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How Did You Meet Each Other?
Steph took a vacation to Key West in October 2018 at the suggestion of her best friend Kira to get away from the chilly Chicago fall for the beautiful Key West temps. On the second night of vacation, Steph was exploring the different parties that Key West had to offer, stopping lastly at Sloppy Joe's for their Annual Toga Party.
Ron was in his third year of being stationed in Key West with the US Coast Guard. His roommate had a friend in town and all three of them were enjoying the end of the week off from work, having just come in from a patrol. It was Thursday, and the night before was still living large in Ron's head (read: a hangover) when his roommate throws him a bedsheet and tells him they're going to Sloppy Joe's Toga Party.
Thanks to a little app called Tinder, these two swiped right on each other and as fate would have it, out of all the bars on Duval, they were in the same place at the same time. After fighting a costume malfunction with a fake eye lash, Steph started her journey around the bar to find Ron, only to have him find her first.
After hitting it off right away, Ron asked Steph to be his date for the weekend, and the rest, as they say, is History...
Was It “Love At First Sight”?
Pretty darn close. There was clearly an immediate connection between them, a spark they both felt the need to explore. At the end of the weekend, just as it was time to head back to Ft. Lauderdale for her flight, Steph knew that it was more than a spark, and changed her flight to stay an extra three days.
After those three extra days, Ron hopped in the car with Steph as she was about to drive away to Ft. Lauderdale. It was apparent by now this was something real, and he was willing to drive six hours roundtrip, just to have those last few moments together, since they weren't sure when they would see each other next.
Not even a month later they decided that it would be a good idea for Steph to move to Key West for six months (yes, only six months) before Ron would have to move the following summer in 2019. Having recently been laid off, this seemed like a sign that it was a chance to follow her heart and to take a chance on an adventure of a lifetime.
How Would You Describe Each Other In 3 Words?
Ron about Steph: Passionate, Fierce, Incredible
Steph about Ron: Handsome, Goofy, Inquisitive
How/When Did You Know That You Were “The One” For Each Other?
Things moved pretty quickly for these two, so it was within that first week of meeting. Steph decided to uproot her life for a guy that she just met, but she knew it wasn't just a guy, that she was moving for her future husband. It's hard to pinpoint the "how did you know," without the cliché response of "when you know, you know." But it's true. When something is right, there is not a single doubt in your mind that the path you're taking is the right one. It doesn't mean it won't be hard work, but it does mean you know that the hard work will be worth it.
When two people give their true self to their partner, they get the same in return. If you both love each other with everything you got, then you're each receiving the same love. The same hard work. The same open communication. Everything. All in. You get what you give.
How Did The Proposal Happen?
It was Christmas 2021 and it would be the first time Steph would be outside of driving distance from home for the holidays, but after schedules and planning, the flights were booked and a long day of Christmas Eve travel lay ahead of them from Washington to Illinois.
As is tradition in Steph's house on Christmas Eve, the family turns off all the lights but the Christmas Tree and the Yule Log to share their Christmas Memories. Everyone that has been in the family long enough has everyone's stories memorized by now, but we do it anyway because there is always something new to share.
After the tradition kicked off with some of fan favorites, it was Ron's turn to share his favorite Christmas memories. He recalls the first time he got to be in on this tradition back in 2019 and how being there, with her, he knew he wanted to spend all the Christmases with her. All of them. He side kicked the ottoman out of the way and knelt to the ground and asked Steph to spend all the Christmases with him, forever.
Through a faucet of tears, Steph said "of course."
What Ring Did You Get From Us?
Rose Gold Catalina, Catalina Matching Band, Petite Naomi
What About The Ring Caught Your Eye? Is There Any Significance Behind Why You Picked The Ring That You Did?
It's hard to pinpoint it exactly, but I think the cushion cut + halo combination is just so beautiful and pleasing to the eye. A classic look that will never go out of style. I absolutely love that Rose Gold is coming out as a ring color, not something I saw when I was young and in my 20s. It's just such a beautiful color combined with the sparkle of the moissanites and diamonds.
Did You Always Have An Idea In Mind Of What Ring Style You Wanted Or Did It Change Over Time?
In 2014 while helping a friend look for a wedding band on Etsy, Steph stumbled upon Rosados Box and fell in love with the Catalina/Matching Band/Petite Naomi set. She saved it to her favorites for when happily ever after arrived. Fast forward to 2021 when Ron started conversations about timelines and plans, Steph knew exactly what she wanted. She spent a few weeks utilizing Question Tuesday to see if she liked any other bands with her beloved Catalina, but she always came back to her one true stack. She sent it off to Ron and hoped he wouldn't stray from this lead.
What Are You Looking Forward To The Most About Your Wedding Day Or Marriage In General?
Leading up to the wedding, Ron and Steph were most looking forward to their vows (and of course, the party that would follow). They each wrote their own and were excited to hear each other's promises in front of their friends and family (then were excited to dance the night away with those same people).
Now that they've tied the knot, they are looking forward to all the adventures they will take together, the good ones and the tough ones. A self-proclaimed Power Couple, there is nothing they can't handle as long as they're together. There's nothing more thrilling than taking on the weight of the world with your favorite and most trusted companion by your side.
Do You Have Any Advice For Couples In Regards To Marriage, Love, Or Relationships?
Be yourself and find someone who loves you for you. Forever is a long time to spend being someone you're not, and you'll be happier you waited for the right one, instead of settling for less. And when you do find your life partner, give it everything you've got, never stop putting in the hard work.
How sweet was Steph and Ron’s love story?! We would like to thank them again for sharing their story with us, and we wish them nothing but the best on their journey together! Want to share your story on the blog or on our socials? Contact us, tag us, and use the #yesrosadosbox – we would love to feature you! See you next time, Rosettes!
