How long have you been married?
We have been married for 21 years
Tell us about your proposal and engagement ring (Both point of views)
Proposal: According to my husband, he knew he wanted to marry me when he saw me! We met in Israel and he proposed to me, there, at a beach very soon after we started dating. I was in shock as it was so early! So, I didn’t say yes immediately because I was so nervous about moving from Belgium (my birthplace) to Texas (where I currently reside).
The Engagement Ring:
Sylvie: My engagement ring was yellow gold! It featured a round brilliant bezel set center with baguette diamonds cascading down the shank. Ian knew exactly what I wanted and took care of the rest.
Ian: I proposed to Sylvie on the beach in Israel and she was shocked that I was ready to marry her so early in our relationship! She needed some time to process the idea of relocating from her hometown in Belgium to the United States. A couple of months after the proposal we decided that she would spend some time in the U.S. with me and shortly after, during a visit to New Orleans, we were officially engaged! Sylvie’s parents came to visit us and three months later we were married!
What is so special about your husband/wife that is the reason she/he is the one for you?
Sylvie : We both come from totally different parts of the world (I am from Belgium and Ian is from South Africa), yet it’s amazing how we grew up in very similar cultures with similar values and communities. He is undoubtedly, the definition of a true gentleman (they’re hard to find these days!), loyal, even-tempered and very patient. Needless to say, he is pretty much my other half and my opposite in so many aspects.
Ian : Sylvie has a very warm personality, is extremely outgoing, smart and creative – these are just a few of the qualities that I love about her! We have a lot in common even though we are from different parts of the world. We share a lot of the same values and views in many aspects of life. My wife, undoubtedly, is the rock of our family and the glue that holds it all together. I think we both agree that the two of us compliment each other very well.
How do you make it work for couples who are considering getting into business together?
Sylvie : Most people say to me, “I don’t know how you work with your husband!” It definitely has its challenges at times, but most of the time, we feel truly blessed that we are able to make it work. The both of us work in different aspects of the business, however, we always make it a point to consult each other. We also have different strengths – I think this truly an advantage. I wouldn’t advise couples with similar personality traits to work together. It’s also important to try to leave work/business at the office and remember that you are a couple too and not just business partners. As I always say to my children, “In life, there is always a trade-off”. We get to travel together, which is fantastic. Another thing we hold in high regard is the mutual respect we have for one another.
Ian : Working with your spouse can be challenging, however, I would say that it works when each has a role that is separate from one another in the business. I am involved in the diamond sector and Sylvie plays an extremely active role in the creative side of the business, and much more.
Aside from work, do you have any tips for couples who are about to get engaged and really want the everlasting part to work?
Advice from Sylvie: Number one, don’t ever take each other for granted. Make sure that you both share the same values in every important aspect of life (i.e. religion, children, family, etc.). I also believe that you should never go into a marriage or a relationship hoping or wanting to change someone. In my opinion, an individual’s true essence will never change. It’s also important to show gratitude and appreciation for each other. I feel that when you decide that he/she is “the one”, you must feel crazy in love because as we all know, the honeymoon phase doesn’t last forever! But, your relationship becomes stronger with each year if your foundation is strong. With a strong foundation, couples are able to overcome challenges that inevitably come your way. I am a firm believer in the phrase, “The grass is greener where you water it”. In other words, in order to have a successful and everlasting marriage, you have to keep tending to it. Don’t take things for granted, don’t get too comfortable and you must be willing to compromise. Lastly, RESPECT! Never lose respect for your partner – if and when you go through hard times, remember why you fell in love with them in the first place.
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