Annie Pheby & Karlmond Tang

How did you meet? 

Annie: We actually met at work! I was a senior stylist at the time and Karlmond came in as a freelancer though we didn’t immediately work together and I was actually incredibly shy around him! 

Karlmond: We went for a drink after work. I for some reason suggested we walked to Bethnal Green from London Bridge and she obviously agreed because we were both nervous, proclaiming how much we loved walking, and then nearly an hour later we arrived at the pub knackered. This was 7 or 8 years ago I think. I was definitely not fit back then.

What was your first impression of each other?

Annie: Honestly I fancied him straight away and was very intrigued. It took a bit of matchmaking from a friend of ours who used to model at the studio to link us in. I could barely say hello!

Karlmond: Same. I don't think my impression of Annie has ever changed.

What do you love about each other?

Annie: I have always said I love Karlmond’s genuine excitement for life, he can be so positive about sometimes the smallest things but it brings daily joy. His general relaxed approach to life (in some senses) is a compliment to my more highly strung personality. 

Karlmond: Annie is equally enthusiastic about small random things. She's affectionate and is a very very very loving mum. We've always been in harmony with decision making and I think we've grown so much as a couple. She can talk to absolutely anyone and that ability can be really beautiful and human.

How did he propose?

Annie: He proposed in front of the most incredible view at a house we were staying in in the Cotswolds. Unbeknownst to him it was actually somewhere my grandparents had previously lived so was already a very special place to me. It was an incredible summers eve and we were sat enjoying some delicious nibbles when he presented me with a gift bag for the weekend. Inside a ‘candle pot’ was a Bear Brooksbank ring box….he can do a fantastic impression of my face and reaction - lots of tears!

Karlmond: it was definitely unforgettable. I cooked us a meal on the barbeque straight after and everything tasted delicious. The fizz was the best it's been. We were just so happy it was a bit Mary Poppins saccharine!

What led you to Bear? 

Annie: I had always known that I didn’t want a certain type of engagement ring - dainty and classic would not really fit with my style. My beautiful friend Lara had had a ring made and the shape was something different than I had seen before, I started seeing ‘cool’ women out and about with similar rings on and just knew it was the same designer. I wouldn’t say I told Karlmond where to go but there were some strong suggestions : ) 

Karlmond: I guessed a couple of things with one or two design aspects but I would advise due diligence might be wiser than a surprise when it comes to engagement rings.

What research did you do in advance of first meeting Bear and how would you describe your individual styles?

Annie: Once I had discovered Bear I became quite obsessed with scanning her website and Instagram and may or may or not have showed a few styles to Karlmond!

Karlmond: Yes she did. If you're referring to our personal style we have lots of cross over. There is an appreciation for luxury basics and the odd outlandish piece. We both love Issey Miyake. I'd say Annie got me wearing more denim. I don't think I wore trainers before her.

How was the BB experience? And what if anything surprised you?

Annie: I visited Bear after the proposal to discuss a possible resizing and it was just the most perfect relaxed appointment. I ended up not having my ring resized and I’m so happy I did not.

Karlmond: Just perfect. I had nothing to compare it to but I doubt anything feels as bespoke and personal as the experience I've had with Bear. Every conversation has felt reassuring and attentive.

What does a great date night look like?

Annie: Date nights are a little few and far between since we had our son. We love a date lunch! Any time together where we are eating nice food is always a good time for us. 

Karlmond: Anywhere alone for me and definitely over food. Dressed up as well.

What location on earth do you consider the most romantic?

Annie: Any place where we can be out in nature just us I have always cherished. We really got into walking and being outside during the pandemic and has always felt incredibly special to me. 

Karlmond: Yeah I think Annie is right there. I really love our walks and hikes. Maybe cause she's made me watch The Holiday 25 times but I'd say it's nice out in the cottages too.