Mark and Nicola’s love story began in the vibrant heart of Miami, Florida, in 1995. Nicola, a student at the time, worked at the bustling 163rd Street Mall in North Miami Beach. One sunny afternoon, while she was busy with her tasks, she noticed Mark browsing in the store. He caught her eye instantly—his presence was undeniable. Nicola thought Mark was incredibly attractive, but despite the instant spark she felt, he seemed uninterested, simply browsing and leaving without a second glance. Unsure about approaching him, Nicola reminded herself that women didn’t make the first move. She watched him walk away, secretly wishing they would meet again, thinking, “If it’s meant to be, we will meet again.” To Nicola’s surprise, just a few days later, Mark returned to the store. This time, he approached her with a warm smile and struck up a conversation. It turned out that Mark had noticed her too, and after leaving the store that first time, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. What seemed like disinterest before was really just hesitation. From that moment, their connection was undeniable, and they began dating shortly after. By 1999, their relationship had deepened, and their love was stronger than ever. As they were expecting their first child & daughter together, named Myiera, they decided to purchase their first home together, marking the beginning of their journey as a family. Balancing their careers and growing their family, Mark and Nicola worked hard to build a bright future together. In 2004, on Nicola’s 27th birthday, Mark planned a special surprise. He took her to a romantic restaurant for dinner on South Beach. On their way home, while driving on the highway in Miami, they crossed a bridge that offered a stunning view of the city reflected in the water. As the sun set, painting the sky with shades of pink and gold, Mark pulled the car over. With the breathtaking scenery as their backdrop, he proposed. The following year, in 2005, they celebrated their love with a beautiful garden wedding at the Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach, surrounded by 200 of their closest friends and family. As their love and life grew, so did their family. In 2006, they welcomed their second child together, a son named Mahkai. With their household expanding, they decided it was time for a change. After much consideration, they found Atlanta to be the perfect place to build their new life. Just three months after Mahkai’s birth, they moved to the vibrant city, where they continued to raise their family, strengthen their careers, and nurture their love. In 2015, on their 10th Wedding Anniversary, Mark and Nicola renewed their vows in a heartfelt ceremony, this time with their children present. Their son Mahkai, who had always been curious about why he wasn’t at their first wedding, had asked about it for years. To make this renewal even more special, they planned a celebration that included Mahkai walking his mom down the aisle, while Myiera walked her dad, creating a beautiful and meaningful moment for the family. Surrounded by loved ones, family, and friends, Mark and Nicola reaffirmed their love in a night filled with joy and celebration. The event was lively, with entertainment that included belly dancers, a DJ, and an array of delicious food. It was a night to remember, as they celebrated not only their enduring love but also the strong bond they shared with their children. 30 years later, Mark and Nicola’s love remains as strong as ever. Their children, Myiera and Mahkai, have grown, and the couple finds themselves as empty nesters, reflecting on the incredible journey they’ve shared. 2025 will be the year to celebrate 21 years of unwavering love & marriage, they plan to renew their vows once again, this time in Nicola’s birthplace and Mark’s favorite country. Surrounded by friends and family, they will celebrate not just a marriage, but a lifetime of love, commitment, and joy that has only grown stronger with time.