Please allow 16 weeks for creation.
From Pixels to Peaks: Kayla and Sam's One-of-a-Kind Engagement Ring
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Time to read 7 min
Voice actress Kayla's and her husband Sam's whimsical love story is a testament to the magic that can be found in the most unexpected places. From their serendipitous meeting at GameStop to their breathtaking elopement at Mount Baker, every moment of their journey is reflected in the custom-designed rings they wear today. Join us as we delve into their wonderful tale and discover how The North Way Studio helped them create rings that perfectly encapsulate their unique bond.
Words from Kayla
Could you tell us about how you met your husband? What was your love story?
Sam and I met when we were both working at GameStop (different stores at the time.) I had just taken a manager position at our local mall store where Sam actually shopped for all his games. A few months after we met, Sam broke his ankle after slipping on the ice outside. During his healing time. I ended up seeing a lot more of him as he was buying games to play. We ended up getting each other's numbers and became fast friends. We bonded over The Legend of Zelda, Game of Thrones, and Star Wars - one of our first dates was to go see The Force Awakens in theaters - and the rest is history.
What drew you to choose Mount Baker for your elopement?
Since we knew we didn't want a "traditional" wedding, we decided to elope and make an adventure out of it. We had always dreamed of visiting the Washington state mountains together, and there seemed to be no more magical place to exchange our vows of forever than atop the North Cascades.
I love that you chose a unique engagement ring. Could you share the story behind choosing a non-traditional engagement ring? What was the experience like working with Maria?
I had admired Maria's work for quite some time before our engagement. Sam chose my amethyst stone because it was my grandmother's birthstone, and we were very close with her. She passed away on my birthday in 2020, so incorporating a piece of her into my engagement ring was one of the most beautiful gestures. Working with Maria to bring this vision to life was an experience that exceeded all expectations. She was so lovely in all our communications, and receiving a piece of her art that she is so passionate about was truly special. I now get to wear this precious symbol of our love and my grandmother's memory for all my days.
The ring photos with the moss and natural elements were so beautiful. What feelings come up when you look at your ring now? Do certain details remind you of special moments from your elopement day?
There is a certain magic that radiates from our rings. Looking at them fills my heart with the same feelings I had standing rooted on the mountaintop, exchanging promises of love. Every time the sun catches on the stone, there is a warmth that reminds me of the sun shining on our elopement day. The oak leaves featured in our rings unintentionally became a theme for the day, as Sam's collar chain and my headpiece were crafted with similar elements. To us, the oak leaves symbolize our love being as deeply rooted and sure as an oak tree.
Your ceremony incorporated both traditional elements like handfasting and modern touches like the location and attire. How did you envision your perfect wedding day, and how did your rings fit into that vision?
We knew we wanted our day to feel as special and as magical as the fairy tales we lose ourselves in. We wanted it to be as intimate as possible with just the two of us and something we would remember until the end of time, so a focus on the finer details really allowed us to weave our stories in intricate ways.
The attention to detail in everything such as your dress's intricate embroidery to the ceremony details shows such care and intention. What elements were most important to you both when planning this intimate celebration?
The dress was actually not what I went in looking for - very different actually! But when I tried it on I just knew that it was perfect and one I could even wear again. The shoulder jewelry I actually spent weeks crafting myself. I picked out all of the beads by hand and taught myself how to hand tie them. They of course were not perfect but it meant so much to be able to wear something that was made by my own hands.
Our cake was also an homage to our relationship as it was an espresso buttercream topped with the phrase "To Whatever End." Coffee dates and making coffee together in the mornings are little joys that we share, and the quote is from the Throne of Glass series that has become one of my all time favorites. These personal touches were the most important elements to us as they truly represented our bond and the things we cherish most about our relationship.
Your wedding aesthetic was also very unique and personal, like your husband's burgundy suit to your gorgeous blush dress. Did this same sense of personalization influence your ring choice? What elements of your ring design reflect your style?
Definitely it did! My birth stone is actually a diamond so it would have made sense to go with the traditional diamond ring, but the one Sam chose for me could not have been more true to who I am and who we are. The style being called "the Fable" is so very fitting, as storytelling is a vital part of who we are. The books we read, the games we play, the movies we watch, and all of our Dungeons & Dragons campaigns are rooted in storytelling. As a full-time voice actor, my work also revolves around bringing stories to life. In essence, our rings are a beautiful representation of our own unique fable.
I can see that adventure and the outdoors clearly played a big role in your love story and wedding day. How did this influence your ring choice? Did you consider factors like durability for an active lifestyle or design elements inspired by nature?
While durability did play a small part, we weren't as concerned about active lifestyle as much as we were about the design. The rose gold, the leaves, the amethyst, even the names of the pieces all played into our choices of these being our forever tokens.
You chose to have lanterns illuminating your ceremony space as the day turned to dusk at Mount Baker. I think there's something so magical about that transition time. Is there a parallel between that moment of transition during your ceremony and the journey of your relationship? How has the symbolism of your rings evolved from engagement through to marriage?
I like to think of that moment as a reminder to always be each other's light in the dark and to find our way back to one another. There has always been a motif of celestial elements, yin and yang, and the interplay of light and dark in our relationship. Sam is a water sign, while I am a fire sign. He's more introverted, while I'm more extroverted. Even the first video games we bonded over, Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon, reflect this theme. Our daughter's name, Nova, also ties into this celestial motif. The rich hue of purple in my rings reminds me of the color that emerges between dawn and dusk - a meeting point between two worlds, much like the beautiful balance we find in our partnership.
The intimate, personal nature of your elopement really shines through in these photos. Looking back, do you feel your ring choice also tells a personal story about you as a couple?
Sam and Kyle from The Dropped Pin were such intent listeners during our first phone consultation, and they truly understood our vision. We are incredibly grateful that they saw the magic in our day and in our love, and were able to capture it so perfectly. Although I could never forget our elopement day, being able to relive it through the photos and the sight of our rings on our hands is a magical experience I'll always treasure. Every piece of our day - the rings, the dress, the cake, the photos, the vows - sings a song for the ages, and I can never express our thank you's enough to everyone who has been a part of us.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Bridal Gown: Lavender Park Bridal
Wedding Photography: The Dropped Pin
Hand Fasting Cord: Ceotha
Vow Books: Paper Peach Shop
Elopement Cake: Pure Bliss Desserts
Engagement Ring: The North Way Studio
Your Personal Ring Adventure Awaits
Whether you're captivated by the elegance of handcrafted details, the brilliance of colorful gemstones, or the enchanting allure of nature-inspired designs, Maria will guide you through the process of creating a ring that is a true reflection of your extraordinary love. Just like Kayla's amethyst stone honors her grandmother's memory, your ring can incorporate sentimental elements that hold special meaning for you and your partner.
At The North Way Studio, we believe that your engagement ring should not only be a stunning piece of jewelry but also a cherished heirloom that will be passed down for generations to come. Allow us to craft your unique engagement ring that will forever remind you of the beautiful story you and your partner are writing together.
Whether you envision a nature-inspired design, a modern twist on a classic, or a ring that seems to have leapt straight from the pages of a fairy tale, Maria will work closely with you to bring your dream to life. We believe that an engagement ring should not only be a symbol of your love but also a reflection of your shared values, hopes, and dreams.