we are getting married and cannot freaking wait!!!

They were originally set-up by their respective boss, Bubba, during the height of COVID. Sam was babysitting full-time prior to starting her hospitality career and Nick was out of work due to injury. The dad of the family Sam was babysitting for at the time, also happened to be Nick's boss at work (as well as mentor & best friend) and was adamant that the two of them meet. Sam was ~extremely~ hesitant to date an officer but decided to feel Nick out when he first texted on June 16th. Considering it was still COVID, the opportunity for the two of them to meet in person took nearly a month. However, in that first month of not physically knowing one another, they both knew whatever was transpiring was the most genuine kind of relationship and admiration either had ever felt before. Fast forward to their first date on July 7, 2020, at Tommy's in Sea Bright, it was the weekend the world opened back up for outdoor dining. Both extremely nervous to finally meet the other after weeks of getting to know each other over the phone, as soon as their faces met on that beautiful summer night, they knew their lives were forever changed for the better. Within minutes of sitting down at the table, in true Sam fashion, she spilled her entire glass of red sangria all over her lap. Despite some hurt pride, they laughed it off and continue to talk about their electric first date to this very day. Many family holidays, dinners and vacations have happened since and both feel incredibly lucky to call the others' family, an extension of their own. Over 3 years later and Nick and Sam could not be more elated to continue building a loving, fulfilled life together.

In true Nick style, he had to make the proposal one of the most considerate and bittersweet moments of Sam's life. While on the most stunning island in Italy, October 2022, Nick asked Sam, "What would your dream proposal look like?" Having recently lost her beautiful mother, Sam was devastated to not have her around for all these big moments to come. She told Nick she didn't want anything extravagant and wanted it to be just the two of them, considering the one person she would want there more than anyone, now couldn't be. Nick took that and ran with it, secretly planning the sweetest proposal ever. He ensured her dad and sister were home and concocted a plan to get her to visit her moms gorgeous, rescue horse, Copper. When they arrived to the barn, Copper was decked out in braids and ribbons with a big "Will You Marry Me?" poster draped over his side, and as Sam freaked out and screamed one too many profanities, Nick got down on one knee and asked the question she had been waiting to hear from him for years. To say she was legitimately surprised about the entire thing, would be an understatement! It was truly magical and the perfect proposal. Copper was cooperative for the most part and provided them with many laughs throughout the photoshoot, occasionally stepping on Nick's foot or shying away from the camera like a celebrity. Directly afterwards, Nick's adoring family put together a surprise engagement party with all their closest friends and family, great food & drinks. It was a surreal day to say the least. And let's not forget the STUNNING ring Nick designed all on his own, again not forgetting to leave out Lisa, putting her birthstone on the inside of the band so Sam could always hold a piece of her mom close to her heart. We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you.