You’re my happily ever after.
The engravings on Treehut watches are all hauntingly familiar, yet each one is distinct and holds very special meaning to the recipient. Today’s engraving inspiration is courtesy of Kayla Reithmeyer, whose short, yet incredibly romantic, love quote truly resonated with us.
What was the inspiration for your lovely engraving?
The idea honestly just came to me. I'd been wanting to give my boyfriend a watch for years, but such a gift is so personal and difficult to pick out. Once I finally selected the perfect watch, I really wanted to get it engraved but wasn't sure what exactly to say. I racked my brain for a few days and then, one morning, I woke up and was sure I wanted it to say, “You're my happily ever after.” Growing up, I never imagined my happily ever after would involve a marriage and a family. I always assumed I'd travel the world and never be “tied down” to a relationship. I suppose that’s what makes it all the more special; this guy came into my life and completely changed my perspective on everything. Jacob showed me that no adventure can be complete without someone to share it with.
How did Jacob react when you gave him the watch?
I bought this watch for his 25th birthday on April 5. Jacob loved it! I think he immediately knew where the words came from and what they meant. He's been wearing it ever since.
How did you and Jacob meet?
Have you experienced any challenges as a couple? Do you have any advice to newer couples?
Starting a relationship at 18, just fresh out of high school, was a challenge in itself. Neither of us was looking for a committed relationship at the time, as we both wanted to explore and “find ourselves.” But, as much as we fought it, we always circled back to one another. Our first years together, we spent summers and breaks apart, high school loves reentered our lives and study abroad trips distanced us. I think the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make was where to attend graduate school. Jacob already had a job lined up after college, and I'd been accepted to a few graduate programs. So I had to decide whether to continue my education in Wisconsin or study out of state and risk the uncertainty of a long-distance relationship. However, I was offered a teaching assistant position at the University of Wisconsin that covered all my tuition costs, so I decided to stay. I told my friends (and myself) that I stayed in Wisconsin because of the TA offer, but I think I decided to stay because of Jacob. That decision set the tone for our relationship and brought us much closer. Though I've learned a lot in the 6+ years I've been with Jacob, I don't know that I'd have any advice to offer others per say, but I will say that the best relationships I've witnessed were neither easy nor convenient.
Treehut's rhythm beats to the outdoors and adventures. What’s the greatest adventure you’ve ever had?
During our junior year of college, I convinced Jacob to backpack in Zion National Park over spring break. I spent months planning the trip and getting all of our gear in order. Though we are both avid campers and had dabbled in backpacking, this was our first true adventure. Unfortunately, I forgot to consider topography when mapping out our daily hikes. We ended up hiking 10 miles a day with hundreds of feet in elevation change. In a few days, we were exhausted. Before the trip, I'd read about a hike you could do to see a natural rock formation that resembled an arch. It was supposed to be breathtaking and was only a few miles from where we'd set up our camp. There was no exact trail there, so after 30 minutes had passed, Jacob was pretty convinced we wouldn't find it and I had doubts myself. But then, all of a sudden, we just looked up and saw it... it was beautiful and massive, high above our heads. We spent more than an hour in silence just staring at the beauty. It is something neither of us will ever forget.
What are you looking forward to in the future?
Today, Jacob and I are both happily employed in Milwaukee, WI. We recently got a dog and are excited at the prospect of getting married. I guess happy endings come where you least expect them.
Shop the Watch Kayla bought for Jacob:
