Love Stories

Past Stories

April & Ivan's Story
Submitted: September 8, 2011

On September long weekend (2011) we were planning on joining my sister and her family on a camping trip. Ivan, who works for Manitoba Hydro, was out of town for the week and was returning home on Friday. The plan was we were going to leave for camping on the Friday if he was home from work early enough or we would just join them on Saturday if not.

I spoke with him on the phone a few times throughout the day on the Friday and from what he told me, he was still in Dauphin and wouldn't be home until after 6-7 that evening.

About 3 in the afternoon I was surprised with a beautiful bouquet of flowers brought to me by Ivan! He said he had gotten off work early and wanted to surprise me, and that we were going on a date and the restaurant was my choice. He said he had already arranged for my parents to pick up our son from daycare and watch him for the evening. When I asked about camping, he said that we will just join them tomorrow and he wanted to take this time to take me out for supper.

I was super excited for this spontaneous date that I thought he had just planned last minute because he was home earlier than expected. After a wonderful supper, the surprises didn't stop. We then went to Whittier Park where we boarded a Hot Air Balloon! It is something I always had wanted to do and may have mentioned it to Ivan once about 3 years ago. It was amazing, floating above the city; the weather and night were perfect for such an occasion. With about 15 minutes left in the ride, he pulled a little red box out, got down on one knee and told me that he wanted to do this for the last 2 years, that his life is better because of me, from the birth of our son last year to everything else we have accomplished together and would I do him the honour of being his wife. And of course, I said YES!! It was witnessed by the pilot and the 10 other passengers aboard the balloon, they were all ecstatic and happy to be a part of it.

The whole evening was amazing and very romantic!! So I found out later that Ivan had been planning this for months, making all the arrangements. He had taken Friday off of work and since he didn't want me to know he was back from work he spent the night at my sister and brother-in-laws house. He snuck back into our house after our son and I had left for the day to get ready, he went to Independent Jewellers to pick up the ring (they were holding it for him since I he didn't want to chance me finding it if he brought it home earlier), and he stopped at my dad's to ask for his permission for my hand in marriage before surprising me at work. He did a lot of lying to me in the weeks building up to this wonderful day and I am surprised he got away with it, I didn't suspect a thing!!!

On a side note, Ivan said that his experience with selecting and purchasing the ring at Independent Jewellers was a memorable one. He said they were very helpful and patient with him as he made his selection. He chose a gorgeous Princess Cut Solitaire with a white gold band. I absolutely love it and everyone is impressed that he picked this perfect ring out all on his own, with the help of Independent Jewellers of course!!

Kayla & Chris's Story
Submitted: August 26, 2011

Chris and I (Kayla) had dated for 5.5 years and the questions of when we were going to get married were constant. We dated for four years long distance as I attended University in the States, therefore our relationship went through many obstacles and there was no rush for us.

Chris and I spend a lot of our time together with friends and family and rarely would go on "dates" alone as they normally turned into nights out with friends; our lives also involved others. Our alone time was never very often therefore the day I was staying in a hotel during my studies he decided to come and stay in with me.

While I was away on a course the week before he had gone and picked out the ring and was waiting for it to be ready. The day he was coming into the city, as we are from out of town, it was ready and he had picked up the ring and had it in his bag. Our night was normal, supper, shopping, and swimming at the hotel. There was no nervousness and nothing seemed unusual. Chris had been thinking of ideas of how to propose that night and where he was going to do it, but had not completely decided. Right before bed he decided he couldn't leave it in his bag any longer and grabbed me and hugged me. His heart was pounding so at that moment I knew sometihng was happening, he then proceeded to get down on one knee and ask the quesiton that will change our lives.

The ring was beautiful and the moment was absolutely perfect, nothing romantic and extreme, but just us! As my family was not home we were going to wait four days until telling everyone, I woke up the next morning and before he could drive and get to work I had phoned him and said we are telling everyone tonight. Our announcement brought tears and excitement. Many people said finally, but I say it was well worth the wait. I get numerous comments from people who love my ring and our experience at Independent has changed our lives forever!!

Kim & Scott's Story
Submitted: March 7, 2011

This past February, my fiancée and I went on a family trip with my parents and family friends to Hawaii. On the night, we had all planned to go out for dinner and wanted to be seated prior to the sunset. We got our table and the waiter jokingly asked if it was a special occasion, possibly a birthday or engagement? We all laughed (except my nervous fiancée) and said no as he took our order.

When the sun was about to set, all of us "kids" went across the street onto the beach to take pictures. Just as we were about to leave the beach, knowing that our dinner was probably served, my fiancée told me to wait a few moments and enjoy the sunset. We sat on a brick wall at the sands edge, watching the sun go down, the sailboats and cruise ships in the horizon creating the most picturesque setting. The rest of the "kids" returned to the restaurant while my fiancée and I remained at the beach admiring the view.

As the sun began to disappear in the horizon, he turned to me and said, "Hun, I don't think I'm going to buy you a Coach purse anymore!" I had been bugging him to buy me a new purse for a long time until he finally agreed. He continued... "There is something else I need to tell you! I love you so much but I have lied to you a lot this month..." I sat there holding his hand looking a little confused, and a bit disappointed with the purse. He picked up my left hand and began playing with a ring he had given me a couple years prior, usually worn on my middle finger on my left hand. He slowly began to twist the ring off my finger and said that I wouldn't need the ring anymore.

