Nearly ten years ago, fate brought Nicole and Jesse together during a time of new beginnings—Nicole was a college freshman, and Jesse had just arrived at his first duty station. Their first date was at their favorite sushi restaurant, Shogun, where they instantly clicked over shared laughter and spilled tea. In 2016, they adopted their beloved dog Hercules, and as the years passed, their bond only grew stronger. During the pandemic, they took a big step and purchased their first home, where Maui, the newest member of their family, joined them. In 2021, Nicole and Jesse chose to elope on September 5th, allowing them to move together when Jesse received orders to be stationed in Germany. Though their lives became more hectic with the move, they've also had the pleasure of traveling all over Europe, creating unforgettable memories as they celebrate nearly a decade of love and partnership.