When Matt downloaded the Bumble dating app one afternoon in 2020, he wasn’t expecting to meet his forever person… especially not within an hour. He was sitting in a car shop waiting on a tire repair, a little skeptical about the dating scene. But within the hour, he matched with Kelsey, a bright, kindhearted recent graduate at the time - and everything changed.
Their first few messages were full of… misinterpretations (Matt thought Kelsey’s pickup line had to do with an actual chemistry class), but that lighthearted start turned into something lasting. On their very first date, Matt found himself driving 45 minutes to meet Kelsey… and her parents. “It was awkward,” he laughed, “but fine.” Even then, there seemed to be a spark he couldn’t ignore.
By the second date, a road trip to the Asheville breweries, Matt knew.
“We stopped at Taco Bell on the way, and when she said yes to that plan with zero hesitation, I thought ‘She’s the one.’ She didn’t just go along with my crazy ideas, she was excited because I was excited. That meant everything.”
After a year of dating through the ups and downs of COVID life, Matt decided it was time to make it official. His parents, longtime Kimball’s clients, suggested he visit the store where his father had frequented for his mother’s jewelry.
“Kimball’s was the nicest store in town, and I wanted to get Kelsey the ring she deserved.”
With help from his parents and Kimball’s expert staff, Matt found the perfect ring: a simple, timeless round-cut diamond with delicate stones halfway around the band. “It was exactly her: classic and beautiful.” Because of her professional field, he knew she wouldn’t want to worry about snagging or losing a stone. It was perfect.
Matt proposed at Bearden Beer Market, surrounded by good friends and good beer. The brewery even canned a special beer with a custom label marking the occasion.
“It wasn’t flashy. Just simple, comfortable, and meaningful – exactly us.” Four years later, Matt and Kelsey are still designing their love story. They celebrated their anniversary with matching Mario Kart-inspired tattoos – Kelsey as Toadette and Matt as Shy Guy. Their next adventure? A trip out west to Portland and Seattle, and maybe even a new home on the horizon.
When asked what advice he’d give others shopping for a ring or planning a proposal, Matt’s answer was simple:
“If you know they’re the one, don’t overthink it. Find something that fits them, not just the price tag. It’s one of the most meaningful purchases you’ll ever make.”
At Kimball’s, we couldn’t agree more. Every ring we help choose is part of a much bigger origin story – sometimes the story starts with a swipe right, a road trip, and some Taco Bell.
Kimball’s Jewelers – where life’s moments shine a little brighter.