At that moment, the sun disappeared below the ocean's horizon, the clouds brilliantly outlined, he got up off the brick wall, turned to me and on one knee said, "I may not be buying you a purse but there is one thing that I can give you for the rest of my lifeâ€¦" From his pocket he pulled out a very familiar, little elegant box. At that moment my eyes began to tear, and I could hardly contain myself. As tears of joy and happiness began to flow, he asked, "Kim, will you marry me?" I replied yes, and sat there with a so many emotions running through me, just looking at my ring. It was exactly the one that I had secretly wanted. I looked at my fiancée and had sooo many questions to ask him, how, when, who, where! I finally realized what he had meant when he said he had 'lied' to me. He is the most mischievous guy I know but I absolutely love him!

As we began to get up and head back to the restaurant to share the great news, a couple stopped us and asked my fiancée if he had just proposed. We both smiled and said yes. The couple then replied, "We are very happy for you guys and consider this your first engagement present!" They both gave us their Hawaiian beach chairs and walked off (and yes, we brought the chairs home with us, how could we not?). We were extremely happy as we walked back to the restaurant, my fiancée with the chairs, and me and my ring. Our friends and family looked at us as we walked in and I broke down with an overwhelming amount of happiness, showing my mother the ring first. Everyone in our group got up with excitement and lets just say the party began! Our waiter came by the table and asked what was happening... My sister replied, "They just got engaged on the beach!" The waiter's jaw just dropped, he couldn't believe it, this time no jokes! He instantly asked if he could make an announcement to the restaurant, "Ladies and gentlemen, Kim and Scott just got engaged!" I was so excited that I didn't even eat my supper!

We came back to Winnipeg with a night to remember, a night my boyfriend gave me a ring and became my fiancée! P.S Thank you to all of you who helped him to lie! I will let him get away with this one! :)

Dyan & Mark's Story
Submitted: January 15, 2011

As a 'lil girl I always knew I wanted to meet a Prince and get married. It was a perfect life, living in a big castle, driving a pink Barbie cadillac, and of course, have a big, shiny, sparkly rock on my finger :) As I grew older and started dating, I knew exactly what kind of ring I wanted. Princess cut, white gold, wide band, with diamonds cascading down the sides. Oh, and at least a carat please. We can fantasize, right? It was a dream ring....(sigh)

I always thought I would be married young, be a young mom...teens turned into twenties....and twenties turned into thirties...(gulp). When Mark came into my life, I knew within the first couple months he was THE ONE. He was definitely worth the wait :)

Mark and I had done some window shopping for rings. And much to my surprise, the ring that I had always dreamed of, the princess cut, white gold, wide band, and cascading diamonds was not gonna work. What? How could this be? I tried the dream ring on and it was chunky and the diamond stuck out. (NOT GOOD, as I am a paramedic now and I need the diamond inset). As a 'lil girl, I guess I didn't factor into the equation I would have a job and be using my hands. haha

And then it happened, a stop into Independent Jewellers on our way to Starbucks (we LOVE Starbucks!). It was like a spotlight was shining down onto the case where the Hearts On Fire rings were displayed. OMG. All these rings were beautiful!! Mark is all about quality, cut, differences between platinum and gold. Blah, blah, blah. I was about the bling and "Please sir, let me try them all on!!" There were three rings I was in love with. When the time should come, Mark would make the 'right' decision. hahaha.

Months had passed, milestones had come and gone, like, our birthdays, the anniversary of the first time we met in person (we met on Facebook), our 1 year anniversary, a trip to the Dominican Republic (where everyone thought he would propose)...all had passed :(

The day we got back from the Dominican, Mark suggested we take a walk in the park near my house. I wasn't feeling too good, long flight and Dominican food wasn't agreeing with me AND it was a chilly April afternoon. I hate being cold. Brrrr. Mark insisted that we go cuz the fresh air would be good for me. I don't now how Mark put up with me that day or even had the courage to ask the big question; I was a whinny complainer from the minute we left the house! But as we walked along the path and sat down on a bench near Rainbow Stage....then it happened.

Just a side note, Mark is a police officer, and for months leading up to this day we had an inside joke. Every time we went somewhere, dinner, a movie, I would do a 'pat down' cuz I'm not much for surprises. lol. Sitting on the park bench that day, I don't remember much, but I do remember this....."You should have patted me down..." and then he was on his knee (yes, I'm tearing up as I write this). He would have to tell you the rest as I honestly don't remember!!

The walking path was busy that day and Mark, who never leaves home without his Nikon camera, passed his camera to two ladies who witnessed the event and they snapped some pics :) The ring that he chose with the help from Jeremy at Independent Jewellers was a Hearts On Fire, platinum band, just over a carat center diamond engagement ring! Our Wedding Day has just passed and we couldn't be happier with our ring selections, all from Independent Jewellers, and the impeccable service they provided. We are so in love and had the perfect day :)

Charleen & Dean's Story
Submitted: December 31, 2010

When I was little, I always loved fairy tales like all girls and couldn’t wait to find my prince charming. After years of heartbreak and not finding the right one, I thought that maybe the fairy tale romance was not meant for me or they didn't exist. After talks with an older co-worker who decided to be alone and was happy, I thought maybe that was right for me. It was better being alone than not happy in a relationship.

