Golden days with Izi Simundic.
Photography by Melinda Cartmer | @melcartmer_photographer
H&M by Max May | @maxmade
Cosmos Pendant Necklace, Small Organic Earrings
Small Signet Ring with Star-Set Diamond, Supernova Diamond Ring, Moon & Stars Ring
Izi x RUUSK
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RUUSK COUPLE: RILEY + TAYLA
Some love stories are written in the stars, and others are sparked by chance – or in Riley and Tayla’s case, by a mother’s introduction in a small coastal town during Covid. What began with beach dinners and backyard fires quickly grew into something lasting, built on kindness, laughter, and shared values. From a magical proposal in Canada to the joy of building a future together, their story is one of adventure, deep connection, and a love that feels like home. Today, we’re so honoured to share a glimpse into their journey. Tell us the story of your first connection. How did your paths cross, and what made you take notice of each other? It was a bit of a Covid love story. I moved to a small coastal town to get out of the city and be close to my parents. Tayla was already living there. And funnily enough my mum actually introduced us. We met briefly at an event in town and I thought damn I want to date this girl. And of course it didn’t happen straight away we went a while before seeing each other again then met out one night and just clicked. Then spent the next few months falling in love over dinners on the beach and fires in the back yard. If you had to describe each other in just three words, what would they be, and why? Riley is... Vibrant - Tayla is always up to something, she’s full of life. Definitely gets the most out of every moment. Always keen for an adventure. It’s almost hard to keep up sometimes. Compassionate - Tayla is the most warm hearted person I've ever met. She will do anything for the people in her life and anyone else for that matter. Genuine - You can say anything around Tayla and she won't judge. She's honest to a fault even if sometimes you wish she wasn't. Just a warm and inviting person. Tayla is... Mindful - Riley is always enjoying life in any way possible, he is always fully present and appreciative of every moment. Often saying ’how good is life’. Passionate - I’ve never met someone who loves their job as much as Riley. He is passionate about his career but always giving all of his love to his family and friends. Not to mention his love for food. Giving - no matter the price or effort Riley is willing to help anyone, he’s never one to say no to giving a helping hand. He gives through kindness, love, time and energy. What's something about your partner that most people don't know, but you absolutely love? Riley: She’s a bit of a goof which is something I love about her. Loves to say the wrong thing at the wrong time with completely different intentions to what she meant. Tries to high kick in a long tight dress and ends up on her back. You know those type of things. Tayla: I love that Riley is a cook good, he loves his food as do I and loves cooking us up a feast! Can you share the moment you realised this was your person - that this was something lasting and real? Riley: Honestly I knew she was someone special from the moment I met her. There was just something about her that made me want to get to know her more. There were butterflies straight away. But I think after a couple months we were sitting around a fire in a back yard for hours just talking and I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this girl. Tayla: After getting to know Riley’s parents, and finally getting introduced, many beach dates and fire pit chats later. We moved in together after a short period of time it all just made sense, we had so much in common, family values, what we wanted out of life and of course the love we shared for each other. We'd love to hear about the proposal! We'd love to hear more of what made this moment magical for you. Canada has always been special to us, and since it’s also my home country, it felt like the perfect place to propose. I had the ring hidden nervously in my pocket. Not even in a box. We headed off on a little hike to a cliff overlooking the ocean. She wasn’t exactly sold on the idea of walking down the cliff and even started heading back up the hill, until I called her back, got down on one knee, and asked her to marry me. Not easily I might add cause I was a blubbery mess haha. Through happy tears from both of us, she said yes! We spent the rest of the weekend in Whistler celebrating the most amazing day excited about everything to come. As you look ahead to your wedding day and beyond, what are you most excited to experience or build together? We’ve already made a beautiful life together. We have amazing family and friends surrounding us. We’ve had endless adventures. I can only hope the future has more of the same. We’re just excited to keep growing together what ever the future has in store for us. SHOP: Tayla's 1ct Diamond Solitaire
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HOW RUUSK SETS THE TABLE FOR MEMORY MAKING THIS FESTIVE SEASON
There’s something truly special about gathering around a beautifully set table – a place where laughter lingers, stories unfold, and memories are made. As the festive season approaches, curating a thoughtful tablescape is a wonderful way to infuse warmth, connection, and personality into your celebrations. Start with a theme or feelingBefore diving into the details, think about the atmosphere you’d like to create. Whether it’s a soft, timeless palette of golds and neutrals, or something more vibrant and playful, your theme will guide your choices for linens, flowers, and décor. Layer textures and tonesA memorable tablescape is all about balance and layering. Combine natural textures – linen napkins, ceramic plates, woven placemats – with the gentle glow of candles or polished metallic accents. These elements work together to create visual depth and an inviting sense of warmth. Add meaningful touchesThe beauty of a festive table lies in its personal details. Handwritten name cards, sprigs of greenery, or a scattering of dried flowers can add a sentimental touch. Consider including small keepsakes or ornaments that reflect the season