Welcome to our blog, where we celebrate the beautiful love story of our customers, George and Skye. It all began six years ago at Skye's mother's wedding, where George was working as a barman and Skye was a bridesmaid. Little did they know, this would be the start of their incredible journey together.
Within a year of meeting, George and Skye decided to take the plunge and move in together. Two years later, just as the pandemic was beginning, they made another big commitment and purchased their first home. Despite the challenging circumstances, the lockdown brought them closer than ever before, and they truly made the most of their time together.
Then, in a special place that holds great meaning to Skye - North Portugal - George proposed. Surrounded by their love and the memories they had made together, it was the perfect moment for them to take the next step in their journey.
After three years in a cozy little flat, and with the addition of a precious cat named Rupert, George and Skye tied the knot in April 2023 in the most magical venue in North Portugal. Following their nuptials, they embarked on a new chapter in their lives, moving down to the idyllic coastal town of Folkestone. Their newly married life by the sea has been nothing short of blissful. The couple cherishes their time together, creating new memories and embracing the beauty of their surroundings.
When it came to choosing their engagement and wedding rings, George and Skye turned to Ethica Diamonds. The Nouveau Pear engagement ring stole their hearts, and Skye found the perfect matching wedding ring to complement it. George, drawing inspiration from his Sri Lankan heritage, had his wedding band crafted in gold. In addition, a bespoke pendant was created for Skye, further symbolizing their unique and everlasting bond.
Join us as we catch up with George and Skye to delve deeper into the details of their incredible love story.
How did the two of you meet?
We met at Skye's mum's wedding! George was the barman and Skye was one of the bridesmaids. After a few generously poured drinks and lots of encouragement from Skye's aunties, Skye plucked up the courage to ask for George's number...the rest is history!
How long have you been together? Tell us your story!
We have been together for just over 6 years (since that fateful wedding day!) We moved in together after a year of meeting and 2 years later bought our first home, just in time for the start of the pandemic. We made the most of the lockdown and it brought us closer than ever before. Shortly after we got engaged!! After 3 years in our little flat, and one little fur-ball later (Rupert our very cute British Shorthair cat), we made the move down to Folkestone in the summer of 2023. We are absolutely loving our newly married life by the sea :)
- Ring Details: Nouveau Pear, Platinum, 1.20ct Ethica Diamond.
George, How did you find us at Ethica Diamonds and what made you choose the Nouveau engagement ring?
We like to think of ourselves as quite eco-conscious, so I wanted to ensure the engagement ring I bought for Skye was as ethical as possible. After a quick Google, I found Ethica Diamonds and after reading about the business I knew I had found the right place to buy the engagement ring. Over lockdown we had many special staycations in Cornwall, the fact that Ethica were based there made it even more perfect! Skye had already dropped a fair few hints about the style of engagement ring she had dreamt of and when I saw the Nouveau ring, I knew it was the one.
How did you find the engagement ring buying process?
The website was very easy to navigate and made it really straightforward to find what I was looking for. The team, especially Olivia and Claire, were super helpful in answering any questions that I had and couldn't have been more accommodating. They made the whole process a dream! I always felt that they genuinely cared about making this experience special for the both of us.
What were your proposal plans and how did it go?
Skye's grandparents have lived in Portugal for over 60 years and the whole family were heading over there for Skye's Grandpa's 80th birthday party. The North of Portugal means so much to Skye and now us as a couple. Skye grew up learning to swim in the river pools of the Minho Valley and there was no doubt that this was where I needed to pop the question! After a nervy trip through airport security and a few days spent with Skye's grandpa, aunt and uncle before the rest of the family all arrived, we set off for a couple of days away on our own, which kicked off with a river swim in our favourite spot.
As we were driving to the river swim I was playing my 'Skye' playlist (Skye was oblivious) and just as she was about to jump into the water I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. Thankfully she said yes! But was too scared to drop the ring in the water so took it off immediately whilst we went for a swim! We spent the next few days slowly telling close friends and family before rejoining the rest of Skye's family back at her Grandpa's house where we shared the news and spent the rest of the trip wedding planning and celebrating.
