Eric & Mikaela met each other on a warm, September night in 2019. Well, technically, they both swiped right on each others profiles on the infamous Bumble app a few days prior, and after some charming banter (and few relatable “The Office” quotes) back and forth, decided to meet in person! Eric chose Kona Grill in Alpharetta, GA, a sushi restaurant and one of Mikaela’s favorite meals (1 point team Nike)! They shared some laughs, the basics of who each other were, some interesting tree facts from Eric (who, at the time, was in the foliage business), and a tequila-shot challenge from Mikaela that, ultimately, sealed the deal for a second date. The pair became almost inseparable after those first few dates (ask Mikaela or Eric for details on those!), and made it official on November 6th, 2019 when Eric asked Mikaela to be his girlfriend. The two loved to go exploring, discover new activities (rock climbing phase), and hang out with their friends; slowly but surely combining their lives and growing with each other. About 6 months into dating, the world shut down and Mikaela & Eric entered their first challenge as a new couple together—quarantine. Luckily, they both couldn’t spend enough time together and loved the bonding time that quarantine gave to them. They each navigated how to work from home, Eric with a new job in finance and Mikaela teaching kindergarten virtually. They became nature enthusiasts, and would frequently explore their local nature paths in Roswell, GA, or hike the trails in the north Georgia mountains. Mikaela also decided that there was no time like the present and adopted her precious fur child/quaran-kitty, Ella, when she was just three weeks old. Known to others as Kitty Cat Ella, Ellen, Beans, George, Your Highness, or Sassy-Pants, Ella is the true boss of the house, and ultimate gate keeper for anyone who dares encroach on her kingdom (we’re working on it!). This time of life proved to Mikaela & Eric that they can handle anything together, and showed their true commit to their budding relationship and it’s future. After 2 years of dating, the couple took the next leap! They moved into a very spacious, 700 sq ft apartment in Roswell, GA. Eric & Mikaela love to go exploring through downtown Roswell, and consider themselves very lucky to be walking distance from such a charming, Stars-Hollow feel (Gilmore Girls, anyone?) little town that fits their lifestyle perfectly. After 3 years of dating, Eric decided to take the next step and commit his love to Mikaela. He pulled out all the stops and planned a surprise engagement at Macklemore Golf Club. He designed it to look like a fun golf trip with some of their closest friends. On Saturday, December 10th, 2022, Eric & Mikaela’s lives changed forever. After a spa day with the girls, the group planned to meet up on the 18th hole to checkout the “view” and take some pictures. As the golf cart that Mikaela was in approached the 18th hole, she realized that there was a large group of people gathered around; Eric was already there, ready and waiting. This was it! Mikaela & Eric were surrounded by some of their closest friends and family as Eric poured his heart out beautifully and asked Mikaela to marry him, to which she managed to squeak out, “Yes!” It was the most perfect, magical moment as everyone cheered and celebrated the future Nyquist’s. Mikaela & Eric were floating on clouds for the rest of the fun-filled evening; a wonderful surprise proposal-party dinner at the club house and quality time with their best friends at the Airbnb afterwards. Mikaela & Eric will be getting married on April 20th, 2024 at Kellem Valley Ruins in Cleveland, GA. They consider themselves blessed to have so many positive role models in their lives, and feel all the love from the most considerate and positive tribe! Mikaela & Eric knew from the start that they were building something real, something once-in-a-lifetime, and the two can’t wait for their forever together. 🖤