NMJ Lovers
NMJ Lovers | Malena & Ricky
Introducing our latest feature couple Malena and Ricky. Their romance began in maths class in year 11, and has grown into a love with endless fun and laughter. Both Malena and Ricky came to us to bring their design to life, featuring a marquise cut black sapphire. We caught up with them to find out how Ricky proposed, what marriage means to them & the process of handcrafting the perfect ring.
How did you both meet?
We met in high school. We were both in the same maths class in years 11 & 12.
Share your engagement story with us...
We had spoken about getting married many times over the during our relationship of now over 7 years. One day, after many attempts of me asking Ricky to come design a ring, he agreed and off we went to Natalie Marie. I was involved in majority of the process though I didn’t know when he had collected the ring or when he was ready to propose. On the Easter long weekend we joined our friends on their property in just past Goulburn to camp. In the evening my friend, Taylor, expressed her interest in taking some photos of the sunset with myself as her model, which was not out of the usual as she is a photographer.
As the sun began the set Taylor asked me to join her and asked Ricky to come along too. She took a few cute couple shots in front of two beautiful hills with the sun setting between. I turned around to balance on a log and as I turned around Ricky was down on one knee with the ring. At this point I was speechless. Taylor hid behind a tree and captured this moment with the beautiful sunset.
What does marriage mean to you?
Marriage to us is an extended commitment of how we live our lives together already. We believe marriage is about supporting each other’s goals, careers and life choices. Marriage is about endless love but also endless fun and laughter. It is mutual trust and respect for one another and nurturing each other’s passions and personalities. Marriage is a strong union and foundation to raise a family.
What drew you to Natalie Marie for the design of your engagement piece?
Natalie’s beautifully unique designs and bespoke pieces. My friend had her rings designed by Natalie and seeing the final product being exactly as requested drew me to get a bespoke piece. I had always wanted a black stone and knew Natalie was the right person to create my dream ring.
Tell us about the details of your ring, what was the process like for you? What are your favourite aspects of the piece?
My ring features an 18 carat white gold band/setting, beautiful marquise black sapphire and 2 trillion diamonds with intricate details. My favourite aspects of the piece is how beautifully positioned the diamonds and sapphire sit with the detail of 5 small gold dots in between.
The process was great, Natalie and the girls kept us up to date with the entire process. I loved how intimate the experience was and how special everyone made us feel. The one-on-one with Natalie was great as she captured our exact vision.
Finally, do you guys have any wedding plans yet?
We have locked in our venue, at a beautiful property in Upper Colo NSW, where we will have both our ceremony and reception for a January 2020 wedding. I have found my dream dress and have bought my bridesmaids dresses. We are planning on a D.I.Y boho style wedding with a pizza truck, gelato cart, lots of booze and hopefully a live band.
Photography: Taylor Butler