Our story begins all the way back in Sixth Grade, at Plantation Middle School. From goofing off in English to writing notes in each other's yearbooks, Nick and I were both classmates and friends continuing into high school. Fast forward to 2013 -- Nick was working at Party City and I came in to buy some decorations/party favors. As luck would have it, Nick happened to be my cashier that day and we got reconnected. He was so incredibly handsome and it was so awesome to run into him, so I asked him to get in touch with me over Facebook. Around one year later, we finally got to more than just talking and Nick asked me on our first date to see the fireworks on the 4th of July! I didn't realize then but that night would be the very beginning of the rest of our lives together. Now, a decade later, Nick and I have been through it all together and from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, we have truly stood the test of time. In 2019, five years into our relationship, Nick and I moved into our first apartment together in Delray Beach, FL. This is where we met and became friends with JJ and Juli, Kristin, and Marissa, who will all be standing by our side on our wedding day! It is also where I began my Ph.D. program at Florida Atlantic University and where Nick found out he had been accepted into Michigan State University's Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. And it is where we dealt with tough times and heartache, such as making our way through the pandemic and losing our beloved first dog together, Charley. Through everything, we are so grateful to have had such a wonderful support system. In 2024, ten years into our relationship, Nick graduated as Dr. Libio and we moved our lives with our dog, Linus, up to Traverse City, MI. This is where Nick proposed to me in March 2024 and where he began working as a veterinarian at a clinic with his former classmate/roommate and groomsman, Cam, starting July 2024. We are beyond thrilled to have begun this new chapter in our lives together and cannot wait to celebrate our love in Portugal with all of our amazing friends and family! ~ Cristina ~