we're getting married

Annamaria and Nicholas first crossed paths in the 7th grade, when fate quietly nudged them into each other’s lives. Annamaria was visiting Mother Teresa High School for a soccer game, and while their interaction was brief and unassuming, it would be the beginning of a story that would take years to unfold. For a long time, they remained distant acquaintances—just familiar faces in a sea of teenage years. Their lives ran parallel through high school, orbiting in separate circles but occasionally intersecting at mutual events or through shared friends. It wasn’t until after graduation that the threads of their lives began to weave together more tightly. They found themselves part of the same friend group, and slowly, their casual connection began to shift into something more meaningful. Nicholas, with a quiet patience and open heart, made it known that he felt something deeper for Annamaria. His interest wasn’t a passing crush—it was sincere, steady, and full of admiration. Annamaria, too, began to feel a growing curiosity—a pull toward the person Nicholas was becoming in front of her eyes. Everything began to change in the summer of 2022. What had been a budding friendship suddenly blossomed into daily conversations, shared laughter, and deep connection. Each message, each call, and every hangout revealed more of who they were, and how naturally they fit together. They weren’t just falling in love—they were discovering a partnership built on understanding, mutual respect, and effortless joy. On December 7, 2022, Nicholas and Annamaria went on their first official date at the Wellington Gastropub. It was a night filled with nervous excitement and heartfelt conversation—a night that marked the beginning of a new chapter. From that moment on, everything felt right. They had found in each other not just love, but home. Since that day, they’ve been inseparable. Through quiet nights in, spontaneous adventures, and countless shared memories, their bond has only grown stronger. They’ve supported each other through life’s highs and lows, always returning to the sense of peace and certainty they found in each other. Now engaged, Annamaria and Nicholas are writing their next chapter together—with a foundation built on years of friendship, trust, and a love that was truly meant to be. They look forward to a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and the kind of adventures only soulmates can share. This isn’t just a love story—it’s a forever story.

On a quiet morning in Portugal, with the world just beginning to wake, Nicholas and Annamaria set out to catch the sunrise at the breathtaking cliffs of Ponta da Piedade. The golden light danced across the ocean as they explored the rugged landscape, taking in the beauty of the moment—though Nicholas had something even more unforgettable planned. With his heart racing and the waves crashing below, Nicholas got down on one knee and asked Annamaria to spend forever with him. Completely surprised and overwhelmed with emotion, she said yes—right there on the cliffs, as the sun rose behind them. The magic of that moment lingered as they made their way to Lagos, celebrating their engagement with bagels and coffee, still beaming with joy. They spent the rest of the day soaking up the sun at the beach, sharing the happy news with their loved ones and beginning their next chapter with full hearts and sandy toes. It was a day they’ll never forget—simple, spontaneous, and perfectly them.