NMJ Lovers | Lottie & Oliver – Natalie Marie Jewellery

NMJ Lovers | Lottie & Oliver

Love is made up of moments—some quiet, some grand, all shaping the story two people build together. Through our NMJ Lovers series, we step into these stories, tracing the paths that bring our clients to the rings they wear and the promises they hold.

For Olly and Lottie, it all began as teenagers in the UK, unaware of the journey ahead. Years later, on a stretch of sand that held many of their memories, a question was asked and a promise made. From that moment to an intimate wedding at sea, their journey is a testament to love in its purest form.

Here, they share it in their own words—the memories, the meaning woven into their rings, and the love that keeps evolving.

Take us back to where it all began. How did you two meet?

We met through a mutual friend in September 2010 while studying at Godalming College in the UK. Fresh-faced 16-year-olds, we had no idea what the next few years would have in store…

Olly, tell us a little bit about the lead-up to the proposal and how you decided to pop the question.

I popped the question on a camping trip to Seal Rocks in early spring. We have spent a lot of time there—camping, swimming, beach driving, and drinking beers on the sand until the sun goes down. There’s something so magical about it, so it felt like an easy choice!

Lottie, what do you remember most about this special moment?

The camping trip started the same as many others—sun shining, music on full blast (listening to Nick Mulvey), and a quick game of backgammon before heading down to the beach for sunset. I was walking ahead, and as I turned around to put down the rug, Olly was down on one knee! We both burst into tears, holding onto each other on the sand as the sun set and the sky turned the most incredible shades of pink and orange. Oh, and the ring was PERFECT… We cracked open a couple of Stone & Woods, smiling so much our faces hurt.

Take us back to where it all began. How did you two meet?

We met through a mutual friend in September 2010 while studying at Godalming College in the UK. Fresh-faced 16-year-olds, we had no idea what the next few years would have in store…

Olly, tell us a little bit about the lead-up to the proposal and how you decided to pop the question.

I popped the question on a camping trip to Seal Rocks in early spring. We have spent a lot of time there—camping, swimming, beach driving, and drinking beers on the sand until the sun goes down. There’s something so magical about it, so it felt like an easy choice!

Lottie, what do you remember most about this special moment?

The camping trip started the same as many others—sun shining, music on full blast (listening to Nick Mulvey), and a quick game of backgammon before heading down to the beach for sunset. I was walking ahead, and as I turned around to put down the rug, Olly was down on one knee! We both burst into tears, holding onto each other on the sand as the sun set and the sky turned the most incredible shades of pink and orange. Oh, and the ring was PERFECT… We cracked open a couple of Stone & Woods, smiling so much our faces hurt.

Olly, we’d love to know what drew you to choose NMJ to help create the perfect engagement ring for Lottie. Can you tell us about your experience and the inspiration behind the design?

Lottie had discovered NMJ a few years prior, so I knew she loved the brand. Avalon is also a place very close to our hearts for many reasons—especially because Lottie’s oldest family friends, Barbara and Mike, called Avalon home for a time while Mike was a commercial airline pilot here over 40 years ago. With Mike having since passed away and Barbara often reminiscing about her time in Avalon when we see her, it feels fitting to have a permanent reminder from that special place on Lottie’s hand forever.

I had a clear idea of the design I wanted from the outset—I’ve always loved trio rings, finding them timeless and elegant.

Esther was incredibly helpful, and over the course of a few mid-week secret visits to the NMJ studio (while I was supposed to be working from home!), she helped me design and bring to life the perfect piece. She absolutely nailed the brief, and working with her was such an enjoyable experience.

When it came to choosing our wedding bands, returning to NMJ for our matching pieces was a no-brainer. I opted for a Classic Wedding Ring | 4mm and Lottie chose the Grain Wedding Ring | 2mm.

Tell us about your wedding day! What were the highlights for you both?

It’s hard to put into words just how special our wedding day was. We had an intimate ceremony onboard the wonderful Zephyr Charters. The highlight was having 40 of our closest family and friends together in our favorite place in the world, with non-stop laughter, dancing, and margaritas!

What is one piece of advice you can give to future brides and grooms planning their wedding day?

Stay true to what feels right for you as a couple. Everyone will have opinions, but it’s your wedding and your celebration. Go with what reflects your values and love, and what genuinely makes you happy—without feeling pressured to please everyone else.