The story of Steven and Niki's journey to forever together began in August of the year two-thousand and twenty. Although they had been affiliated through campus ministry before then, the two had never taken the time to become acquainted. As the story goes, Steven had been running a social media account that produced Godly, uplifting content when Niki reposted one of Steven's posts on her account one afternoon. Much to Steven's surprise, he reached out to Niki with a simple "Thank you!" Unbeknownst to both of them, however, was how the next few years would unfold! The two had an immediate connection from that day, and although neither of them began with the intention of pursuing a relationship, that became a foregone conclusion very early on. Steven approached Niki with great admiration. Frequently in their conversations, Steven would oftentimes think of how incredible of a woman Niki was as their friendship deepened, often thinking that she was going to make an amazing wife to a very lucky man one day— sometimes feeling impressed to verbalize those thoughts aloud! Not but a few days after their initial interaction did Steven start to feel as if that statement was painful to spew out. Almost as if... Yes, HE was the very lucky man he had so often spoken of! Keeping that to himself for the few months that their friendship became more and more meaningful, Steven asked Niki to be his girlfriend in January 2021. Their wedding date will be almost exactly 2 years later.

To answer the age-old question of "was she surprised?!" The answer is "yes!" As Steven lovingly declares it, becoming engaged in Navarre Beach, Florida, was a "pipe dream" of Niki's. That is, a dream that is lofty or fanciful in hope or plan, but not.... impossible. To provide the context for the perfect setting, Niki's family vacations on Florida's Gulf Coast every summer where they reunite with her grandparents and maternal aunts, uncles, and cousins. Niki had been devastated the last few summers as she had not been able to join her family on vacation due to the completion of her Master's program, and then, because of her limited time off when she first started her career as a nurse. However, in the summer of 2022, Niki had made sure she requested this time off for months and months prior, knowing she was not going to miss another family vacation! Navarre Beach was special to Niki because it was the only week of the year her entire family got together to relax, enjoy the beach, and unwind in Florida's beautiful private scenery, like she had done every summer since she was a child. It had become her favorite place on Earth! Niki urged for Steven to join her this summer so he, too, could experience the ultimate vacation! However, Steven made sure to tell Niki that he had Navy orders that particular week which required him to travel to New Jersey for two weeks. This was not abnormal, as Steven received training orders every summer for the Navy-- just unfortunate timing. Niki knew it was impossible for him to reschedule his orders, and did not question his obligation at all. Fast forward to July 2022, Niki's family made sure to tell her to pack something white for their family pictures, as they often took pictures on the beach every summer for their family Christmas card. On the evening of July 26th, 2022, Niki's entire family went to the beach at sunset, and this is when Niki’s suspicions arose. Sophia had helped Niki get ready for the pictures quickly, foregoing her own getting ready process to make sure Niki made it on time-- as Niki is known for missing sunsets. Also, Niki's entire family was accompanying her to their family pictures on the beach-- where the thought did cross Niki's mind of "is this really happening?" When they finally got to the beach and the perfect sunset was in view, Niki saw a small blanket with cream and ivory rose petals and pictures of Niki and Steven. She looked behind her to see Sophia recording the moment on her phone- and that's when she knew, that in fact, it WAS really happening. However, Steven was nowhere in sight! Where do you hide on an open beach? Niki's first thought was that he had set up her dream proposal but could not make the flight! Amongst the rose petals and picture frames, there was a handwritten letter. Picking up to read, the last line of the letter was written "turn around." Turning around, Steven appeared out of nowhere and dropped to a knee. Not knowing he was too nervous to share his famously rehearsed speech, he famously said "hey love, will you marry me?" The shock of seeing Steven in Florida and the proposal was almost too much! There was no time to cry, as Niki puts it. Even more of a surprise, Steven had flown down with his friend, Mike, who was the photographer for the event and captured it all stunningly. Steven had also brought Niki a change of clothes and arranged for an engagement photo session the next day, which took place on the pier of the beach house they had rented for the week. They enjoyed the week of their engagement with Niki's family in the sun and on the water, soaking up this very sweet moment in time.