Instagram: @torikornas & @aidanreising

Location: Nāpali Coast, Kauai

In our words:

How we met: During my Freshman year of Art School, I was feeling disillusioned with the dating scene but then fate intervened in the form of an invitation from my best friend to join her for the weekend visiting her current girlfriend at a neighboring state school. Her girlfriend played soccer, so when we arrived, I found myself surrounded by student athletes. We started the night by pre-gaming and playing drinking games. As an art student, I was clueless about the rules of these games but I was having fun. That’s when I locked eyes with a cute boy across the table and he was smiling at me which I later found out was because I “looked like a deer in headlights”. We exchanged smiles that gave me butterflies but then continued on with the night.

Fast forward many hours later, we found ourselves in the same room at an after-party. It was getting late, and I was disappointed we hadn't had the chance to talk one-on-one but it was time to leave. While driving home, my friend received a call from Aidan that he had run out to the car, hoping to catch us before we left but he just missed us.

I couldn't stop thinking about him for days afterward. Unfortunately, I didn't have his number so with some encouragement from my roommate, I decided to message him on Instagram. A week later, Aidan got the courage and asked me out on a date. From the moment we started talking, it was like we were meant to be together and have known each other for a thousand lifetimes. We have been inseparable ever since.

How he proposed: On the island of Kauai in Hawaii, our love story took an unforgettable turn. My fiance took me on a hike despite the potential for rain and an overgrown trail but he kept telling me “trust me, the view will be worth it”. At the end of the trail, we reached the top of a mountain, and from there, I saw one of the most stunning views in the world- the Nā Pali Coast, a place that holds a very special place in my heart.

As we stood there, taking in the breathtaking scenery, he dropped to one knee and asked if I would spend the rest of my life with him. I was overwhelmed with joy and said yes immediately, I couldn't imagine a more perfect proposal.

Why we chose K&D: Being an artist with a strong passion for sustainability, it was crucial for me to find a ring that was not only unique but also shared my eco-conscious values. Fortunately, Ken and Dana Designs perfectly aligned with my vision.

When spotting the Carrisa ring, I was immediately enamored with its floral basket design. The intricate details, like the delicate leaves that held the diamond in place made me fall in love even more. Additionally, I opted for a lab-grown diamond for sustainability reasons and K&D provided an abundance of helpful information and resources on their website that reinforced my choice. I am absolutely smitten with my ring and am looking forward to admiring it every single day for the rest of my life.