Skye, were you surprised and did you love the ring!?
I definitely had a feeling that something was coming! There was a very suspicious coffee with my dad a few days before we left that had me on edge...but George kept throwing me off the scent! When George suggested a swim that morning, I was not in the mood for it, and wanted to head straight off on our mini-break, but he insisted. Getting engaged at my favourite spot of the river, couldn't have been more perfect. And the ring!!!! Oh my goodness, I couldn't believe it when I saw it. It is perfect in every way. I still get people commenting on it often and find myself looking at it about 20 times a day, even two years later!
Where did you have your wedding and why?
We got married at the incredible Quinta Lago Dos Cisnes in Amares, Northern Portugal. It was really important to us to get married in the North of Portugal as it means so much to Skye's family, and to be able to share it with all of our friends and family was so special. The venue is unbelievable, it is like a theme park for weddings! We don't believe you could go there and not want to book it. They think of every tiny detail, and ensure that your day is unforgettable for you and your guests.
Did your wedding have a particular theme?
The venue has lots of outside space, big palm trees, a lake and lots of greenery so we wanted to go for neutral colours to let the space do the talking. The aisle was adorned with hanging ivy and lights making it a truly magical place to say I do! Everywhere you move through the venue there is something different. We wanted our guests to go on this incredible journey with us, and take in every moment.
What was your favourite memory from the day?
George: There are so many unbelievable moments, it is hard to call. But apart from marrying Skye, it has to be watching my usually quiet brother drink copious amounts of Finger on the Trigger cocktails and becoming known as King of the Dance floor. It was incredible!
Skye: Marrying George! But other than that, our first dance was pretty special. All of our guests had sparklers as we made our way down the stairs and onto a platform in the middle of the lake. Our first dance was to Noah Reid's Simply the Best from Schitts Creek, and looking out at all of our favourite people in the most unbelievable setting was so special. We then cut the cake and as our glasses clinked there was a fire cascade behind us. It felt like we were in a film!
Thank you so much for coming back to us for wedding bands - how did you find the wedding ring buying process?
It was really special. We met with Olivia in Truro and she talked us through all the options. Skye got the matching Nouveau band to go with her engagement ring. George is very proud of his Sri Lankan heritage and wanted to make his wedding band as special as possible. So, with the help of his mum, we were able to get some Sri Lankan gold and the Ethica team were really helpful in working with George to design his perfect wedding ring out of this very meaningful gold.
George, you also commissioned us for a bespoke pendant as a wedding gift for Skye! What gave you this idea and how did you find the bespoke process?
I wanted to give Skye a special wedding present and wanted her to have a piece of my wedding ring so no matter where we are in the world or how far apart we are, she will always have a piece of my wedding ring with her. Seeing as the stone on the Nouveau ring is a pear shape, I wanted the pendant to reflect this but in a more abstract style. Again, the team were amazing and couldn't have done more to help me bring my vision to life.
George's Ring: Slight Court 4mm, Made With Customer's Own Gold Skye's Ring: Nouveau Band.
Pendant: Bespoke, Customers Own Gold, 18k Yellow Gold Chain
Skye, what was your reaction to the surprise bespoke pendant?
I couldn't believe it! It was an unbelievably thoughtful gift. George and I exchanged gifts the night before the wedding, and there were lots of tears shed. I wear the necklace almost everyday. It is such a special piece of jewellery that I will treasure forever.
Are there any wedding suppliers you’d like to shout out/recommend?
The team at Quinta Lago Dos Cisnes are world class. There is nothing they don't think of. Also we need to shout out Team Portugal! Our photographer & videographer - Moises Soares, hair and make-up - Jenny Makeupland and music - Music Beats Eventos. Skye's wedding dress was from the incredible Suzanne Neville, shoes from Freya Rose, hair piece from Victoria Percival, jewellery from Lily & Roo.
We are so delighted and honoured we could help George and Skye with four pieces of ethical jewellery for their wedding. Their love radiates through these photographs and truly, this is one of the most stunning weddings we've ever seen! We want to wish George and Skye a huge congratulations and lifetime of love and happiness together.
With Love, The Ethica Team x
