Clear Cut Couples: Sara and Steve

In 2021, Sara was looking for a new adventure. She had been listening to country music with lyrics referencing East Tennessee and although she didn’t know a soul in Knoxville, decided to move across the country with her dog. Not someone to waste any time, she opened up the Hinge dating app, and saw that Steve had sent her a message.

Although Steve tried to scare her by saying he had a sun tattooed around his belly button, they managed to have their first date 12 days after Sara moved to Tennessee. Steve popped out of the bushes (literally) to greet her with his southern accent, and then opened the door to the restaurant as Sara tried to get her heart to stop racing. Steve pulled up his shirt to prove that he was tattoo free, offered to hang up pictures in Sara’s new apartment the following day (as long as he promised to not murder her), and they laughed for the next four hours. Sara loved that Steve unabashedly shared stories and details about himself and had an uncanny ability to make her laugh. Steve thought that Sara was drop dead gorgeous, engaging, and was already planning their second date. Steve came by Sara’s apartment the following evening to help hang pictures, move boxes, and assemble furniture. He received 1000 bonus points for showing up at her door with flowers, her favorite chocolate, and wine. While they were sitting on the floor assembling patio furniture, Steve strategically cozied up behind Sara for “leverage”, and they shared their first kiss as Morgan Wallen’s song “865” played in the background. They sat up talking until the sun came up and the rest, as they say, is history and they have been together for 3 years.

When they started dating, Sara ultimately had to share with Steve that she was a vegetarian and had never tried meat. Steve, growing up in the south, had a penchant for delicious meats, and didn't quite know how to respond. Thankfully, they've created a routine where Sara cooks meals and Steve cooks his particular meat addition!

On their 3 year anniversary, Steve told Sara that he had a fun evening planned downtown. He told her to wear something nice and be ready by 7:00 PM. The evening was an absolute surprise, however, looking back there were some subtle hints of what was to come. Steve was on time (clue #1), told Sara to curl her hair and make it look pretty (clue #2), and drank his glass of Rombauer Cabernet in 1 sip (clue #3). They walked around downtown and ended up on the Gay Street Bridge, a special place for them, overlooking the Tennessee river (fun fact: Sara’s apartment, where they shared their first kiss, was across the river in the background). Steve turned Sara around, and with tears in his eyes, got on one knee and asked her to marry him. Sara, with all of her enthusiasm, said, “YES!” Cars were driving by and honking and people were waving and cheering. Steve was so excited that Sara had to remind him that he had to put the ring on her finger! They turned to walk towards the restaurant, where they were greeted by a photographer who was capturing the special moment. The surprises continued as Steve told Sara they were going on a trip to Acadia National Park the following month to celebrate their engagement. The park had been on Sara’s bucket list since she was 8 years old, something she shared with Steve on their first few dates. In one evening, he had managed to propose with Sara’s dream engagement ring and make one of her childhood dreams come true. You can probably tell by now that Steve is extraordinarily good at racking up those bonus points! They are so excited to share their special day with their family and friends.

While the engagement was an absolute surprise, Sara knew that a beautiful ring was waiting for her. When they both started talking about getting engaged, Sara mentioned that it would make her dreams come true if Steve purchased a ring from The Clear Cut. She had been following them for a few years and loved that it would be specifically curated based on their preferences. Steve and Sara traveled to New York to visit the storefront and together, found the most beautiful ring. At that point, it turned into a waiting game until Sara was able to wear the gorgeous ring!

Steve and Sara are going to get married at Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection in Napa, CA on 12/7/24.