be spending the weekend with her when we had planned this for so long. I told her I would make it up to her somehow but she couldn’t see how that would be possible.

Saturday morning (3/3/2012) she left for Chicago with her aunt and uncle, after they left I stopped by to pick up the engagement ring (that had just been completed) and drove up to Chicago by myself. I went to the restaurant they made dinner reservations at (Shaw’s Crab House) and hid upstairs in the boardroom. When the 3 of them arrived the maitre d’ took them up to the room and opened the door. Samantha walked in and was shocked overjoyed to see me, but even with this surprise she thought I was only up there to join them for dinner…until I got down on one knee and proposed. I told her I would make it up to her! She said YES and we went back downstairs and enjoyed a lovely steak and seafood dinner and a bottle of champagne.

Sabrina and Danny – February Finalist

michelle — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 03:48:09 +0000

I was a freshman in college and was studying American Sign Language. I received an email on my space from a guy, with a very deep southern accent. I was born in New York and raised near Chicago and the last thing I ever thought would happen, would be me falling in love with a boy from the country.

That was a little over four years ago. I was finishing up my bachelor’s degree in ASL Interpretation in Frederick, Maryland. I was away from my boyfriend for six months. I returned in the month of May 2011 to graduate from college. That week was full of events and exciting moments for my classmates and I. The day of graduation was amazing and everything seemed so perfect. Little did I know that day would change the rest of my life.

As I waited patiently in the library, across from the chapel, we lined up and began to walk across the lawn. I was so surprised to see my family and his all there to watch me graduate. As we lined up in front of the chapel steps I was approached by my ASL teacher. She brought me to the top of the steps and signed “Today is the most important day of your life right? I want to bring up Danny.”

At that moment, my eyes teared up and I saw my boyfriend holding two dozen red/yellow roses. He grabbed hold of my hand and began to tactile sign ( the method used by deaf-blind individuals by signing into their hand)

He signed “Will you…I love you..marry me?” That is when I opened my eyes to see him on his knee with a beautifully cut heart shaped engagement ring. That was the day I knew Danny and I would spend the rest of our lives together.

http://www.myjournalcourier.com/articles/macmurray-33015-one-came.html

Share the Love – Most Romantic Couple 2013

michelle — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:39:34 +0000

We are now accepting submissions for the 2013 title of Most Romantic Couple. We want to hear

your story of a romantic jewelry presentation. New baby, engagement, anniversary, Valentine’s Day or Just Because, fine jewelry represents our love, our appreciation, our excitement, and our lives. We are proud to help you select something that will remind you of these moments forever and we remind you that a special presentation makes your jewelry more meaningful to the one you love.

Share the Love and you could be selected as a monthly finalist and win a $100 Denney Jewelers gift certificate. The 2012 Most Romantic Couple will be selected at our Valentine Ball on February 11, 2012 and will win a gift basket complete with a 24K Rose, Crown, $500 gift certificate and other gifts. Every nominee will be recognized, so save the date, share the love, and submit your story today!

Looking forward to a year filled with Love!

Congratulations to our Most Romantic Couple for 2012

michelle — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:45:26 +0000

Congratulations Casey and Jeremy!

Each month we get such beautiful stories and we wish all the couples the very best. We enjoy each of your stories so much and it is amazing how many different and special ways there are to show someone how much they mean to you.

Thank you to all of our nominees for Sharing the Love….and your story. We wish you all the best .

Be sure to submit your romantic jewelry presentation story and Share the Love! We are looking for all kinds of special moments when jewelry was given to the one you love. We look forward to another year filled with LOVE!

Josh and Lacey (Part 2)

michelle — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:00:50 +0000

Has asked me to marry him in July 2011 (Lacey and Josh – Part 1) and on January 21, 2012 after he stole my heart, I stole his last name!!

The Friday before we were to marry, Josh took me into a nearby town and said he had a surprise for me… He had set up a couples massage for that afternoon and it was so amazing, just what we needed! That night, all our family and friends arrived at the resort and we had dinner, drinks and laughs before we all headed off for the night to catch some Zzzz’s before that mornings event!

We were married at the top of the slope, outside at a Ski Resort in Wisconsin and it was beautiful, unique and just perfect! I even went down the slope on my snowboard in my huge dress and Josh on his skiis and in his tux and we made it without any problem! Saturday night after a long day of pictures and finally getting to snowboard and ski for the rest of the day, we went snowtubing after dinner. Everyone had a blast.

