Nicki and Mark have known each other since elementary school. Their parents moved into the same neighborhood and became best friends. Safe to say, they grew up together & have known each other for 18+ years. They started hanging out more and in their junior year of high school (2017), Mark and Nicki started dating! After graduating high school, Nicki stayed local to work and complete her Bachelors degree. Mark went to Barton College to get his Masters degree while also playing lacrosse. They were determined to make long distance work. Nicki drove every other weekend to watch his games & Mark came back home when his lacrosse schedule allowed. Thier love grew stronger over the years and 7 years later, Mark proposed on the beach in OBX and Nicki said YES!