Let the countdown begin...

We've known of each other since the sixth grade-- same schools, same classes-- but it wasn't until our junior year of high school that we truly became friends. Though Peter will still debate on the details to this day, he did celebrate Nicolette's 16th birthday! Before we knew it Senior year was closing out and prom was right around the corner. We went with our own perspective dates but were going together with our friend group. I still remember by mom asking me after prom photos, "Do you like Peter?" I laughed and said, "No!! We are just friends!". Little did I know, a month after graduation, I would start falling in love with him. Since then, we've grown together. From teenagers to adults, from friendship to forever-- we have built a relationship grounded in faith, laughter, respect and countless shared memories and interests (including a slightly competitive golf rivalry that turned into one of our favorite things to do as a couple). After all these years, Peter still finds a way to surprise me. He proposed in Madeira, Portugal, after a day spent among the islands breathtaking views. The morning had been spent in the Fanal Forest petting all the beautiful cows and finished with a golden-hued sunset watched over the cliffside. In that moment, he somehow made an almost decade of love feel new again. We are so thankful for the love we share-- and for God's grace and strength that has carried us through these past few years. It's through Him that we've grown together, stayed grounded, and continued to choose one another every day. We are so excited to finally say I do-- and begin this next chapter of our lives as husband and wife!