How did you and your significant other meet?
The modern way... on Hinge! Each of our profiles were full of adventure photos, and it was clear we were both looking for a partner to share them with. We went on an easy hike for our first date, and it was a slow burn after that.
As a couple, what are your interests/hobbies?
Anything and everything active we can do outdoors! We love to run, hike, bike, camp, climb, and road trip in our camper van whenever we are able to. We also share a passion for good food (often home cooked) and travel to experience and learn about new cultures.
When did you know your partner was “the one” and you wanted to get married?
Phoebe: I saw the life we were building together and at some point couldn't (and didn't want to) picture a future without Chad. He has become my favorite adventure buddy and partner through anything that life throws at us.
Chad: When she told me she wanted to get married. Kidding! I knew Phoebe was the one when I realized how well we complement each other in both our strengths and weaknesses... plus, she put up with me this long, there's a good chance she'll keep putting up with me.
What is one of your favorite things about your partner?
Phoebe: Chad has the biggest, kindest, most loyal heart to those he loves, and it's a privilege to be in his inner circle. He's always willing to lend an extra hand, tool, or mind to problem solve. I love how patient he is with me, and how safe and protected he makes me feel regardless of where we are in the day-to-day or in the middle of a sufferfest adventure.
Chad: Phoebe's emotional IQ is so high. I love and appreciate her ability to talk through things with me and to enrich my view of the world in a way that I wouldn't otherwise see. She also has great taste in food, vacations, and interior decorating, and I always trust her call when it comes to those things.
What was your proposal like (was the ring a surprise or was it collaborative)?
The ring was collaborative, although I would say more in the ratio of 80% Phoebe, 20% Chad. 😉 Phoebe found the sapphire on her own before meeting with Balefire for ring design. Our proposal was pretty reflective of us as a couple-- casual, low-key, with a little dysfunction. Chad re-created our first dinner date and dropped down on a knee in our living room. When he opened the box, the ring was upside down, which Phoebe got a giggle out of. The steak Chad made was so overcooked, it was barely edible. 😆 Hollywood may have the polish in proposals, but we can both appreciate the sincerity and blunders that come with navigating the real world.
Tell us about your wedding (if it has happened yet).
We plan to elope in the sand dunes next fall, and have our dog sign our marriage license. Then celebrate with our friends in Moab with a big camp week.
Why did you decide to work with Balefire?
I love that Balefire is a small, local and woman-owned business. They are as passionate as they are skilled in creating jewelry, and honest people who I felt I could trust.
What advice would you give to other couples shopping for wedding or engagement rings?
Do your research and don't be afraid to take an unconventional path if what is being sold off the shelf doesn't suit your personal taste! Diamonds may be marketed the most, but it's not your only option for gemstones. I had so much fun looking at other possibilities that had a similar 'hardness'/durability rating on the Mohs Scale, and ended up choosing a sapphire. Lean into your freedom to design whatever the heck speaks to your soul most, not just what society says boasts the most status 🙂. Choose a jeweler who will help take into account the function of the ring, and what can be realistically crafted, not just the design (like Balefire did!). They guided me through the process with so much patience, and the end result was truly even better than I could have imagined.
