Third times a charm

Hi Family + Friends, Thank you so much for your patience. The day has FINALLY ARRIVED! Third times a charm. We would love for you to join us to celebrate our marriage. This is a day we've been waiting for about 2 years now, and we can't wait to dance, and enjoy everyone in the same room! We hope you can make it! Cheers xoxo Matthew & Niki

Message from the Groom: The date was May 7, 2016. I was staying at Harvey's place in CA. We went out to Beach Fire, and that is where a group of people, looking like a family caught my attention. I wanted to go up to Niki, but wasn’t sure what to say, then I saw my opportunity as Niki was walking away from her family. It looked as if she was traveling in my direction (also the direction of the bathroom). I was standing right next to Eddie and I told him, "Alright I got this." I had no idea if I had it or not, but I went for it. It was almost like she was walking towards me in slow motion out of a movie with music playing in the background. I stopped her as she walked by and told her, "You are absolutely gorgeous, what is your name?" The minute I looked at her in the eyes I was in awe with how beautiful she was. She said we could come by her family, and I had no idea how this interaction was going to go, meeting the parents right away, but I was all about it. As soon as we got the introductions out of the way, Troy asked, "You guys want tequila shots?" We graciously accepted as good Marines do. Then I turned my attention to Niki. It was so easy to talk to her from the minute I met her. She has this soothing, comforting voice that welcomes anyone she talks to. At the end of the night I had Niki's number and that was a success. The next day I called her and built up the courage to ask her on a date. The date would be May 13 at the Chart house in Dana Point. That restaurant was a recommendation from my father. Thanks pops. When I showed up on her doorstep, once again I was in absolute shock with how beautiful she was. She gave me butterflies right away and I knew that this girl was special. I loved the way she acted, the way she smiled, the way she laughed, the way she spoke. My decision to talk to Niki on May 7, 2016 was the best decision of my life. She is my rock and holds me accountable for everything that I do. I love you Fiancé!

Message from the Bride: Matthew and I had a few beautiful months in California, before he moved to Hawaii. I was very nervous about entering into a relationship with the long distance, but I knew we had something special. Even though Matt asked me several times to be his girlfriend and I declined, I decided the week he was leaving I should probably lock him down... hehe and I surprisingly asked him to be my boyfriend on July 12, 2016. Matthew moved to Hawaii July 18th and the following day he bought me a flight to come out and spend 10 days of leave with him. It was a magical trip full of swimming with turtles, soaking in the sun, waterfall hikes, and great company. I was in love with Matthew after this trip, but kept it to myself. I went back to Hawaii for my birthday in August, and this with the trip that changed it all. Matthew surprised me with the most special 25th birthday. We started the morning off with Snuba down in Waikiki followed by a helicopter ride at sunset. At this point Matt had not told me he loved me, and I just kept thinking he has done so many nice things today, how has he not said it??? The night ended at Mai Tai Bar. Once our drinks arrived, Matthew said the sweetest speech to me followed by " I love you Niki Lynn" and I said, " Finally!!!" haha This was kinda similar to his marriage proposal!! In all seriousness, Matthew is the sweetest and most thoughtful man. I am so happy I have taken so many leaps of faith with him and am beyond proud to call him mine. I love you Matthew. Let's do this!