In May 2020, Mary (Nic’s Mom) called Danielle at Farm Credit to ask if she could finance a barndominium for her son- he was looking in Haywood county to be closer to work and had gone through a rough patch in life and needed a new start. Danielle stated she was unable to finance that, but said that she felt for Mary’s son, since she herself was also looking for a house in that area, after also having gone through a rough patch. She mentioned she had a customer who was selling her house- and that she would be happy to play realtor for a day, and show it to Nic. A few days later- they met at a little house on Dix Creek…the ceilings made they house a no-go for Nic as he would have hit his head first thing every morning, but He and Danielle talked in the driveway of the house for 30 minutes before parting ways. If you ask Danielle about this day- she’ll tell you she didn’t think Nic was interested because he never made eye contact and didn’t ask for her number. If you ask Nic- he’ll tell you Danielle scared the shit out of him because she was very professional and “it’s not every day you find a pretty woman in square toe boots with a pistol on her hip”. Nic asked Danielle out later that week. For a first date- they went up on the Blue Ridge Parkway with some takeout from Taco Billy and a 12 pk of Busch Light. They talked for over 3 hours. The next day (2nd date)- they drove to Georgia together and Danielle insisted on buying Nic’s chicken strip basket at Dairy Queen because she thought he was poor, and felt bad for him having to listen to her talk on a 5 hour round trip road trip on the second date. Their relationship grew throughout the pandemic- Danielle met Nic’s family a few weeks later, He flew with her to meet her family over Labor Day. Danielle bought a house in September, Nic moved in, and together they made it a home. Both knew from the first few months (well Nic from the first date) that this was forever, they had found the one whom their soul loves. Best friends, partners, fishing/hunting buddies, lovers, better half’s- they had found it in each other. Nic proposed on Christmas Eve 2021 after driving round trip to Greenville, SC that day to pick up the ring. He hid the ring box in his boot at dinner (Christmas eve sushi is a tradition), and with some help from his sister, KT, dropped to one knee in downtown Waynesville in front of a Victorian home off Main Street that was all lit up- less than 3 hours after picking up the ring (which if you ask him was 2 hrs and 59 minutes too long). We have found true, unconditional love in each other. From the moment we met, anyone who knows us, knows we’ve pretty much been inseparable. We can’t wait to say our vows, in front of God and all of you, and add “Husband and Wife” to our titles. We thank each and everyone of you for taking the time to celebrate our love story with us, and for any role you have played in it. Our greatest wish and hope is that each and everyone of you will find love like we have found in each other. Cheers, Nic and Danielle