This is how we met: My friend Crystal who had moved to Calgary years before called me at work one day. We started talking and she mentioned that one of her colleagues from the Winnipeg branch was single and such a nice guy but they had never met in person, only talked by phone and email. The company owner kept asking her if she had any single friends back home. Would I be interested? I was very hesitant and unsure. After days of talking with her about this I gave in and Crystal got Dean and I emailing each other. We emailed back and forth for a few days and talked on the phone. Like me we were both a little shy but I'm more outgoing and like to talk so finally after a week I called him on a Sunday morning to see if he wanted to meet for a walk. We met that afternoon at King's Park with his dog Bossco and my doggies Spencer and Sophie. It was truly love at first site. It was such a great afternoon just talking and getting to know each other. We still laugh all the time about the crazy berry man that jumped out of the bushes while we sat on a bench.

Fast forward Three Years, 3 months and 23 days (but who’s counting?): The day that Dean proposed I will never forget. This is the day I have been waiting for a very long time and was starting to think it wasn't meant to be. The day before Dean proposed we had gone on a road trip to Grand Forks. He was very insistent that we go to the park for a walk (very unlike him). I had other plans to go to our family farm for a ride since for November it was extremely warm. Since he kept insisting to go for a walk, I promised to be back by 3pm so we could go before it got dark. Of course I was a little late and since I don't get cell service I couldn't call him till about 30 minutes from the city. Dean was going to meet me at home when I got back. Usually I am always ready but for some reason that day I kept taking my time and he was getting impatient. Finally we got on our way to the park. Dean then starts asking questions about our first walk as he thought the park we went to was a different one. We hadn't been back to King's park since the first time. He then suggests we go there....the whole time he is acting weird but tells me everything is fine. At the park we start walking and he is getting stranger and stranger. We then walk to the bench to sit where we saw the "crazy berry man” on our first walk. It was busy that day cause of the nice weather. It starts to get colder and the sun starts to go down but he keeps looking around and doesn't want to go. By this time I'm getting annoyed and want to leave but I then turned around to find Dean on one knee with a glimmering ring, the best kind of trinket for the girl who had given up years before on having her own fairy tale ending asking me to marry him. Without question I said "Yes" but gave him a hard time and joked by telling him "it's about time" since we laughed for months that this is what I would say one day.

Little Tidbit: Even though I’m in my early thirties, my parents were asked for permission for me to marry Dean which was done weeks before our engagement... and all kept a secret to me (which is usually hard to do because I can’t keep one and get suspicious really easily when I know something is up). My mom was even involved in finding out my ring size from me to which I can’t believe I fell for to this day.

Kayla & Jonathan's Story
Submitted: August 14, 2010

Jonathan (my fiance) is in the Canadian Forces. The military came to my hometown to do a little showing of some of their vehicles/tanks as well as an 'Adventure Training Exercise' by canoeing along one of the rivers just outside my hometown. Jonathan and his friends were at the local bar, and I was there with a friend celebrating my 19th birthday. Some of the guys including Jonathan came to sit with us; Jonathan sat beside me and we spent most of the evening just talking to each other getting to know one another.

A few days later, as I was working on the train, I saw Jonathan and his fellow troops just about to board. All of them said 'hello' to me, but it was Jonathan who remembered me and called me by name. While the train was just about to leave Jonathan came and sat with me in one of the cars along with some of my fellow co workers and his aswell. We ended up spending the entire 5 hour train ride just laughing, talking and getting to know each other more. I remember waiting for Jonathan to ask me for my phone number but he hadn't yet. Before the train came to a stop I asked him to see his cell phone and I inputted my number in his contacts. That night, we texted all night long. I wanted see him again, but knew that might not ever happen. He would text me such sweet messages all the time. We ended up getting to know each other fairly well over the next month.

On August 13 2007 he asked me to be is girlfriend. Blushing like a little school girl I said 'OF COURSE'. I went off to College that September which was only 2 hours away from where Jonathan was posted at the time. We ended up spending every weekend, every holiday, every free day together. We fell in love instantly. When I was done my first year of college in April of 2008, Jonathan and I decided to move in together in Petawawa ON where he was living at the time.

On December 6th 2008 Jonathan proposed to me. It was the most sweetest, thoughtful way to propose. Our roommates were gone that day so we had the house to ourselves.After a hard day of us cleaning up trying to get rid of dog fleas I decided to make Jon and I an extra special candle light dinner and a nice dessert. After eating dinner Jon and I were "smooching". He was leading me into the bedroom and then he turned on the light and told me to look on the bed. When I looked on the bed I saw a heart and the words "marry me" made out of m&m's, and in the middle of the heart was a John Deere toy tractor (I am a very big John Deere lover) with a ring in the farm wagon. As I cried and kissed Jonathan he asked me, "will you marry me?", "of course" I answered.

After my response Jonathan started reading this poem that he wrote for me. It goes as follows:

THERE IS THIS GIRL
There is this girl I met one day
While on a train trip
When I was gone away

She was smart and funny
Her goals were set
Even though she had little money
We stated to date, although we had barely met

We talked day and night
I visited when I could
With these hopes that I might
Make her the princess that she should

Months and months went past
Our lives still entwined
With continued hope that our love will last
As she was always on my mind

You my love are this girl
This much you know is true
To make me the happiest man on earth
Is just to say I do!!

