At Chupi, we are honoured to make beautiful heirlooms that become part of your story, destined to become treasured pieces that are passed down through the generations.
Be inspired by stories of love and magic as we share some of our favourite ways Chupi pieces have helped you celebrate your most precious moments.
This week, we chat with Donal and Kwynn. From a tipsy first kiss in Eyre Square, Galway, to a wonderland proposal in the natural beauty of the Maligne Canyon, here they share the most important chapters of their modern love story.
On first meetings
We met on Bumble in the spring of 2019. At the time, Donal was in the US for work, so we messaged each other over a few weeks before our first date. It was at a lovely tapas restaurant in Galway city. We ate and drank wine while the conversation flowed between us. After dinner, we wandered into a cocktail bar where we ordered each other drinks off the menu. The night ended with a tipsy kiss in Eyre Square. It was the best first date either of us ever had.
“The night ended with a tipsy kiss in Eyre- Square. It was the best first date either of us ever had.”
On first impressions
Donal: Three words come to mind when I think of my first impression of Kwynn: beautiful, inquisitive, and intelligent. She was also easy to laugh with, and we both felt completely comfortable with each other.
Kwynn: When I walked up to the restaurant, I saw a tall, smiling, handsome gentleman. Once we started chatting, it didn't feel like a first date. It felt like meeting an old friend.
“Once we started chatting, it didn't feel like a first date. It felt like meeting an old friend.”
On knowing it was forever
Donal: When Kwynn went to see Eddie Vedder in London by herself, she had a stressful trip to say the least. She came home on the Sunday and after all the chaos of the weekend, I remember thinking to myself that the next time, and all the rest, I would be there helping her.
Kwynn: That same weekend! We were on a bus from Dublin, on our way to his hometown. I had my head on his shoulder and just knew that I was with the person I'd spend the rest of my life with. It just dawned on me that I had found my home, as it turned out, while we were on the way to his.
On favourite traits
Kwynn: I love how incredibly kind Donal is to everyone he knows and meets. I also love that he's brave in an everyday sort of way. He’s not afraid of doing the right thing. It makes me feel safe and empowered at the same time.
Donal: I love that Kwynn is passionate about other people and making them happy. I love that she’s my best friend and how life feels easier when she’s around.
On the proposal
Kwynn: I’m from Canada but have been living in Ireland since 2018. This past Christmas was the first Canadian winter we got to experience together. As a way of coming together, we went with my parents (who are friendly divorcees), their partners, my brother, and my sister, to the Rocky Mountains for a mini getaway.
We decided to go for a snowy hike through Maligne Canyon, one of the most naturally stunning locations in Jasper. He proposed to me there, beneath spruce trees and a frozen waterfall. I’m the most at home in the mountains, so he couldn't have picked a better place.
On seeing the ring
Kwynn: It was a bit blurry through the happy tears. I couldn’t quite wrap my head around the fact that I would be marrying the wonderful person in front of me, or that I'd be wearing something so beautiful for the rest of my life.
On the sentiment behind jewellery
Kwynn: I've never been someone who wears a lot of jewellery at once. I am extremely sentimental with my jewellery, though. I'll often choose a piece based on the energy I feel I need on a given day. If I miss my parents, I'll wear the gold necklace my mom re-gifted to me, the one my dad originally gave her. When I want to add something extra to my outfit, I'll wear the pair of earrings my friend Gabi gave me; she has great taste and knows my style so well. So, jewellery to me, is all about the connections I have with the people I love.
“Jewellery to me, is all about the connections I have with the people I love.”
On choosing Chupi
Kwynn: I came across Chupi on Instagram and was initially drawn to the company by its empowering, celebratory message. At first, I didn't want a sapphire. I thought the blue might clash with different outfits or seasons of my life. I always loved it anyway though, and it's my birthstone. But the more I thought about it, I realised how all-encompassing a sapphire is. It paints mighty things like the Rocky Mountains and salty sea cliffs. It's the rich navy of the ocean and a reminder of how beautiful this life is, how endless he makes me feel.
Donal purchased the ring in the Atrium store. The team there were a dream to work with, and he got the ring well in time before our trip.
