“I was planning on proposing after she graduates in December,” wrote Aaron Sarvis about his then-girlfriend Laura Patrick. However, after entering the David Douglas Diamonds Diamond Access contest and winning a unique engagement ring valued at $2500, his plan was altered.

Partnering with the FISH 260.7, David Douglas Diamonds & Jewelry planned for one lucky man to propose to his girlfriend at the FISH’s Celebrate Freedom concert on Saturday, August 30, 2008, on stage at prime time. Undaunted by this spectacle, Aaron conceded with gusto in his questionnaire that he was prepared to ask Laura to be his wife in front of 50,000 people. “It would be on my birthday too...That seems a little too surreal,” he added. His birthday was a convenient cover – Laura thought nothing of the fact that members of his family were present at the event. He visited the booth early and solo to receive instruction from Doug Meadows, owner of David Douglas Diamonds & Jewelry. He was all smiles, glowing with anticipation and confidence. “She is the sweetest most caring person I have ever met. Her love for the Lord can be seen every day of her life, which overflows into her relationship with others. She is an amazing person who inspires me to be great. Plus she is beautiful!! What a combination!”

Aaron and Laura, 22 had been together for four and a half years, since their senior year of high school. When they first began dating, neither had a relationship with the Lord. “It was a little rocky without Him in the center, but since He became first priority in our lives our relationship has been amazing...I don't even remember the last time we had an argument PRAISE THE LORD!!” Laura explained they spent time apart for a brief while towards the beginning and each independently found and developed a spiritual relationship with God. When they got back together, they were new people. Aaron told the FISH and Doug Meadows, “It hasn't been very easy being a dedicated follower of Christ. Since me and Laura both gave up our ways to serve Him, our lives completely transformed. We were both in the party crowd throughout high school and all of our friends were in the same crowd. I was a trouble maker and she always stood by my side, not caring what everyone was telling her about me because she knew a side of me no one else did... It was always so comforting to know that I wasn't in the fight for my faith alone. Not alone was God always with me, but so was my girl. I put her through a lot in our relationship, but her love for me never ended, and I am so thankful for that. I don't know if I would be where I am with the Lord if it wasn't for Laura.” Laura, as well, realizes the transition they went through, knowing the complete turn-around her fiancé experienced.

The couple had returned from a 10 day mission trip to Costa Rica the week before the concert. “Our team work to win souls showed me we were meant to be together,” Aaron wrote of his lady, who “touched so many lives” with her testimony, of which her walk with Aaron was a main component. “I am blessed to have an awesome woman of God in my corner as we do our best through the power of the Holy Spirit to change the World!” he said, joyful of sharing with Laura whatever is in store for them.

The ruse for the proposal was this: Doug Meadows was, as far as everyone knew, giving away two pairs of diamond stud earrings throughout the day. One couple accepted their pair on stage in the afternoon. Then, once the sun set and the stage lights rose, the second pair of earrings was scheduled to be accepted. After thanking Doug for the gift (the $2500 engagement ring), Aaron segued into a successful proposal against the backdrop of the surprised cheers of the crowd. After the hubbub of public love, before celebrations with the family, Laura hugged Doug and thanked him one more time for the gift he provided them. Fittingly, the ring was exactly the kind she wanted and was “perfect.” Aaron and Laura continued to thank Doug for the gift and Doug continued to bless the couple’s guided future.
The air was light with joviality as the tents came down and the weary vendors packed up their wares. Glow sticks pulsated in patches of grass, funnel cake crumbs napped beside the overflowing trashcans, and uplifted spirits connected in the freedom of worship. Eyes sparkled, reflecting the luminosity of the fireworks above as the event came to a close. Blessed hearts returned home, rejuvenated and refreshed.

David Douglas Diamonds & Jewelry is located in Marietta, GA. Coming from a line of family jewelers since 1926, Doug Meadows is always looking for innovate ways to establish a relationship with his neighborhood and give back to his community. Visit www.daviddouglasdiamonds.com for more information and to connect yourself.