We decided we wanted to get married on Canada Day 2011. Wedding planning got a little harder once we got posted to Winnipeg MB in June 2009. Jonathan is now working at CF Winnipeg 17 wing and is currently on task from mid July until the end of October 2010 with the Canadian SnowBirds. 3 days after Jonathan left for his tasking I found out that I was pregnant and we would be expecting our first child together March 2011. This put a hold on our wedding plans. Jonathan had always wanted to be married before he has another child (he also has a daughter) and I want him to have his dream even if that means waiting on having my dream wedding. We compromised and decided that on December 16th 2010 before we go home for the holidays we would get married with the JP, and July 1st 2012 I would then have my dream wedding. We had to push our wedding date further back a year, because having a child is quite costly as I'm sure many of you know, and the stress of planning a wedding and being pregnant.

We don't know where our lives will take us a year from now, a day from now, all we know is we love each other and are patiently awayting the arrival of our beautiful baby and that home is where the Army sends you.

Patricia & Matt's Story
Submitted: August 3, 2010

The past year had a lot of ups and downs for Matt and I. We were blessed with the unexpected news that we would be parents, and saddened by the news that Matt's father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. After the birth of our beautiful daughter, we knew we were meant to be partners for life. I was so wrapped up with motherhood, and caring for a new baby that I didn't even know that my significant other was getting ready to "pop" the question. He set it up that it was my birthday adventure.

We were driving out to an old electricity dam that is now a popular beach for tourists. I had never been to this beach and didn't know what to expect; we were surrounded by beauty. Wild flowers, water running over large rocks, the sound of waves, and the old ruins of the once standing building. We found the perfect spot, where he pulled out a blanket and we sat and watched the waves running by. While I took pictures of the landscape, Matt asked for the camera which he put into his bag. While he had his back turned, he pulled out the most beautiful ring. He looked at me and said, "Happy Birthday, and do you want to get married?" I was so moved to tears. Of course I would want to marry the father of my child, my partner for the last four years. Since that day I have never been so happy!

Pamela's Story
Submitted: July 27, 2010

I was a single mother of two children: one son of 6 years and a daughter of 2 years. My fiancé was a single father of a 6 year old daughter and a 2 year old son. THIS WAS 9 YEARS AGO!

It took a few years for the kids to get along and now they are inseparable. They schemed at times to save their allowance to buy me an engagement ring, because they wanted us to get married so badly. Two years ago I started nursing school and just before I started he proposed to me; we had a plan to get married after school and for our 10 year anniversary together. We are wanting to go away with our four children and have them as our witnesses and wedding party.

I know this will be a very special day as we will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary together, the beginning of our marriage and the celebrating of these events with our four children and finally bringing two families together as one.

Heidi's Story
Submitted: July 24, 2010

I suppose that after 36 years of marriage one just settles into an everyday routine of life and living. After years of taking care of the children, hubby, mom, dad and sister one does things naturally for others without being asked. I find the "giving" is greater than the receiving.

After being laid up in bed for a month with a herniated disc and sciatia problem this past winter I was surprised with a trip to the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa this summer from my sister just because of all the kindness shown over the years. To this my dear hubby added an afternoon of relaxing massage.. pampering for me to get my old self back again... just because.

It's the everyday little things we do for others that makes us feel appreciated and very much loved... just because!!!!

Ashley & Rob's Story
Submitted: July 17, 2010

My boyfriend and I were together for just under 6 months and we both knew we were soul mates. Everything just fit with us. Our love for each other was overwhelming and I knew I wanted to marry this beautiful man.

When the song, "I'm Yours" came out by Jason Mraz, I finally experienced the courage necessary to propose. As my boyfriend Rob's birthday was fast approaching I decided it was now or never. I purchased him a whitegold band and hid it in our room. I arranged everything needed to pull off this brilliant evening, without him knowing, and the night before his birthday I packed the trunk of my car with everything I needed.

On the morning of his birthday I gave him his birthday card, with a $50 giftcard and wished him a happy birthday as if nothing more was to come. I told him that we were meeting friends later for drinks and to be ready for 7pm; I left for what he thought was work. I went out and bought a new dress (black, sleek, strapless and sexy), had my hair and make-up professionally done, and purchased a dozen white roses and had them sprayed blue, his favourite color. I arrived at home and surprised him at the back door, dolled up with his roses in my arms. I kissed him and said that our friend was coming to pick us up in 30 minutes and to be ready. Little did he know that those were not our actual plans.

When the 30 minutes approached we went outside to a black stretch limo and inside the limo was our song, "I'm Yours" playing. I took him to Hy's Steakhouse for a nice dinner. I told him I had to use the restroom but I actually went to talk to our waiter and gave him a set of instructions and my husband to be's engagement ring. When Rob's complimentary birthday cheesecake came out, in chocolate sauce was written, "Will you marry me?" and encased in a flower made from strawberries was his ring. He was in utter shock and cried tears of happiness. He said yes. It was the most unforgettable night of our lives and thanks to Jason Mraz my dreams are coming true.

Rachel & Shane's Story
Submitted: July 17, 2010

Love finds you in the weirdest places and at the strangest times!

Shane and I met almost four years ago in a personal care home. I was new to the ward and Shane was my mentor. The first day I met him I knew something felt right, so I began to flirt. It didn't work right away and it took about a month of waiting before something really happened. He was shy then and to this day he still is. After about a month of dating and seeing each other almost everyday, he moved in with me. Shane is my best friend and I his. We found love opening our hearts and trusting each other.

After a long wait for that right person, he was there at work and he still is to this day. Working with elderly people almost everyday and hearing their life long love stories makes it all that more special because it's a very important part of our lives. Love is so great and everyday it rocks my world more and more!

