After a lot of discussion over the last few weeks, we’ve made the difficult and emotional decision to reduce the size of our wedding significantly to just immediate family and our wedding party. We had high hopes that things would be somewhat back to normal by now, but COVID-19 is still pervasive and North Carolina is currently a hot spot with strict limits on gatherings. Our main priority is to tie the knot while keeping everyone safe and healthy, and we will continue to monitor the guidelines closely. For those who are not attending in person, you can still be a part of our special day by tuning in to our ceremony via livestream from the comfort of your home! We are so grateful for technology that allows us to share our wedding day with the people we love, whether you are near or far. As of now, we are still planning to hold the ceremony on Saturday, September 26 at 4:00 PM EST. We will send another update closer to that date with final updates and livestream details. We appreciate your love and support through this process! ***

6.24.14 Niko and I both grew up in Chapel Hill-Carrboro, with our homes just a few miles apart. We attended the same elementary school (FPG!), but went to different schools after that and I only knew of him vaguely through friends. Mostly because a group of us thought he was cute. ;) Fast forward to the summer of 2014 and we had our first encounter while running the trails of Wilson Park, where we exchanged smiles as we passed each other. I recognized Niko immediately, and even wrote about it in my daily planner — “Run @ wilson park & see cute Nico” (admittedly, I spelled his name wrong then). I hoped we’d run into each other again. My wish came true a few weeks later! We both ended up at a mutual friend’s house before heading to La Residence, a local bar. I spotted Niko from across the room and decided to approach him. We got to talking, and our connection was instant. I became completely enchanted by Niko. He was kind, funny, charming and wicked handsome. That night, we sang Drake songs together and didn’t leave each other’s side for more than a bathroom break. He asked me on a date to Elmo’s Diner the next day, and the rest is history.

1.3.20 I knew I wanted to marry Alexa from the moment we started dating. Five and a half years later, as summer turned to fall in 2019, I started thinking more about how I wanted to pop the question. After doing some brainstorming with my sister, Carina, I realized the most perfect place for a proposal would be in Chapel Hill — where we grew up, where we met, and the place that holds many of our fondest memories. I decided to propose at a cabin my family built in the countryside of Chapel Hill, where Alexa and I have spent many nights cozied up and sitting around a bonfire. On the afternoon of January 3, Alexa thought she was heading to the cabin for a surprise birthday party for Carina’s partner, Nathan. Little did she know… :) I hadn’t felt too nervous that day until Alexa texted, “I’m on the way!” Then all the nerves hit me at once! As we strolled up the path to the cabin, my heart was racing. I walked a few steps ahead of Alexa to get to the cabin first. “The surprise party…that’s not actually why we came,” I told her, smiling. I dropped down on one knee, ring box in hand, and asked those fateful words (that I had rehearsed over and over!). “Alexa Phillips, will you marry me?” It took Alexa a few “ohmygoodnesses” before she said yes. I could tell she was completely surprised! Carina and Nathan appeared from around the corner of the cabin, guitar in hand while harmonizing “Hold On, We’re Going Home” by Drake — a song that Alexa and I sang to each other the first night we met. We held each other, teary-eyed and overjoyed. I led Alexa into the cabin, which was decorated with flowers (arranged by Carina!), rose petals, candles and photos of us from over the years. We all popped a bottle of champagne; laughing, crying and taking it all in. The combination of everything felt like the most personal way to show Alexa just how much I love her. I can’t believe I’m the lucky man who gets to call this woman my wife.

Over the last six years together, we’ve traveled to 20 countries on three continents, run hundreds of miles and hiked dozens of trails, conquered two years of long distance, graduated college, moved across the country to Oregon and witnessed a solar eclipse on our first day living in Portland, started our careers, bought a house and an RV, watched countless Netflix series (we've rewatched The Office too many times to count), and become master meal preppers. Through it all, we’ve learned a lot, grown tremendously and become better people and partners for each other. We’ve shown unwavering support for one another — listening, motivating, sharing advice, and finding comfort in knowing we've found a lifelong partner and best friend.

We’ll say “I Do” and dance the night away at Chapel Hill Carriage House, located on the same road where Niko grew up. The venue sits on a large plot of land with woods, trails, ponds and many adorable farm animals! We're so excited to celebrate with all of you in-person and virtually!