How did the two of you meet, and who made the first move? We met for the first time over 10 years ago when I visited my friend at the same college Woody went to. After that we ran into each other occasionally, usually when a group of friends would get together to visit Athens. Two of our mutual friends have since married and reside in Valdosta. I would say we really started becoming close friends after we took a few road trips to Valdosta together to visit them. We lived close to each other and started spending a lot of time together. We had a beautiful friendship. We shared the same interests and always had a lot of fun no matter what we did or where we went. The change of our friendship was one of those moments that will stay with me always. It was one night at my old apartment that we were just hanging out laughing about who knows what. Woody got this serious look on his face and he said “I like you. I really like you a lot.” I didn’t realize how much I felt the same until he said it. He’s had my heart ever since. Who were the first people you told about your engagement? We face-timed my parents who live in Perry. A phone call may have been a better choice because my mom kept holding the screen up to her ear so all we saw was red hair. We were able to call/text a few of our close friends on the way to his parent’s house to share in our joy. We went to his parents’ house to pick up his nephew to go to the movies so we were able to see them in person as well as his sister and her family. Both of our fathers had the exact same reaction to the ring itself: “must have been a lot of crackerjacks”. How did you hear about TK Anderson Designs? Two of our friends had recently gotten engaged, and he had her ring made by TK Anderson. After he gave so much praise to the staff and their dedication to their work and customers, we decided we needed to consider TK Anderson. I really liked that TK Anderson was a local company. Another great local company that makes us feel lucky to call Athens home. What was your favorite part about working with the TK Anderson team? For me it was not being overwhelmed. I knew I did not want a traditional ring so I was a little worried about getting pushed into something I didn’t’ really want. I was nervous about all the choices and decisions I may have to make. We came in and sat down with Wes and had a very easy casual conversation that helped him identify my likes and dislikes. He brought in a few sapphires for us to look at which was neat. After that, it was all up to Woody and TK Anderson. I never felt worried, overwhelmed, or stressed leaving it all up to them. I felt very confident they would make something I would love. Bride, what do you like most about your new ring? There may not be enough room for me to say what I like most. The sapphire we chose was the exact color blue I was hoping for. I was thrilled when Wes showed them to us. He brought in a deep blue sapphire based on our prior conversation and it was unbelievably beautiful. The engraving and mill grain is breathtaking. There is no other word for the detailed work they did on the band. The diamonds around the halo and down the sides are stunning and compliment the sapphire perfectly. They brilliantly set the sapphire in a way you can admire it and its setting from each side and underneath. It is incredibly unique and one of a kind. I love knowing the thought and care that went into it from Woody and TK Anderson. They could not have created a more perfect ring for me. What are you most excited for in your future together? Seeing who can break into the 70s first on the golf course? But no, just enjoying life together. Having someone you love to share your life with is exciting. It makes the mundane things better and the good things extraordinary, which mean a whole lot to look forward to. Life is full of ups and downs and all arounds. Having the love of your life beside you, you can make it through anything life sends your way. Every time I look at my ring, I feel so loved and I know Woody will always be by my side.