Kimberly & Nick's Story
Submitted: July 13, 2010

My fiance and I met in grade 9, our very first day of high school. I wasn't interested in having a boyfriend at the time. We were formally introduced through a mutual friend and hung out together in our small circle of friends. I thought he was absolutely adorable, and eventually he won me over with kindness. He would ask to sit next to me during lunch, sometimes we would go outside and sit on the lawn on warm days, and the big one was when he asked to sit next to me on our bus trip to Saskatoon on our band trip. We grew closer on that trip, and on our last day there we were playing hangman on the bus, and he asked me to be his girlfriend that way. We have been together ever since (8 years this upcoming November!) and we are best friends. We have shared so much together, and I couldn't think of a better person to spend the rest of my life with.

A few weeks ago, we went out for dinner at the Velvet Glove at the Fairmont hotel just for fun. We went back to my place after to watch a movie, and I changed into my pyjamas to be more comfortable. We play games together all the time so he suggested we play hangman and I didn't think anything of it. We went back and forth a few times solving each other's messages, and then he spelled one out that read "Will you marry me?" Even after I solved it I didn't think much of it, because we joked about it all the time. Before I knew it he was down on one knee with a ring in his hand, and I cried tears of joy for the rest of the night. It was so intimate and romantic, a moment that was only shared between the two of us. The re-creating of the time he asked me out was truly special and unique.

I really am the luckiest girl in the world, and I can't wait to become Mrs. Nick Guidry!

Jeremy & Jessica's Story
Submitted: March 28, 2010

A Tale of Two Rings

Jeremy decided to propose. It was not a quick decision; some might say it took a little too long. These people are named Jessica. Others say the most important thing is that Jeremy was ready to go to all the hassle, cost, and most of all, commitment of proposing, and therefore he picked the perfect time. These people are named Jeremy.

Jeremy had considered proposing in a hot air balloon. He considered this long and hard until he owned two hot air balloon tickets. Driving in the car one day, Jessica randomly mentioned that she would like to go on a hot air balloon ride, so everything seemed just right. However, not everything cooperated so well. For instance, the ring manufacturer would not cooperate by getting the ring ready in time for the scheduled balloon ride. When Jeremy found this out, he stressed out long and hard. The weather was getting cold, and in Winnipeg that means that the air simply refuses to heat up at all, making hot air ballooning impossible. If he wanted to propose in the crisp fall skies of Manitoba, it would have to be soon. "Oh bother" he fretted... to any female who would listen, "If we go up in that balloon tomorrow and come down without a ring, I will surely have a very disappointed girlfriend to deal with, whether or not I propose."

So he bought another ring. Jessica had already seen both of them, and he had actually had a lot of trouble deciding between the two. Both jewelry stores allowed returns, so this solution seemed perfect, as long as he didn’t lose either of the receipts. Jeremy is notorious at losing receipts, among other things, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

When the big day arrived, the air of Winnipeg decided to shift prematurely into winter mode and disallow all heat-based air travel. The hot air balloon plan had to be scrapped. What was our hero to do? He invited Jessica to a family gathering hosted by his aunt and uncle at their new winter cabin on the lake. As Jeremy and Jessica drove the long highway miles to Lac Du Bonnet, their friends Jordan and Ashleigh were by themselves at the cabin, preparing a table for two, complete with candlelight, wine, cheesecake, some favourite music, and even rose petals strewn romantically to Jeremy’s exact specifications. “I want those rose petals strewn! Don’t throw them, don’t leave them lying around, if they’re not going to be strewn, don’t even bother!”

Nobody was in sight when Jessica’s car pulled up to the cabin. Jeremy had already prepared Jessica for this by telling her that he wanted to arrive on time to avoid missing a trek the family was going on to check out another property near the cabin. This also explained how unusually nervous and stressed he was about being late. He really honed his lying skills for this endeavour. They got out of the car and Jeremy started walking around. Jessica asked if they could bring their things inside the cabin first. This was fine with him since he was only walking away to cover the fact that he was desperately struggling to covertly get a very special ring out of a very stubborn bag.

As she climbed the stairs and saw candles in the windows, Jessica commented, surprised by his family’s apparent lack of fire safety with nobody around to make sure the cabin didn’t burn down. (Little did she know that Jordan and Ashleigh were spying from afar with a telescope. Actually, Jeremy didn’t know either; they had added that little touch all on their own.) But when she walked into the cabin and saw the wickedly romantic setting, she knew something was up. She turned around, and Jeremy was on his knee holding out a ring box. Upside down. Nobody’s perfect. Jessica said yes and then, still coming to terms with the sudden turn of events in the plans for the day, asked “How much is true?” to which Jeremy replied, “Nothing.”

Since by this time the ring that had been delayed was now in his possession, Jeremy gave her the choice of the two rings. She wore both for a while. But she eventually chose the one he had picked originally, and they lived happily ever after. Oh yeah, and he didn’t lose the receipt, but for 20 very scary minutes, they thought he had.

Rachel & Mike's Story
Submitted: February 26, 2010

My fiance Mike had planned a surprise weekend trip for the two of us, which didn't seem so strange because we do that sort of thing a lot. So when we started driving, I didn't know where we'd end up. We began traveling south from Wisconsin and headed in the direction of Iowa. I kept saying to him; "Have you ever BEEN to Iowa? Do you realize there's nothing there but CORN?" He just smiled and told me to wait and see.

