We Can't wait to celebrate with you!

Nikki knew at the tender age of 10 that there was something very special about her older brother's friend, Jimmy Dennison. It didn't take but 12 years or so for Jimmy to come around and realize his feelings for Nikki, when they saw each other at a mutual friend's Halloween party. Jimmy had moved back to Chicago after being in South Carolina for 6 years, and Nikki was home from college, and the two hadn't really seen each other since they were younger. Nikki, classy as always, brought a beer bong to the party and Jimmy realized she wasn't the same girl he had once known 12 years ago...what's the phrase? Love at first beer bong? Anyways, after getting to know each other in their new phases of life, their friendship blossomed to where there was no doubt the two shared something special. Jimmy knew the weight of dating his best friend’s sister and ever the gentleman, asked for Johnny and his wife Megan’s blessing to which they gave whole heartedly. After their first kiss at Clara’s Restaurant in Naperville, the two knew that they were about the embark on their most exciting adventure!

One of the most precious places to Nikki is her grandparents farm in Springfield, IL. Most Fourth of July's they try to get down there and celebrate together with fireworks, grilling out, and enjoy a Coors light or 2. To Nikki, this holiday was no different, as the couple headed down to the farm on a Thursday night to meet the rest of the Connors’ team. That Friday, Nikki and Jimmy as well as her older brothers and their wives rented a pontoon on Lake Springfield and had a great day. So great, in fact, Nikki couldn't stop saying "this is just the best day!". Little did she know the smirks and smiles her family sported, held a tremendous and uncontainable anticipation for the day to follow. Come Saturday morning, and Nikki and her SIL, Kelley, go for a run in the sweltering heat. When they returned Nik, again classy as ever, decided against a shower since they planned on barbecuing for the rest of the afternoon. But Nikki’s brilliantly quick thinking momma explained that since they have the whole family there, they should take a family photo! Nikki loved the idea and decides to shower and get ready. While waiting for the others to get ready, Jimmy asks if Nik wanted to go for a walk around the property. The two start their walk and end up on the dock of their back pond. Jimmy took a moment to explain to Nikki how much he loved being there with her, but more so, and above all else, how much he loves her. Reaching into the flower pot beside him, Jimmy got on one knee, uttering the question he had undoubtedly been waiting to ask her, from their first kiss at Clara’s. Nikki could not contain her excitement, exclaiming YES! As they hugged, they heard an eruption of cheers from the Connors’ team, and unbeknownst to Nikki, Jimmy’s entire family as well. As the two families joined together in celebration, they ended the most perfect evening with fireworks and champagne, celebrating love in perfect fashion, with each other and with those they love most.