10.03.26

Technically... we met twice. The first time was at a weekly pick up game of soccer at Freedom Park. A brief conversation about our dogs, whom we both had with us, led to...nothing as we both were more interested in playing soccer than meeting anyone new. Fast forward a year a half later, we met again at a mutual friend's birthday party and ended up on the same team. The next day Susanna had a new Direct Message and, well, here we are....

Did you know we're already married? Apparently it's called eloping. First, we'll tell the story. Then we'll tell you why we're getting married...again! STORY TIME: Back in 2023, Susanna adventured off to New Zealand to explore the most amazing islands with her super cool cousin with nearly the same name, Susan. Together, they are Suz and Suz. During these two weeks Susanna made her first ever 10 year (very vague) plan. That plan included returning to New Zealand in Jan, 2026 to live for 4-8 months. When sharing this plan with friends, it was commonly asked - what if you meet someone? Her answer: well, either he'll marry me before I go or wait till I come back. Fast forward to the year 2025 and there were no prospects...until just one month into the new year she went to a friend's birthday party. On the first date, Susanna told Nico of her plans to go to New Zealand. A handful of dates later she mentioned it again to which, this time, the information seemed to better absorb and lead him to feel an understandable sense of caution should her trip to New Zealand result in a permanent departure. She re-assured him this was not an escape plan but had been a couple years in the making. Nevertheless, as time progressed, Susanna realized that this man had wiggled his way into her heart and life in a way that would make an extended trip to New Zealand feel lonely rather than an adventurous relief. So in a momentous turn of events, she decided she wouldn't go. Fast forward a couple more months and the likelihood of marriage was obvious. But where and when? they pondered. That's when it hit them (i.e. Nico). Why not New Zealand?? Susanna's interest was peaked to say the least. They planned, they schemed, and voila - on December 28th, 2025, they were married at an Air bnb on a Dairy Farm in Aka Aka New Zealand with the other Suz (cousin- remember??) and Sam (Suz's fiancé who is also amazing) as their two witnesses, before spending the next couple weeks hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving their way through New Zealand. So, in the end, Susanna did end up in New Zealand in January of 2026. Except instead of a solo adventure, Susanna and Nico got to start their lifelong adventure together.

Honestly - because what makes a marriage is not the ceremony, the rings or the home...it's the union between Husband, Wife and Christ. Our commitment to each other, before God, in recognition and submission of what He created marriage to be - is the number one reason for our ceremon(ies). But it is not our only reason. Second to that...is YOU. No person, nor couple, is meant to live life in isolation from others. We want to surround ourselves with the friends and family that we know will push us towards each other and to Christ for the rest of our lives. This wedding ceremony, the focus is still on the Lord, but it includes the joy of having you there alongside us! We are so excited to be together and experience the joy of community as families and friends are newly bonded together. We so hope you can join us in holiness and joy of what we know will be a wonderful day!