Well, a few hours later, I just couldn't stand it anymore and was begging for clues as to our destination. All he would tell me is that we were going to IA and the town was famous for something. We checked into this adorable bed and breakfast - a big old Victorian home renovated and run by this little old woman. (Who was in on the whole thing, by the way!) He suggested we take a drive and maybe pick up something to eat, so we hopped into the car and headed out. I couldn't believe it when he pulled up in front of the Roseman Covered Bridge! That is the one featured in the movie, "Bridges of Madison County," which just so happens to be one of my favorites!

It was an overcast day, so there wasn't anyone else on the bridge. I was reading some of the carvings that people had left on the inside of the bridge when I turned around and saw Mike down on one knee. He said, and I'll remember these words forever: "Rachel, you are the love of my life. Some people search all their lives for this type of love - others don't even think it exists. This kind of certainty comes but just once in a lifetime and I want to spend that lifetime with you. Will you marry me?" Well, of course I said yes through my tears and disbelief. We stood there alone on that romantic bridge crying, laughing, and kissing each other until finally a curious onlooker asked if everything was alright. We laughed and explained what had just happened.

When we got back to the B&B, the caretaker had put a bottle of champagne on ice in our room with a simple "Congratulations!" It was the most memorable day of my life!

Jennifer & Rob's Story
Submitted: February 24, 2011

Rob and I met online 3 years ago this past February (2010). We always discussed how we would date for a year, live together for a year and then see what happens.

So naturally, this year at Valentine's Day, I thought it might happen - so I had the jewellery flyers out and he proceeded to tell me to put them away as it would not be happening anytime soon. So, I finished getting ready for dinner at a 5 star restaurant with my parents. While at dinner, Rob dropped his napkin and while down there he stayed down on one knee and asked the BIG question... naturally I said, "Yes, of course!"

The thing that makes this story more unique is the following pieces of information - Rob knows that I follow the bank accounts and he would not be able to get the money out without me knowing or asking questions, so he enlisted the help of my parents. Rob went and put a deposit on the ring and then my mom went down to the store and picked up the ring. While my mom and I were away from the table during dinner, my dad and Rob did the ring swap.

And then the rest of the story continues!(And yes, we paid my parents back!)

Andrei & Jamee's Story
Submitted: January 24, 2010

His Story
As the guy I think the engagement begins with finding a ring. The task is daunting to say the least. Eventually I decided to work with Jonathan because I didn't feel like I was being sold a timeshare. My father later told me he bought my mom's ring from Independent years back. After learning more about diamonds and specifically the Hearts On Fire collection, I found what I wanted. Although by this time she had a pretty good idea something was happening I managed to make it a surprise. Being from a small community south of Winnipeg we had the Corn and Apple Festival coming up. Her Sister and Mother would be out from Alberta visiting so I thought it would be an ideal time. Finding the ideal time however was the issue. On the Sunday morning I found out that a helicopter pilot I knew was giving rides over town. After making some quick arrangements he would get me in during there already fully booked day. At 6:00pm I got a call to meet them at the landing pad. It was 25C sunny no wind and no clouds. I had the pilot hover over my parents house as they already knew what was up. She thought the helicopter was cool but I had taken her flying many times before so she wasn't clueing into what was next. Out came the ring I asked her and once she realized what happened she said yes.

Her Story
As the girl I already figured out that he was going to propose, but I could only assume when. Since I was in school still I figured that it was too early for him to ask and guessed it would happen around December after I graduated and started working. A couple weeks before he took me on the memorable helicopter ride we went to Super Store where he asked me to marry him with a huge $10 plastic diamond ring! I was humoured. I did decline that proposal knowing he had something bigger up his sleeve. Unfortunately after his little joke when he asked me to marry him for real, I couldn't figure out if it was another prank or not. Being a woman of many words, I was without any. Finally I asked if he was serious. He then encouraged me to look at the ring he pulled out of his pocket. I looked and it went on my finger without hesitation. Still speechless he then had to tell me to say yes. I said yes, then I expressed how much I loved helicopters and simply smiled for the rest of the evening.

Amy & David's Story
Submitted: January 15, 2010

David and I have been together for a little over 6 years. We met through a friend and have been inseparable from the day we started dating. We love each other unconditionally and would do anything for each other.

David and I had been talking about getting engaged for a few years but were in no rush to make the decision final. On November 15th, 2009, we were vacationing in Marco Island, Florida, with my parents for 2 weeks, which we had done the year before. That evening we decided to go for a walk down to the beach to watch the sunset, on the way David seemed very nervous. I asked him why his hands were so sweaty. He came back with a quick response of, “Your hands are hot”. Not thinking anything of it we kept walking to the beach and talking about nothing...

We reached the spot where the beach ends and the water hits the rocks and sat down on the edge of the sand. Watching the sunset and talking I noticed David get up and say, “Okay, it’s time to do this.” I instantly started to cry because I knew what was happening next. It was at that moment that I fell in love with David all over again, and I will never forget one detail about that amazing day.

My engagement ring is beautiful; it was purchased at Independent Jewellers on Notre Dame. My diamond is David’s grandmother’s diamond from her engagement ring, which to me makes the ring even more special. David’s Papa bought his wife’s engagement ring from the same store; as well as David’s dad who bought the engagement ring for his wife and their wedding bands from there as well. We are both very excited to start our life together and will have the story of this day to share with our children.

Thank you so much for all the help with making our engagement one to remember.

Joan & Laurent's Story
Submitted: December 3, 2009

Independent Jewellers has always had a very special place in our hearts. Laurent and his brother, Aime, were very regular clients since the early fifties and loved the store and management.

