A Love Story That Started Twice and Ended in Two Proposals
Anna (she/her) and Nicole (she/her) had an undeniable spark from the beginning, but it took time, distance, and a second first date for everything to fall into place.
Their engagement is a reflection of that same energy: thoughtful, a little unexpected, and entirely their own. From a karaoke bar proposal at The Lipstick Lounge to a quiet moment overlooking the Harpeth River, they each planned something that felt true to the other.
Layered with meaning – a carnelian heart, a favorite restaurant reveal, and a whole lot of intention – their “yes” wasn’t just about one moment, but everything that led them there.
A Second First Date
Nicole and I had an undeniable spark from the start, but it took us a while to admit it. We met on Bumble, and she just happened to manage a crystal shop five minutes from my house (everyone go shop at Sapphire & Sage!). We had a few great dates, but weren’t ready yet, so we parted ways.
Four months, a palm reading, and a car accident later, we had our second first date. We talked for hours, laughed about everything, and that was it. I’m a Gemini, so I love how she dives deep. Stimulate my mind baby!
We said “I love you” in Savannah, GA, and then she bought a litter box for my cat.
Choosing Nicole meant losing some family relationships, but she was my foundation through it all. As Bad Bunny says, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
Now, almost three years in, we’ve built a sweet life. Our home, our cats Blueberry and Marmalade, our chosen family, and we’re ready to make it permanent.
Two Proposals, Two Very Different Settings
Nicole: I chose The Lipstick Lounge to propose to Anna. It’s one of the 36 remaining lesbian bars in the United States, and we have so many good memories there. Karaoke isn’t really my thing, but Anna loves it, and I knew it would feel special, and that she’d never expect I’d choose a karaoke bar.
Anna: I knew Nicole wanted something private, so I figured a “lady proposes to her lady in the woods” moment would be perfect. I took her on a hike along the Harpeth River and proposed at an overlook.
The most important part of Nicole’s day, though, was dinner. Bourbon Steak has always been her dream spot, so I secretly booked it and told her we were going somewhere else. We had cocktails at Cumberland Bar, and when it was time, I led her to the elevator. She thought I was just checking my teeth in the mirror!
She didn’t cry during the proposal, but walking into the restaurant hand in hand? That’s when it hit. We feasted that night!
A Karaoke Ruse and a Carnelian Heart
Nicole: So the ruse I told Anna was that our friend Gray was filming a music video at The Lipstick Lounge and needed extras. They let us in an hour before opening, so we got dressed up, and she looked stunning. I think she was a little suspicious because I’m not great at keeping secrets.
Instead of a music video set, though, it was just an empty bar waiting for us. “Sun to Me” by Zach Bryan was playing as I walked her in.
One of Anna’s favorite stones is carnelian, so I brought a big carnelian heart with the words, “What are you doing for the next 50 years?” the same way my dad proposed to my mom. He passed in 2021, so I wanted him to be part of it.
I got down on one knee, got the words out, and she said yes, music to my ears. Our friends joined us after, and we celebrated all evening. It was a really special day.
Rings Inspired by New Orleans
Anna: We spent Christmas 2024 in New Orleans – just the two of us – and it was magical. For four days, it felt like there was nowhere else in the world.
We found the inspiration for our rings in an antique store, La Petit Fleur on Royal St, and brought it to our jeweler, Nicholas McIntosh of NWM Jewelry, who created two beautifully unique pieces.
With his help, we each designed our own. Mine is a marquise garnet, and Nicole’s is a Dutch marquise black diamond. We absolutely adore our rings.
Choosing Each Other, Every Step
Our engagement has brought us closer than ever. Every step reminds us why we chose each other. We balance each other out, share the same appetite for life, and our values are aligned.
It’s made navigating all the nuances of planning feel easy. There’s no one else I’d want to plan and pledge forever with.
Planning an NYC Elopement (With Cherry Blossoms and Drag Shows)
We’re planning an elopement in New York City this spring, somewhere our right to marriage is codified, which Tennessee unfortunately isn’t. Long Island is Nicole’s hometown, so courthouse nuptials in NYC felt right, with our best friends there as our witnesses.
I love planning trips, so I’ve been building out an itinerary. Cherry blossoms, Broadway, drag shows, and lesbian bars are top priorities. We’ve got a joint email, shared docs, and a system that somehow works. Nicole handles rapid-fire emails, and I’m the thorough documentation girl (former straight-A student syndrome).
Our best and most helpful resource? Jenna of Little Bird Studio, our friend, neighbor, and hair stylist. Every salon visit comes with a fresh cut and life, plus lesbian wisdom.
The Photographer Was Chosen First
Call me crazy, but I knew The Rose Reflective would shoot my engagement photos before I even knew my dream girl. I’d been a fan of Millie’s work for years after finding her on Instagram and I told Nicole early on: we’re booking her!
We chose two of our favorite East Nashville spots, and Millie brought our vision of moody vintage romance to life. She made us feel glamorous while keeping everything fun and relaxed.
At one point, she was in a Malasana squat in the back of our neighbor’s tiny convertible, PUMPING and shooting, and that shot is one of my favorites!
Asking Around (and Trusting the Vibe)
We’re finding vendors the best way we know how: asking our cool, creative friends for recommendations (ideally over a little treat). You can’t trust everyone’s opinions, you know. The good people of Reddit have also been very helpful for NYC elopement planning.
When it comes to choosing, we weigh our options and go with what feels right to both of us. Our priority is simple: fill our day with love, make beautiful memories, and not spend our life savings.
Captured by The Rose Reflective
Engagement Rings NWM Jewelry
Venue Sid Gold’s Nashville,The Dive Motel & The Lipstick Lounge