When we returned to our room, Josh had a gift for me. Of course, I thought, “what could he have possibly bought for me? I already have the most perfect ring and husband, I don’t need anything else.”

I opened the box and inside was a beautiful white gold box chain with an engraved square pendant. The engraving he had Denney Jewelers put on it were my NEW initials!! “L.A.S”

I was so excited and couldn’t believe it!!! I had lost my most favorite necklace which was similar to my new one and said I would love to have my initials engraved on it some day. Josh being so thoughtful and amazing had Denney Jewelers make it happen! I’m so blessed to have such a wonderful best friend, my husband!

Allie and Ross

michelle — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:50:55 +0000

We left Illinois for a week to spend Christmas with my parents in Colorado. While out there, we planned on simply relaxing and going skiing for a couple days. Little did my now fiancé, Allie, know that I planned on asking her to marry me on the slopes.

A couple days after we got to Colorado, we drove up to my cousin’s condo to get ready for the best day of my life. I informed my cousins of my plan so that we could have pictures to help remember the day. We all went together over to Keystone and rode the lift up to Schoolmarm. Halfway down the run, we decided to cut over to a different run in order to take another lift to go higher up. After we cut over I signaled to my cousins that it was about time and to get the cameras ready. I skied past everyone and stopped in a somewhat secluded spot on Silver Spoon. I was hoping for Allie to ski over to me and see why I stopped, but she just ignored me and kept going. With my cousins laughing at me, I skied past everyone again and found another secluded spot on the run.

This time was a success. Allie skied over to me and asked me what was going on; just what I hoped. I told her that my knee was bothering me and began to take off my skis. When I started to kneel, she assumed that I was falling towards her and backed up out of reach. Laughing, I leaned forward, grabbed her skis and pulled her back to me and told her “Stay.” She had a very confused look on her face which made me laugh even more. I started to tell her that I love her and unzipped my ski jacket. I told her that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her and began to reach into my inner pocket for the box with the ring in it.

Much to my surprise, the box was the exact same size as my pocket and I struggled to get my fingers around it. This made me worry a bit that I was going to ruin my little speech and I began to babble. It seemed like an eternity before I got the ring out, all the while I was still babbling. Her reaction of “Oh my gosh! Are you serious?! Is this really happening? I think I’m going to cry!” was priceless.

I finally managed to ask her to marry me and she said yes! As I was putting the ring on her finger, she started crying. I have never seen the love of my life so happy, and I’m glad we have pictures to relive the moment.

Willie and Lakin – January Finalist

michelle — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:36:09 +0000

Willie and I started writing our love story 9 years ago. We were young, a little bit wild, and we were crazy about each other. Some could say that we were the definition of a summer romance. Being that we were both young and Willie was leaving for the Navy in a few short months nothing became of our romance; except for one amazing friendship.

We always kept in touch even while he was overseas and made a habit of getting together each time he was home on leave. Once we were finally in a position to start dating, everything just clicked. From there we picked up where we left off and continued to write our love story. It was that easy. We are two best friends that fell in love.

Earlier this January Willie and I went on a vacation to Mexico. Neither of us had been before so we were very excited. Little did I know this was going to be a trip that I would never forget. We arrived at our resort and it was beautiful. Like most people coming from cold weather we headed straight to the beach. I love the ocean and everything about it so that is exactly where I headed. After finding lounge chairs closer to the water I decided I wanted to move our things there. My sister-in-law suggested I go help Willie move everything, which I found odd because all we needed to move was my purse and flip flops, but I went anyway.

When I reached the spot where Willie was waiting for me the scenery was flawless. The bright blue ocean was at his back, the white sand at his feet, and the beautiful blue sky didn’t have a cloud in sight. Standing in front of me was my handsome fiancé trying to hold back his smiles. As I looked down I saw the sand beneath my feet had a message that read “Lakin Will You Marry Me?”

At first I didn’t believe him. I just kept laughing and saying “Are you serious?!” This time it was the real deal. My prince charming was down on one knee handing me the most beautiful engagement ring I had ever seen.

All engagement rings are very special, but mine is more than that. My ring is made up of several diamonds that are from Willie’s late grandmother’s wedding ring. The famous designer Peter Storm created this ring himself after speaking directly with Willie at a Design Show at Denney Jewelers in September. All these things together make my ring all the more special. Willie and I are very excited about our engagement and we are very thankful to Denney Jewelers for helping us to write this VERY special chapter in our love story.