What does love mean to you? If you’re getting married, would you go into debt to plan the perfect wedding?
It’s sad how our society often views marriage as a display of wealth. Many think a fancy wedding is more important than the love that brings two people together.
Let me share a story that shows love truly is what matters most.
Ariel Desiree McRae got engaged in 2006, and her engagement became a viral sensation. Why? Because a jewelry store employee made fun of her engagement ring.
“My husband and I don’t have much,” Ariel explained. “We work hard to pay our bills and put food on the table. After dating for almost two years, we couldn’t wait any longer to get married.”
Ariel wasn’t focused on rings. She just wanted to marry her best friend. But her husband wanted to make it special. He saved just enough to buy her two matching rings from Pandora—simple sterling silver and CZ. They meant the world to her.
While they were picking out the rings, a sales clerk approached and said, “Can you believe some men get these as engagement rings? How pathetic.” Ariel saw her husband’s face drop. He already felt bad for not being able to afford a more expensive ring. He kept asking, “Are you sure you’re happy with these?”
In that moment, Ariel realized what really mattered. “It isn’t the ring that counts,” she said. “It’s the love behind it.” They left the store with their rings, and she felt happy.
Ariel would have happily accepted a cheap gum ball machine ring. She wondered when love became tied to the price of jewelry. Why do we think a man’s love is measured by how much he spends?
Her husband worried that she might not want him because he couldn’t afford a flashy ring. It’s sad how the world makes us feel this way.
Now, Ariel is married with a $130 ring set and her true love by her side. She’s happier than ever.
She shared an update: “I’ve been asked how we met. Here’s the short version! We met online when we were 20. We talked for hours on the phone and went on our first date. I wore a tacky Christmas sweater! We had so much fun, and I fell in love with him right away. We even wanted to elope three months in, but we decided to wait a bit. Eventually, we couldn’t wait anymore and eloped. I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else.”
They chose a simple ring from Pandora, showing that love doesn’t need to come with a hefty price tag. Ariel’s husband thought she might be upset about the cost, but what she really cared about was his love.
“People shouldn’t go into debt for love. It’s the love that counts, not the rings. You can marry without them; they’re just material things.”
What do you think about engagement rings and their costs? Did you love this story? If you enjoyed it, share it with a friend!
