We originally met at a mixer at the beginning of our school year (Barcelona School of Economics) in the Fall of 2019. Though because we were in separate programs, we didn't see each other until we "met again" at a Tyga concert in February. Who knew this moment was just the beginning of something truly special. As the pandemic turned our world upside down, it became clear that we were meant to face it all together. Through the uncertainty and lockdowns in Barcelona, our bond only grew stronger, and our friendship blossomed into something deeper and more profound. After graduation, Marcelo (Niko’s friend and roommate) and I visited where Niko grew up and we spent an incredible month exploring Andalucía with his parents. A few unforgettable memories include Niko being serenaded to by drunk "Javier Bardem", visiting the beautiful gardens of the Alhambra, and drinking at chiringuitos by the beach. September marked a new chapter as we moved to D.C. and welcomed our adorable doggie, Juli, into our lives. The past four years have been filled with unforgettable moments, laughter, and growth, and I can’t imagine a future without Niko by my side. As we prepare to tie the knot, I am overwhelmed with excitement and happiness. Our next big adventure awaits us all in Lima, and we can't wait to see you there!

I had an initial plan I schemed up in secret with Diana’s friend, Emily, to propose during a picnic together at Hains Point. Emily would have gotten there early to set up on the riverbank with Juli in attendance. Mother Nature had other plans, though, because it was just about the hottest day of the summer and we didn’t want to suffer through that. Emily helped me with a backup plan to surprise Diana. She set up a beautiful arrangement with Diana's favorite flowers and balloons on her rooftop overlooking the sunset. Emily told Diana that we could have a picnic on her rooftop and take pictures with the pups. Diana loved the idea of “charcuterie with our pups.” When we arrived, I stepped out of the car, and all my nerves hit at once, but Diana had no idea what was in store for her. I brought her to the rooftop and Emily told her to check out the outside area. Diana saw the beautiful arrangement but she did not realize it was for her. I took her hand and guided her over to the flowers, let her know how special she is to me, and asked if she would marry me. Thankfully, she said yes, and I’m so excited to share our wedding with you all come May.

Niko Fichera was born on September 30, 1994 to Laurie Allard and Angelo Fichera with his 7 year old brother Jason waiting for him to arrive. He was baptized at Saint Peters Church and grew up in Portland, Maine until he was 6 years old. As a baby he hardly slept at night and as a little toddler, he had a pretend friend called MONKEY who he blamed for everything! It was so funny. His family enjoyed hiking, sports (watching ALL New England TEAMS) playgrounds, watching movies, sledding and snow! He loved spending time with his aunt and uncle, cousin Ethan, Grandma Zula, his great grandmother, his friends and the children of his parents' friends. The family moved to Rota, Spain in 2001 where he spent the next few years in Spanish schools (he played A LOT of soccer there) and is the only family member who is fluent. While in Spain, traveling to many different countries was important to explore the food, culture and sites. Trips to Gibraltar, England, Egypt, Canary Islands, Germany and others were the highlight of his school years along with school sports (soccer, golf and basketball). He enjoyed video games, music, new friends and eating! After graduating from FSU in 2016 with a degree in Economics & International Relations. He worked a few years at State Farm Agency in Atlanta, GA and lived with his brother, sister-in-law and their new baby Cameron. She loves her Uncle Niko. He injured his finger in a dog bite incident and that allowed him time off to attend Graduate School of Economics in Barcelona Spain in 2019. He enjoyed living abroad and traveling again. It is where he met his beautiful and soon to be wife Diana. She nursed him back to health after COVID hit and they are celebrating his 30th birthday soon. The family is looking forward to the wedding in 2025.

Cuando salí en cinta de mi Dianita, yo estaba de vacaciones en Perú un mes y fui a Cajamarca a descansar en la casa de mi madre. La primera cosa que note fue que no podía comer pan ni tomate. Yo pensé que la altura me hacía daño. Durante mi embarazo con Diana, me antojaba comer todos tipos de postre como panqueques con manjar blanco, quesillo con miel de caña, y dulce de higo. Cuando regresé a Estados Unidos el viaje se me hizo largo. Yo hice una cita con mi médico porque tenía retraso y es de ahí cuando me dio la noticia que estaba en cinta. La primera en quien llamé fue a mi mami, Lali. Ella estaba llena de alegría y deseaba que fuera una niña, también como el papá de Diana. Me hicieron diferentes sonogramas al transcurso del embarazo pero no se veía si la bebe era varón o niña. Teníamos nuestra empleada Genoveva de Perú que me hacía todos los postres que quería. Mi querida amiga Sue me llevó a mi y mi mama al hospital cuando estaba teniendo contracciones. Norman trabajaba desde Washington DC entonces cuando le llamamos él vino volando. Estaba con contracciones muy fuertes. Diana no quería salir de mi vientre estaba muy cómoda haya adentro. Todos mis vasos sanguíneos reventaron de mi pecho y cara cuando trataba de pujar para que Diana saliera. Norman me avisaba cuando venían las contracciones para alistarme a pujar. Di una pujada y nació nuestra bebe. Mi mami gritaba que era una niña!!! La Dianita era chiquita pero pesaba a diablos. Norman cortó el cordón umbilical. Yo recuerdo ese día con tanta alegría. Todos mis hermanos llegaron con sus hijos. Fue una fiesta! Mi hermano Christian llegó y eligió su medio nombre, Carolina. A Dianita no le gustaba estar acostada en los brazos, a ella le gustaba siempre estar de parada, mirando todo. Era buena en dormir, tranquila, nunca lloraba. Dianita era muy hábil en gatear, desaparecía gateando por todo la casa. Todos íbamos a buscar por donde estaba. A los 8 meses ella se paraba de su cuna y me llamaba “Lydia.” Dianita creció muy rápido, ella jugaba muchísimo con Paquito y Dieguito. Cuando poniamos a Shakira Dianita se ponía sus tacones que le regalo su papi y se ponía a bailar. Sus piecitos no crecían pero podía caminar rapidísimo, subía y bajaba escaleras sin caerse. Ella no quería aprender inglés ella le decía a su instructora que mejor dibujemos. Su papá les leía cuentos y los llevaba de paseo a Lake Needwood. Los años de niñez de mi Dianita pasaron volando. Era nuestra muñequita. Su hermano Dieguito adoraba a Dianita, siempre la cuidaba y protegía. Paquito y Mikey quieren mucho a Dianita porque es cariñosa y generosa. Estoy muy orgullosa de tener una hijita como Diana, Dios me ha bendecido porque ella siempre ha estado a mi lado en las buenas y las malas. Siguió el ejemplo de su papi y se convirtió en una Economista. En esta etapa de la vida de Diana tan importante, ser novia de Niko. Les deseamos que sean muy felices.