The Labor (day) of Love

It all started on a lovely fall evening (although Niki will say July but a couple of texts don't count). Two star crossed lovers were brought together by the very intimate, romantic and unique platform called Hinge, the app meant to be deleted... . .. . Some back and forth banter and finding out this weird family connection. Pause. Before I go on, I know we do sort of look alike but let me break it down. Family Connection Cody = Niki's Brother, Sho = Cody's wife/Niki's sister in law. Jess = My cousin, Ari = Jess's husband/ Sho's Brother. The connection: Sho on the Lutz side and Ari on the Palermo/Lips side. Okay now that that's all cleared up back to us...Niki and I decided to go on our first date, mini golf. Niki's favorite, Ali's, not so much, however it didn't matter what we did the connection was undeniable. Fast forward three years full of weekend getaways, family trips, lots of golfing and countless headlands smash burgers to December 9th, 2023. The EnGAYgment Niki and I rarely give each other "things" for birthdays and Christmas, we give experiences. So in normal fashion, I gifted a weekend getaway to Leavenworth, Washington. A small Bavarian town nestled in the beautiful cascade mountains. Also known as one of the best Christmas towns in the US. Little did Niki know that I had something else planned. An early morning plane trip to Seattle to a 3 hour drive through a snowstorm and we were there, our own little winter wonderland. The nerves started to hit. Luckily, my best friend since childhood, Kelly and her boyfriend Nils were in Leavenworth too! We met them for a beer, which I have never drank so fast in my life, and then headed to "the spot". A path over a bridge, through snow flaked trees that led us to a picturesque spot by the river. I slyly asked Kelly if she could take our picture with this beautiful backdrop and then BOOM! I dropped to one knee, eyes already welling up with tears, to ask the question I knew I was always going to ask Niki one day. The Wedding That brings us to the present. We are so incredibly thrilled to share our special day with all of our friends, family and loved ones. Each and everyone of you mean so much to us. We invite you to take a glimpse into our relationship and are honored to share our love with you.