Nikki and Blake met at the perfect time—during the most unexpected of circumstances: COVID. But, as fate often does, it had a way of bringing them together at just the right moment. Blake had recently moved to Cambridge, MA, from Los Angeles, CA, due to his new assignment at Hanscom AFB and little did he know, he had arrived exactly when Nikki was about to cross his path. They bonded over many things, but none more magical than their shared love for Harry Potter. Once Blake knew this, he couldn’t resist asking Nikki out on a date. Amidst the restrictions of COVID, restaurant dining was prohibited, but Nikki had the brilliant idea for a picnic. She was determined to make the most of it and chose BBQ as the meal, knowing it would be the perfect combination of casual and delicious. As they set up their picnic in a beautiful park, Blake was immediately impressed by Nikki’s resourcefulness. Along with all the essentials, Nikki brought a thermos filled with her famous homemade margaritas—a small but thoughtful touch that made Blake smile. They talked for hours, laughing and discovering new things about each other. Time flew by without them realizing it—proof of how natural their connection was. They knew life would be like a scavenger hunt and they each happily found their partner. The world may have been in turmoil, but for Nikki and Blake, every day felt like a new adventure. They made it their mission to stay connected, using the limitations of the pandemic to deepen their bond. They began a weekly tradition of Date Nights, where no matter what was happening in the world, they would focus on each other and their love. They ventured out into New England together, discovering hidden gems across the region and creating memories that would last a lifetime. Blake even snuck Nikki away to Napa to indulge in their love of wine. A year later, they took a big leap—moving in and starting a new chapter in their lives. However, there was one thing missing—so they adopted a sweet, mischievous kitten named Mozzie. Nikki, who had always adored cats, immediately fell for her, and Mozzie did what any kitten would do: stole Blake’s heart. She quickly became a beloved member of their growing family. With Blake’s work taking them further west, the couple said goodbye to snowy Massachusetts and traded their snow shovels for beach towels as they made the move to sunny California. They settled into Marina del Rey, a perfect spot for Nikki’s love of boating and Blake’s desire to be near the ocean. It was here, on the water, that Blake planned a proposal Nikki would never forget. Blake knew that Nikki was an adventurous spirit who would love a surprise with a little touch of magic. So, he chartered a private sunset cruise along the coast. As the sun began to set over the Santa Monica Pier, casting a golden glow over the water, Blake got down on one knee, his heart racing and he asked his best friend to marry him. Nikki, with a smile that could light up the entire coast, said yes. And just like that, their next great adventure began. As they prepare for their wedding day, they are reminded of how love, even in the most unexpected of times, can bloom and grow into something beautiful. They can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you. Thank you for being part of their story.