We met in March 2019 at work, when we were both asked to co-chair the charity events week that C.H. Robinson hosts every year in September (because we're both, like, really good people). We became fast friends through this project (though I caught the feels a little earlier than Maria). And, yes, this will be written from Nick's perspective.

Our first "date" was...not a first date depending on who you ask. She likes to say I "bamboozled" her into it - I asked her if I could take her out to happy hour as a thank you for her work on our charity week. I guess she thought it was just that - I obviously had other intentions. After we parted ways, I continued to pursue her over the following month until I finally wore her down, and we started "dating".

It didn't take too long for us to go from dating to being in love. We spent the holidays together meeting families and feeling love and support from those closest to us. In March, we went on our first vacation together to Punta Cana. It was amazing! On the second day there, Maria cut her finger going down a slide on a catamaran - this resulted in our first trip to the hospital together to get stitches! As I carried Maria around in the pool with her hand held high above the water, we fell even deeper in love. We got home just a few weeks before a new challenge would await us...

COVID struck and we were both sent to work from home. Not wanting to spend any time apart, we spent 95% of our time (at work and after work) in Maria's 1-bedroom apartment. You might think this would cause some strain on our relationship, but the opposite happened - we fell even more in love and realized we were perfect for each other. A few months later, I sold my home in Shakopee and moved in with her full-time. Obviously, working conditions in a small 1-bedroom were not ideal for two people, and we began looking for a home together. We found the perfect place in Eden Prairie, made the winning offer on its second day on the market, and closed in August.

On the day we were supposed to get the keys (5pm that evening), I told Maria I was taking the day off from work to go golfing. In reality, I was hauling furniture over to the new house and setting it up, meeting with the previous owners for the walkthrough, letting the carper cleaner in, cooking dinner and picking up the ring. It was a bit stressful, if I'm being honest. I got home from "golfing", Maria and I hopped in the car and drove to the new house...where I surprised her with dinner and a proposal. Luckily for me, she said yes!

We're so excited to have you with us to celebrate our wedding in September! This has been a challenging year for many, but we've been blessed and, from my perspective, there isn't a luckier guy on this planet than me - anyone who has ever met Maria can attest to that. I can't wait to start our next chapter together. See you all in September!