Corrine & Nicko – Seattle, Wa

Nicko and Corrine met as freshmen at the University of Washington in Seattle. They first met eyes over a table in the math study center, studying for a calculus exam. Following a night of studying, Nicko walked Corrine back to her dorm and asked her out on a date to Giggles Comedy Club. It was magical…for Nicko. Although she was reluctant, he continued to ask her out for a second date. Three years later, she finally agreed. Their “second” first date, over a Mount Saint Helen’s tea at the Trabant Chai Lounge, was just as magical as the first – this time, for both of them.

After being inseparable for two years, Nicko became determined to find a ring for his soul mate. A friend recommended EE Robbins in Belltown, saying “they’re the nicest salespeople, they will teach you everything you need to know, and even offer a free drink”. Nervously walking into a ring store for the first time, Nicko was greeted by Pam Ness. When asked what he was looking for, he replied “an engagement ring”. When asked what type, he cluelessly said “I don’t really know”.

Pam proceeded to spend the next few hours with Nicko, teaching him the differences between cuts and carats, colors and clarities, and showing him diamonds that might be perfect for Corrine. Pam and Nicko narrowed the choices down to a favorite stone. But just in case, Nicko had this diamond, and a few other potential stones, put on hold while he scoped out other diamond stores in Seattle. Finding nothing comparable, he returned to EE Robbins weeks later. It took a few more visits, but he and Pam finally realized the perfect diamond was the one he had found that first day. Nicko was even more clueless about settings, so Pam suggested he propose using a temporary solitaire setting and then come back with his bride-to-be to choose a setting together. It was a brilliant suggestion.

On a Thursday night filled with thunder storms in August 2009, Nicko proposed at Alki Beach. Corrine said YES! The two were whisked away to a night downtown, and a morning after of ring shopping. Corrine, Nicko, and Pam tried to pick out a favorite – but like her new fiancé, Corrine was also indecisive. Over the next months, Pam patiently spent more time with the couple, special ordering settings in which Corrine was interested. In the end, Corrine selected the setting she had found on that first visit! Months later, the couple returned once more to buy wedding rings.

Corrine and Nicko tied the knot on May 15, 2010 at Kitsap Memorial State Park overlooking the Puget Sound. They’ve since trekked on elephants in Thailand, surfed in Bali, and ridden motorcycles in the Philippines on a three month honeymoon; moved from Wallingford to California; and started graduate school together. Through it all, their rings from EE Robbins always remind them that they couldn’t be happier or more in love.