We first met on a chilly winter night in Newport during the Christmas holiday of 2013. There was a faint spark that evening, at least Stephane thought so, that led to several drives from Boston to New York. Sometimes dinner for two and sometimes dinner for...well, let's just say NYC has some good museums also. Distance, work, and everyday life eventually wore down these efforts but there was a thread slowly weaving us together behind the scenes. Our families were in each other’s orbits for years, but it wasn't until a 2019 Chowder Cook-off invite that Stephane and Nikki both realized how close everyone had become. Fast forward a couple years when two major serendipitous events –a casual global pandemic and a mom's hip surgery– would forever change Nikki's life and finally bring her to message Stephane. A message Stephane had waited 9 years 32 hours and 45 seconds to receive. They later met at the Cliff Walk for a stroll, and well, the walk ended up being a lot longer than either anticipated. In fact, it continues today along sandy shores collecting clams and through forested landscapes foraging for mushrooms all while covered in ticks, poison ivy, and mud. Here's to a never-ending stroll together!

In September 2023, we took an overnight flight to Paris. In the morning –with little sleep and on an empty stomach–, Stephane insisted we trek up Monmarte to take in some of the most expansive views of the city. 222 easy stairs later we got to the top and were awe struck of the views. At a secluded corner away from the buzzing crowds he proposed beside the Sacré Couer with a vintage heirloom ring and moments later celebrated with champagne, delivered by Alex who was hiding nearby. Then finally, we got to eat!

We didn't want to wait another second to start the rest of our lives together, so we're planning a sweet little backyard family wedding on a pretty expedited timeline. Get ready to have a lot of fun, laugh a lot, eat great food, and celebrate with us! And then later in the summer, we hope to have a larger and much more casual celebration with our friends.