Here 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 Holly and Jared. From the first glimpse on a Student Union dance floor to a sunset proposal off the coast of La Palma, here they share the most important chapters of their modern love story.
On first meetings
Jarred: We met on the Student's Union dance floor at University back in 2017, I was tearing up the floor with my exceptional moves and she was blown away.
Holly: I saw a tall guy throwing some shapes in our SU, he seemed fun. We didn't speak on that occasion, but we bumped into eachother at breakfast when a mutual friend introduced us.
On first impressions
Jarred: She just radiated with positive energy. Always smiling, laughing, and chatting. I hadn't met someone with such warmth before and it's part of what drew me to her!
Holly: He was hard to read, but incredibly hospitable. He wanted everyone around him to have a good time and was just very thoughtful, with food, drinks, and games always flowing.
“There was never any pressure… Being together was as easy as breathing.”
On knowing it was forever
Jarred: We moved in together after university and cohabited really well for years. Things just became very strong between us year on year as life grew. On our first holiday outside of lockdown, in Cape Verde, we were watching the sunset from a beach hut and this couple got engaged on a sand dune. She burst out into tears of happiness for them and something just clocked on reflection, that she was the woman I wanted to marry.
Holly: There was never any pressure, I never thought about it, being together was as easy as
breathing. We've had so much fun, five years passed so quickly and there wasn't really a specific moment, but our time on the holiday leading up to the proposal was just magical.
On favourite traits
Jarred:I love her aura, anyone that ever knows Holly will be in awe of how radiant she always is.
Holly: I love how open and emotionally aware he is. He just understands and talks openly about everything.
On the proposal
Holly: It happened whilst on holiday to La Palma (Canary Islands), specifically on a sailboat he chartered as a surprise at sunset on the 4th of July 2022, floating on the edge of this old pirate's cave called Poris de Candelaria.
On the details that meant the most
Holly: The proposal wasn't one spectacle. He took me on a journey of everything we mutually love, a combination of our hobbies, passions and nature. The most beautiful stargazing, volcanoes, mountains, beaches, the ocean, sailing, dolphins, and my favourite... whales!
On picking the perfect engagement ring
Jared: I pretended like I wasn't paying attention to those (un)subtle hints, but I was... It had to mean something much more than just a price tag. I wanted there to be a story of commitment and effort, something unique, ethical, for it to be beautifully crafted and for it to be similar to a brand I knew she loved (Chupi...).
“It was the most beautiful ring I'd ever seen. I thought it was a dream.”
On seeing the ring
Holly: I remember just being in absolute shock. I have never been so emotionally full in my life and that was before the proposal. I couldn't believe it and it took me five minutes before I even saw the ring, I thought he was joking! It was the most beautiful ring I'd ever seen. I thought it was a dream.
“Everytime I look at it, it takes me back to the first time I saw it. The most beautiful moment of my life to date and I get to carry it around with me.”
On the story behind the jewellery
Holly: Everytime I look at it, it takes me back to the first time I saw it. The most beautiful moment of my life to date and I get to carry it around with me. I don't know about future generations yet, maybe that'll change, but I'm taking this ring with me to the grave!
On choosing Chupi
Jared: I had no idea what I was doing really, I just knew a vague idea of 'this year' and 'she likes Chupi'. I started out with a virtual consultation with Jane, who was incredibly thorough, helpful and reassuring. I had asked for a bespoke order, as I loved both the story of Chupi and the artisanal sentiment, so I secretly flew to Dublin (twice) to place the order. Jane met me at the Atrium, then again to collect the ring. Everything about it was both memorable and enjoyable (though I will say, it's a little warm up there, so if you're sweating with nerves before taking the leap, prepare!)
On advice to other engaged couples
Holly & Jared: Don't overthink what happens next! We both got into the car and said "Wait... so what do we do now?" and were overwhelmed. But... definitely get yourself a checklist or planner for the big day!
Planning a proposal? Book a virtual engagement ring appointment or visit our flagship Dublin store. Our dedicated team can help you find the perfect stone.
