Loriah and Nicholas's love story began like something out of fate, in the summer of 2019, when their paths crossed online. Loriah was living in Kirkland, Washington, while Nicholas had just returned from Japan, settling in Bremerton as he continued his service with the United States Navy. From the moment they met, there was an undeniable connection. Loriah instantly saw Nicholas’s sweetness, generosity, and deep understanding, while Nicholas was captivated by her warmth and kindness—qualities that only deepened with time.

Their first date was one neither will ever forget. After working two long shifts and an overnight, Loriah, exhausted, asked to reschedule. What she didn’t know was that Nicholas, eager to see her, had already arrived at her doorstep. As she opened the door, her heart skipped a beat—she was greeted by the sight of a bouquet so large it hid Nicholas's face, with his other hand carrying four Trenta Starbucks refreshers. He wasn’t sure which flavor she preferred, so he brought one of each, wanting everything to be perfect. That simple yet thoughtful gesture was the first of many moments that showed how much he cared.

One of the first milestones in their love story happened during one of Loriah’s overnight shifts. Exhausted from endless hours of work, she feared she might not make it through the night. But Nicholas, fully aware he had a 24-hour shift awaiting him the next day, stayed up all night, texting her, keeping her awake, and offering his unwavering support. It was in these quiet, tender moments that their love began to take root. Another unforgettable chapter was their second “first” date. After Nicholas returned from a year-long deployment, the first thing he wanted to do was take Loriah out. On June 21, 2021, they reunited for dinner at a charming Italian restaurant in Kirkland. As they shared laughs and conversation, the spark between them reignited under the stars while they enjoyed gelato by the pier. Though still friends, the passion between them was impossible to ignore. For Nicholas, that night was unforgettable—he may have missed his ferry and earned his first speeding ticket, but it was a small price to pay for the magic of their evening together.

A turning point came on April 10, 2022, when they took a trip to the breathtaking Hoh Rainforest in the Olympic National Forest. Surrounded by the beauty and serenity of nature, something profound shifted between them. It was during this weekend that they realized what their hearts had known all along—they were meant to be together, and they made it official.

In their moments of togetherness, Loriah and Nicholas find joy in life’s simple pleasures—traveling, hiking, sharing trivia nights, enjoying live music, and spending time with friends. When they seek solitude, they retreat to quiet evenings binge-watching their favorite shows like “Only Murders in the Building,” “You,” “My Hero Academia,” and “Demon Slayer.”

Loriah admires Nicholas’s unique ability to balance being pragmatic while still maintaining an infectious optimism. His logical, methodical nature, paired with his sense of adventure, means that every moment they share is planned to perfection. Nicholas, in turn, loves Loriah’s free-spirited heart. She is the most authentic and creative person he has ever met, with a remarkable ability to live fully in the moment, filling their lives with spontaneity and passion.

Both are strong individuals, perfectly capable of being happy on their own, but it’s the love they share that makes life truly extraordinary. Together, they look forward to the moment when they can finally exchange vows, placing rings on each other’s fingers, and promising to spend the rest of their lives cherishing every precious moment—forever.