Like many modern love stories, Nikki and Zak’s began on Bumble. After matching, they didn’t waste much time and planned their first date just a week later. They met at Private Property, a Cajun-inspired restaurant. Nikki remembers immediately thinking how handsome and well put together Zak was—but those thoughts came with a serious case of nerves and butterflies. In fact, she was so nervous that she barely touched her dinner and ended up boxing up three quarters of it. After dinner, the two headed to a movie, where Zak managed to sneak in their very first kiss. By the time Nikki got home that night and the nerves finally wore off, she realized just how hungry she actually was and happily finished the leftovers she had barely touched earlier. From that first nervous, butterfly-filled night, Nikki and Zak have been together ever since—and the rest is history.

Zak chose Thanksgiving Day 2025 for the big moment—at a Detroit Lions game against their rivals, the Green Bay Packers. What makes this story even more memorable is what unfolded during their travels the day before. Zak thought Nikki might have spotted the engagement ring and was quietly panicking about his surprise being ruined. Nikki was getting irritated at Zak’s demeanor and huffiness, not understanding why he seemed frustrated instead of excited like she was to be going to Michigan with him and his brother Josh and sister in law Hannah. Little did he know… Nikki had absolutely no clue. In fact, she was convinced he wouldn’t propose until a month later during their trip to Key West with family. The next day at the Lions game, even though Detroit ended up losing, Zak made sure the day still ended with a win. In the middle of the excitement, he got down on one knee and said, “We may have lost the game, but will you make me a winner?” as he held out a beautiful ring and asked Nikki to be his wife. She was so excited she said yes several times before he even got to the question part. The celebration continued the next day with a visit to Zak’s hometown of Almont, Michigan, where Nikki got to hear all the hilarious childhood stories from Zak and his brother while exploring the little town. And of course, no trip would be complete without enjoying some of the area’s famous cider and donuts—which might have been the only thing sweeter than the proposal itself. 🍎🍩💍