Mikey and Nicole met 23 years ago in the first grade at Willow Lane Elementary School. Growing up a couple blocks from each other, they shared similar interests and friends, resulting in countless cherished memories together. From childhood birthday parties to getting sent to the principal’s office together, or even going to the Sadie Hawkins school dance together, they managed to stay friends through the years. When Nicole moved back home after graduating college, they started spending a lot of time together. Mikey would often reach out to Nicole asking her what her weekend plans were, to which Nicole would always invite Mikey to join or make new plans with him (he is the life of the party, after all). Little did they realize, they were about to fall in love with each other. In May of 2019, Nicole started to recognize that she may “like” Mikey. That summer they were inseparable. They spent hours enjoying MN lakes, went to weddings together and enjoyed holiday weekends up north with friends. Fast forward to the beginning of 2020, they decided to make things official. The early stages of the pandemic brought many challenges, but they continued to strengthen their bond. One of Nicole’s favorite memories of their relationship during the pandemic is of Mikey coming to her apartment after work and enjoying a cocktail with her outside while “social distancing” (thank goodness that didn’t last too long!). Since then, it has been 5 years of travel and adventure, cuddles with their dog Willie, numerous ice cream dates, lots of family time, annual trips to the State Fair, fun date nights and endless laughs. On July 11th, 2023, they bought their first home together and just a few months later, on December 8th, 2023, Mikey got down on one knee and asked Nicole to marry him! Nicole and Mikey could not be more thrilled for the next chapter of their lives together to begin. On December 9th, 2024, they will be exchanging their wedding vows in a small ceremony in the Dominican Republic. They are so excited to celebrate their love with family and friends at their home wedding reception on December 28th, 2024.