Laurent brought me to the store to look at rings in April 1958. We had met on a blind date in January 1958. Management were so great and helpful. We were so excited. I remember the day we picked up our rings Laurent was all dressed up in a suit and I wore a real pretty pink dress. We were so excited and happy. The staff complemented us. We then went to Laurents sisters home to show off our ring and then to my parents home. I purchased Laurents wedding ring there as well.

Kayla's Story
Submitted: October 3, 2009

Story coming from the Bride: It was a Wednesday evening and I was working until 6:30 pm. Brent had called and asked if we were getting together after work and I said yes. He will sometimes go early to my apartment and let himself in to just wait for me but not all the time.

So I arrive home shorty after 6:30 pm to find both of my locks on my door still locked. I assumed he wasn't there because he never locks the door behind him. I walk into my apartment to find rose petals on the ground just inside the door and there's pots cooking on the stove. At this point I am very confused. Then Brent appears WITH A SUIT ON! Then I was really confused.

It all happened so fast that I didn't have time to think. (Brent tells me now that he did it so fast so that I wouldn't have time to think because I always figure things out.) He takes my bags and hands me a bouquet of roses, gets down on one knee and pulls out an AMAZING ring. I was floored. The ring is a Hearts on Fire Dream cut solitaire from Independent. I said yes and then sat down to a full meal (which I didn't eat.) I didn't see it coming and that was his plan. He wanted to shock me and he did. It was perfect.

He chose the ring all by himself with help from Jeremy Epp from Independent and I'm in love with it! The evening was everything that I'd imagined it to be.

Dominika's Story
Submitted: September 30, 2009

This story is a little different... coming from the bride to be who was none the wiser until midnight of July the second. Kevin and I had been together five and half years and had begun to talk seriously about the future, where it would take us, and what our hopes and dreams were. It was an exciting time for us and I felt like it couldn't get any better. I cannot say that by nature I am an especially patient person - it was hard not knowing what his plans were. But Kevin, the careful planner that he is already had something in the works, it would just take time for it to all come together.

It was July 2nd and I was having a girls night with one of my best friends, enjoying a movie that neither of our significant others would ever watch. I had no plans of seeing Kevin that night. As far as I knew he was busy spending time with his boys. Around 11:30 P.M. Kevin asked me to come over. This was out of the ordinary considering he enjoys his early bedtime more than anything. I started to wonder out loud to my friend why he was asking me over... did something happen? Was he alright? So we quickly ended our night and I rushed over to see what was so important.

As I was walking into the house I heard "Dom can you help me with something in the backyard?" I did not suspect a thing at this point, I was too confused. So I headed to the backyard. All of a sudden, I heard a single click and the lights came on. There he was, standing in a suit looking more handsome than I had ever seen him. I could not look away from the twinkle lights he had threaded so carefully through the trees, and all of a sudden I knew... I couldn't breathe or speak at this point, my body took over and actually did the opposite of what I wanted. Instead of running to him I started stepping away, asking through tears over and over, "What are you doing?", my voice getting louder and louder. (I knew what he was doing but the moment felt so surreal.) He eventually calmed me enough to come over to him on the grass where he asked me to dance.

Overtaken with emotions, I had not even heard Michael BublÃ© in the background. He had to turn it up for me to realize that the music was even there! He asked me to dance- my favorite thing to do, especially with him - I could feel him shaking, and I could tell he was nervous. In all the years I had known him I had never seen him this way - I knew this was it, in my heart. He told me how much he loved me, and said all the things I had always dreamed of hearing in this moment. All of a sudden he was down on one knee. He opened the glossy wooden box and there it was - ACTUALLY - the most gorgeous and unique ring I have ever seen... I could not have said yes faster and the next moments were filled with tears of joy, hugs and kisses.

This was our special moment, something I had dreamed about since I was a little girl, and it was perfect. I am going to marry the man of my dreams, my best friend, and someone who I greatly admire all on the same day. I'm pretty lucky, huh? It was a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life, and even as I sit here writing this story there are tears in my eyes, and nothing could ever be better than that.

Oliver's Story
Submitted: September 29, 2009

I arrived in Canada to spend two weeks with my girlfriend, who was spending the summer with her parents, with a ring, but no plan of how to proceed other than that I was planning to propose to her at some point. Luckily, the opportunity presented itself fairly early in the trip, with my girlfriend organising for us to go out to dinner with some friends at a golf club, where the friends in question had tied the knot a few years earlier.

On the big evening, I was frustrated by the size of the ring box. The box that came with the ring was huge, how was I supposed to conceal it in a trouser pocket? I had intended to acquire a smaller box, but hadn't managed to by the night, instead I just attempted to keep the side I had ring in my pocket away from my girlfriend. It made for some awkward maneuvering, and I was sure she would catch on to the fact that I was trying to hide something from her. After a nice meal, it was time.

However, that was also the time that it all started to go wrong. Trying to set the mood, I stood behind her at the table, and tried to give her a nice shoulder rub. However, I'd inexpertly applied sun creme to her a day or two earlier and this just resulted in hurting her. When that tactic failed, I tried leaning over her to give her a kiss, but then she just complained that I had spilt beer in her eye! Any attempts to set a mood well and truly scuppered, I just had to bite the bullet and just go for it. "Stand up Melissa," I said, "come over here." Confused, she complied.

