Q: Tell us about yourselves. How did you meet?
A: We’re Kenzie and Jake, both originally from Dallas, Texas. Our story began far from home—in Seoul, South Korea—during Chuseok, the Harvest Moon Festival. Kenzie had just moved to the city from Daejeon, and Jake had unexpectedly found himself spending the holiday alone after his parents’ travel plans were disrupted. By chance, we both downloaded the same app, matched, and decided to meet for Korean BBQ.
That night, sitting on plastic stools in Insa-dong with soju and pork belly, we discovered not only that we were both Texans, but that our hometowns were just twenty minutes apart. It felt like fate. That first evening quickly led to many more, and now, five years later, we’re planning our wedding on our anniversary in September 2026.
Q: How did the proposal happen? Walk us through the moment — we’d love to hear the story in your own words.
A: We planned a trip to Mexico City the week before Kenzie’s 30th birthday, and she thought the highlight would be visiting Frida Kahlo’s home. But Jake had something bigger in mind. Even though he came down with a cold, he spent the day secretly running around Chapultepec Park, trying to find the perfect spot to propose.
At sunset, he insisted on going to the park for photos—which immediately raised suspicion since he almost never suggests taking pictures. What Kenzie didn’t know was that he’d hired a local photographer to capture the moment on film, one of our shared passions. As the photographer directed us, she casually asked Kenzie to turn toward the light. When she turned back, Jake was down on one knee. The entire moment felt effortless, candid, and so perfectly us.
Q: Was there any special meaning behind the way the proposal was planned? (Location, timing, personal touches, etc.)
A: Absolutely. The location itself was special—Chapultepec Park was a new place for both of us, and experiencing it together felt symbolic of this next chapter we’re starting. But the most meaningful part was the photographer Jake found. From the beginning of our relationship, film photography has been something we’ve bonded over, so it felt serendipitous that our engagement was captured that way too.
The photographer Jake chose wasn’t just anyone—she’s known for her striking protest work and the way she tells feminist and queer stories through her lens. That artistry and perspective meant so much more to us than posed, traditional engagement photos ever could. Having her document the moment felt authentic, intentional, and perfectly aligned with who we are. It turned the proposal into more than just a milestone—it became a reflection of the values we share and the story we’re building together.
Q: How did you choose the ring? Did you have a vision in mind, or did the design speak to you when you saw it?
A: Korea has been such a defining part of my life—it’s where I grew up in so many ways, and it’s also where I met Jake. When I first came across Kinn’s Solis setting years ago, I remember stopping in my tracks. The design was beautiful, but what struck me most was the meaning behind it. The ribbed detail reminded me of inyeon (인연)—the Korean belief in fated connections that span lifetimes. It felt like the perfect symbol of everything that had led me here.
When Jake and I got engaged, it was important that our ring carried that meaning. We were blessed to inherit a family diamond, and the Solis setting felt like the only place it belonged. To make it even more personal, we engraved the inside of the band with “inyeon” and the date we met.
I actually booked a flight to Los Angeles so I could deliver the diamond in person and work with the Kinn team on the design. Sitting with them, sharing our story, and seeing the ring come to life in real time made the experience so meaningful. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded not just of the day Jake proposed, but of all the threads of fate, family history, and love that brought us here.
Q: What does this moment represent to you?
A: This moment feels like the weaving together of every chapter that’s brought us here—family, fate, and all the little coincidences that led to us finding each other in Seoul. Our ring holds so much of that meaning: a diamond passed down through family, a design rooted in inyeon, and the care and intention of working with Kinn to bring it to life.
To us, it’s more than a symbol of engagement. It’s a reminder of the lives we’ve lived, the values we share, and the love we’re building. Having it crafted by a woman-owned, Korean-owned brand makes it even more meaningful—it feels like we’re carrying a piece of our history, our culture, and our future all in one.