Restauranteur and internet personality Hunter Fieri‘s proposal to pro-pickleballer Tara Bernstein was sealed with a carefully crafted engagement ring that encapsulated not just their love for each other but also Bernstein’s passion for pickleball.
Popping The Question
The couple, who had been discussing their future, took the plunge last month when Fieri suddenly popped the question. He already had a pretty good idea of what kind of ring his fiancée would want, so he went the extra mile to create an extra-special one that would suit her pickleballing lifestyle down to the ground.
“We’re very open, and as we were discussing wanting to be married to each other, we looked at some rings, and I got a feel for what she wanted,” Fieri told Bailey Richards and Skyler Caruso of People Magazine in an interview published on December 31.
“And then I worked with a buddy of mine to make a custom ring for her, and I wanted it to be really special.”
One Ring To Rule The Court
He emphasized the significance of this gesture, saying, “My aim in life is to do this once, and when you do, it has to be perfect. So, I crafted a ring that I believe symbolizes my deep love for her.”
However, showing a practical and pragmatic side, Fieri took into account her fondness for pickleball when deciding on the ring’s characteristics.
During the design process, Fieri stressed to the designer, who is also a “longtime” friend, the need for a ring resilient enough to withstand demanding and frequent games of pickleball.
“In pickleball, the goal is never to take it off,” he explained. Collaborating on the design, they ensured the ring was “pickleball-proof” by reinforcing it to prevent accidental damage during games.
“And so [the designer] made it a little thicker band, with the crown being a little bit thicker so that if she did hit it on a ball, or a paddle, you’re not kicking that rock off. So I made it a little extra durable, a little bigger, just for the fact that I don’t want her to take it off.”
Yet, acknowledging practicalities, Fieri noted Tara would have to remove it: “If you’re going to a water park, you’re going to the ocean. Yeah, I don’t want to lose it.”
“A Haribo Ring Pop”
The bespoke ring, designed for durability without compromising on the elegance, is visibly stunning in the couple’s engagement photos.
However, they also pointed out that their happiness isn’t contingent on elaborate jewelry.
“I could give her a Haribo Ring Pop, and I believe that she would still be happy with that with me,” he joked before clarifying that he “would never do that.”
Recalling their first meeting at the Super Bowl back in February, the couple reminisced about the chance encounters that day at the tailgating party before the game and at a hot dog stand at halftime that led to their keeping in touch and eventual relationship.