A hug and a quick kiss, I started the proposal. On the patio of the restaurant I got down on one knee, and asked her to be my wife. What I didn't anticipate, was that in her shock and excitement, her voice would become all high and squeaky; it wasn't quite how I imagined it, but we're very happy nonetheless. Unbeknownst to us, our friends had videoed the whole thing.

Michael & Trisha's Story
Submitted: September 8, 2009

Summer finally come to me and the love of my life Trisha on September 7, 2009. Through our many plans to play golf together this summer, only to be foiled by rain after rain, the stars finally aligned for a great life experience. Trisha and I are still living in the glow of the birth of our first child, Ashley, and have found time to get out and enjoy each others company limited. Not only was Monday, Labor Day, a great day without work â€“ Grandma was available to look after Ashley for the better part of the day allowing us to get out and play golf, have dinner with utensils, and spend some quality time together. We decided to play golf at Selkirk G.C. at 1:30 and drive back to the city for a late dinner at Rae and Jerry’s. We were to have a drag it out grudge match on the golf course with me needing to give Trisha 30 strokes and play well to win this match. I had a back up plan in my pocket all day that I would only release if required to win the match. Trisha and I are competitive at all times and love the glory that comes from triumphantly defeating one another. Are golf game was wonderful with a third straight day of summer, which had not been seen in southern Manitoba all year, and both our games going well. After the long 15th hole I decided I needed to press hard for victory on 16, as I was only up by one stroke. After we hit good tee shots to the green I quickly removed the pin and placed a ring box inside the hole for Trisha to find. At this point Trish made two putts for par and wondered why there was a leaf in the cup. Upon further inspection she was speechless for the first time in her life!!!

I dropped to one knee, pulled the box from the hole and presented Trisha with a question. The next three answers were, “Oh my god!”, which I took as Yes. Upon a kiss I could feel her trembling and heard the cheers of the four guys behind us on the tee. I thought not only did I win the heart of my FiancÃ©e, but I also had a better chance to close out the match on the last two holes as Trisha would certainly be shaken up. Once on the next tee Trisha decided to play the last two holes and proceeded to hit the best drive of the day followed by a great approach and two putt for par, tying the match. What happened on 18 does not matter â€“ we both completed our rounds and left the golf course with smiles on what had transpired that day and I had the great feeling of seeing the smile on Trisha’s face and the knowledge I won a great lady that day. Thank you to Jonathan and Jill for helping me with our ring choice â€“ Trisha is very happy with it. PS â€“ I did WIN!!!

Emily's Story
Submitted: September 8, 2009

My fiance proposed on September 2, 2009 after picking me up from work and promptly leaving me sitting in the car in our back lane, telling me to "count to 300" and assuring me he'd be back in a minute. I sat there anxiously texting my best friend... could this be it? Was he really going to ask me? .... IN OUR BACK LANE?! He soon came back and ushered me around to the front of our house where he opened the front door and I heard one of my favourite romantic songs playing. No lights were on... but the house was lit by about a hundred tealights, one on each side of each step all the way up the stairs, with a trail of rose petals in the middle. The candles and petals continued up onto the landing, up a few more stairs and into the bedroom where he'd spelled out "I LOVE YOU" in tealights.

As Frank Sinatra continued downstairs, I immediately burst into tears upstairs, and he gave me a beautiful speech (which didn't help the tears!), got down on one knee and proposed with the most beautiful ring I'd ever seen - until the next day... It turned out he'd wanted to propose before my father, who I'm very close to, flew away to England - but the ring hadn't come in yet, so the people at Independent had lent him the store model of my ring, added a ring sizer so it was sure to fit, all so I could go share with my beloved dad before he took off. I was astonished!! And the very next day, my own beautiful ring came in, and it was even more stunning than I imagined :)

Jeremy & Theresa's Story
Submitted: July 24, 2009

Like many good stories, the edges seem to get rounder with time and memories fade into what the person remembering wants to remember. Having said this, my recollection of our engagement and the hours that preceded it are still rather clear. It began on a hill overlooking Winnipeg. The day was clear and brisk, the end of winter marked by melting snow but not forgotten with the chilling wind. As I sat on the top of the hill, I reflected on my relationship with Theresa, the time we had been together, and what would happen if I gave this little ring to her.

Dinner was at Sawatdee-Thai, a local Thai restaurant that we had from time to time eaten at. Thai cuisine is great because the food is a bit different, usually healthier than most, easy to share and generally affordable. We shared dinner that night: wine, spring rolls, and a couple of dishes, but no dessert. We really aren’t dessert people. From dinner we progressed to my house where my plan to propose on the flat spot of our roof was foiled by a raucous game of poker and the lingering chill of winter. My mind scrambled to find a place. We decided to go back to her apartment for Bailey’s and coffee (normally caffeine after 6pm would be a problem, but given what is coming, did it really matter?). Thankfully her roommate was out that night. The coffee brewed and the anticipation built. I had a poem that I wanted to memorize and recite, but there was no way to know if my memory would hold up. I also had to remember to ask a question. We headed to the balcony where we were serenaded by the constant and familiar sound of cars, buses and trucks as they passed by.

Then the moment came. I brought out the book I planned to read to her. (‘Oh the places you’ll go’) and she began to suspect something. I tried to recite the poem and got some of it. I must have remembered to ask the question because suddenly she was saying “yes, yes, yes!!!” What joy and happiness!!!

Like many good stories, they are a part of something larger. And so it is with us, this story is part of a journey together. We are blessed to have each other and that this story is connected to so many others.

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