or your guests’ personalities – little gestures that make the moment feel truly special. Let light set the moodLighting is key in bringing your tablescape to life. Soft, flickering candlelight or a string of fairy lights can instantly create an atmosphere of intimacy and celebration. Play with height and placement to ensure the light feels even and gentle across the table. Share beautiful foodNo tablescape is complete without food that brings people together. Opt for generous share plates and grazing-style dining – think fresh seasonal salads, roasted vegetables, artisan breads, and beautifully plated desserts. Shared dishes not only make for a relaxed and communal atmosphere, but they also invite guests to linger, connect, and savour each moment. Finish with intentionA thoughtful tablescape isn’t about perfection – it’s about creating a space that feels inviting and heartfelt. And most importantly, it is the company and people that surrounds you. Let your table reflect your own sense of style and joy for the season, whether that means a minimal arrangement or a lush, layered display. This festive season, take the time to slow down and savour the art of gathering. After all, the most beautiful tables aren’t just decorated – they’re filled with love, laughter, and the people who make every moment shine. Image Credits: Pinterest
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RUUSK COUPLE: GRACE + DILLON
Grace and Dillon's love story unfolded like a gentle sunrise – quiet, steady, and full of wonder. When Grace and Dillon first crossed paths at a local climbing gym, there was an ease between them, a spark of joy in every encounter, and a sense that something meaningful had begun. In the years since, their story has grown through kindness, curiosity, shared adventures, and a love that feels like home. From spontaneous road trips to the quiet magic of sunrises in the Grand Tetons, every chapter has been written with intention, joy, and deep connection. Today, we’re honoured to share a glimpse into their journey. When you first crossed paths, what stood out - was it something said, a shared laugh, or just a quiet feeling that this person might be significant? Dillon said he thought I seemed fun and a little mysterious, haha. I distinctly remember thinking, the first time I met him, how genuinely kind he seemed. Every time I saw him at the climbing gym, I felt so happy to see him and excited to chat. There’s always been such a calm, quiet knowing in our relationship – like a steady sense that this is the person I want to be with. It’s always been an easy, wholehearted “yes. What’s something about your relationship that makes you feel more like yourself? Or has helped you grow into a better version of who you are? Dillon has always accepted me exactly as I am, and that has meant the world to me. No one has shown me as much kindness or compassion as he has. Grace has helped me become more aware of myself and who I am. In our relationship, I’ve become more open-minded, patient, and kind. The hard edges I may have had before are softer now – and I’m better for it. Grace has helped me notice the unseen wonders of the world and appreciate that they exist. My worldview has expanded because of her. Is there a memory (big or small) that feels like a turning point in your story together? • Meeting at the climbing gym on a random morning in May, before we started dating. We connected over our love of food and good restaurants – and happened to be the only two people at the gym that afternoon, a detail Grace has always thought was sweet. • A spontaneous road trip to Colorado to climb a 14er (a mountain over 14,000 feet), which later became the place we’d call home. • Getting our dog, Sunny Grace and Dillon, how did the proposal unfold? Looking back, what made it feel true to the two of you? We go to Jackson, WY almost every year now, usually to Grand Teton National Park. Teton has some notoriously difficult campgrounds to book – Jenny Lake specifically – especially if you don’t do it six months in advance or more. Our anniversary is in July, and this year we planned a road trip to Utah and Wyoming. Dillon set several notifications for Jenny Lake, hoping that in a stroke of good fortune, a site would open up and we’d get to stay there for the first time. (Note: Jenny Lake is really special to us. Not only is it stunningly beautiful, but we usually end our hikes by jumping into the perfect, clear, icy blue water – it’s the perfect end to a hike.) Luckily, a campsite opened and Dillon managed to book it within 30 seconds of getting the notification. When we arrived at the Tetons, Dillon made sure I thought we had a site at a place we’d been to before – but as we drove up, he revealed the surprise that we’d be staying at one of our “holy grail” campgrounds. That evening, Dillon told me he wanted to watch the sunrise over Jenny Lake and the Tetons, which is another key tradition of our trips. Throughout the day, he was quietly scouting spots for the proposal, looking for a location that felt right and had the potential for a little privacy. The next morning, we woke up at 5 AM and walked from the campground to the rocky shore of Jenny Lake, with an incredible view of The Grand in front of us. Dillon was so nervous during the 30-minute wait for the official sunrise and the light to hit the peaks that he was shaking (though that may have also been from the cold, haha). When the sunlight finally began to hit the snowy peaks, and the perfectly calm water reflected the mountains and sky, we stood there taking in the view with no one else around. That’s when Dillon got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was a moment that held our shared history, so many of our favourite things, and felt like the sun rising on the next chapter of our lives. Grace's Wedding Trio: Moons XS Organic Ring, 1ct Diamond Solitaire & Shimmer Thin Organic Ring What kind of life are you most excited to build together - whether that’s a feeling, a place, or a rhythm of your own? A life built on shared growth and deep comfort – where we support each other fully, keep discovering new things together, and create a rhythm that feels uniquely our own!
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