David Curtis wanted the rings for his marriage to Jessica Stonex to be original, and to have meaning beyond their circular shape.

Money came to the rescue — but not in the usual way.

Jessica and David knew each other in early childhood, but it wasn't until they met up as adults at Tri-Hop — Three Rivers House of Prayer in Longview — that the two became close.

As part of their church work, they spent time with homeless people, hearing their stories, and in the case of David, playing guitar and singing.

"We were lovin' on them," Jessica said, "and we ended up falling in love with each other."

When the decision about rings rolled around, she said, she didn't want anything gaudy, given their values and outreach work. Then David heard about a friend's grandfather who had made his wife's ring from a silver coin. The idea captivated David, who also makes hemp earrings and beaded necklaces for Jessica.