One weekend in February when Thomas was on a guys golf trip in Scottsdale, AZ and Nikki was on a girls trip in San Luis Obispo, CA, Thomas had a friend join the trip last minute. Thank goodness he did, because that was the catalyst of how their relationship started. They were first introduced to each other through text thanks to Thomas' friend who thought they would be a good fit (thanks Reed). After introductions through text and light conversation, Nikki knew this guy was different when the first thing he told her was that he had gotten attacked by a hawk that day while golfing. After a week of talking and Thomas recovering from the attack, they had their first date at Saltyard in Burlingame, which lasted four hours. Because of the semi-long distance, they spent almost every weekend together whether in San Mateo or Turlock. The distance never phased them as their relationship grew stronger each weekend they spent together. And I guess you could say the rest is history!

On the weekend of their two year anniversary, Nikki was on a work trip in Monterey and Thomas had something planned up his sleeve. Thomas joined Nikki in Monterey for the weekend once the conference concluded. The weather was not ideal so Thomas had to work with the hotel to set up something special for the proposal. On Saturday night before they were going to have dinner in Carmel, the weather finally decided to clear. Nikki suggested that they go to Carmel early and watch the sunset before their dinner reservation. They found themselves on top of a sand dune on the beach overlooking the ocean and 18th green on Pebble Beach with no one else around. Thank goodness Thomas was too afraid to leave the ring back at the hotel because the clouds cleared and he realized that that moment would be the perfect opportunity to propose. He got down on one knee and asked the million dollar question with Nikki saying "Yes!". When they called their families, they seemed confused as they weren't expecting the proposal to happen until after dinner at the hotel. If you are wondering, the hotel proposal still happened so Thomas technically proposed twice, just to make sure ;) We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you. See you in Lodi!