Our story begins at the Dart Transit. I (Nick) had been working there for a few months, finally getting a handle on corporate life since it was my first corporate job. A couple of weeks before Izzy’s first day, I found out we were getting a new accounting intern. I remember being so excited to have someone my age starting since I was by far the youngest person in the office.

It was a beautiful, sunny day in May when Izzy started. Her desk was just across the row from mine. When she first walked down the aisle, I tried to act cool, calm, and collected—even though that’s almost the exact opposite of who I am (Izzy still points out that the first time we were introduced I was watching football on my phone while sitting at my desk). Luckily, I pulled it off just enough to start working with Izzy on a few projects and spent a lot of that time getting to know each other. It was so easy to talk to her that we quickly became close friends.

When Izzy gave her two-week notice to go work at EY, I knew I was running out of time to ask her to be more than just her friend. On her last day, I worked up the nerve to ask her out on a date.

Our first date was simple but unforgettable: watching The Office and playing multiple rounds of Mario Kart. As the gentleman that I am, I won’t say who won, but let’s just say it was a very competitive evening. From that moment on, our adventures together only grew. Izzy and I frequently go to Minnesota Wild games—but only if I promise the Wild will score lots of goals; otherwise, it’s “too boring.” Whether it’s cheering on the Wild, tackling puzzles (despite my lack of skills), watching drama TV shows, driving all over the Twin Cities for our families, trying new restaurants, or visiting Mi Pueblo (our favorite restaurant) for dinner, our adventures are always special.

After we had been dating for a few months, I started to open up about my struggles in my faith. Unsure of what or where the Lord was trying to guide me, I was lost and unsure of what to do or where to go. Like it was fate all-along, Izzy was there to help me through it all. After I had told Izzy of my struggles, Izzy had asked me if I had ever gone to a Catholic mass (as I had grown up Lutheran). I hadn’t and she offered to take me to Mass to see if I connected with it at all. She took me to Transfiguration Catholic Church on Divine Mercy Sunday where Fr. Erickson gave the homily. It felt like every word that Fr. Erickson said had been hand-picked for me and the exact situation I was struggling with. I vividly remember going to dinner afterwards with Izzy and not knowing what to say (I am never speechless). I went to Mass with Izzy the week after and the week after that, and eventually felt called by the Lord to become Catholic. That fall I enrolled in RCIA to become Catholic with Fr. Erickson as my confidant. The next spring, on Easter Vigil, Fr. Erickson welcomed me as a member of the Catholic church. Now, two years later, Father Erickson will be the celebrant at our Wedding Mass.

Last spring, Izzy and I went on a cruise with her family, and during that trip, I purchased her engagement ring. We were at a store on the island of St. Thomas when Izzy tried on a ring she absolutely fell in love with. Luckily, I managed to convince her we’d find better rings at other stores so I could sneak back and buy it without her knowing. She didn’t make it easy, though—she kept “accidentally” walking by that store, making it nearly impossible to make the purchase without being caught! Fate was on my side, though, and I was able to buy the ring. As we were leaving, Izzy insisted I take photos of the ring so I wouldn’t forget it—even though it was already in my pocket, right next to her!

For the remaining five days of the cruise, I had to hide the ring (on a boat with very few hiding spots!) and keep it a secret from the one person I share everything with. Let’s just say there were a few close calls, but I managed to pull it off!

A couple of months later, I planned to propose to Izzy on the Stillwater walking bridge. However, the Lord had other ideas and flooded most of Stillwater, forcing me to come up with a new plan. I found a small, scenic trail nearby and decided it would be the perfect spot.

On June 28, 2024, I proposed to Izzy on that small trail in Stillwater. The day couldn’t have been more perfect, with clear, beautiful skies all around. As you all know, Izzy said “YES!”—and now we’re counting down the days to our wedding!

We can’t wait to celebrate our love and future with all of you. Here’s to a lifetime of joy, love, and adventures!

I&N