Growing up 15 minutes away from each other and knowing many of the same people, Nick has had a crush on Whitley since he was 13! It took them moving four hours away from home to Greenville NC where they both attended East Carolina University to finally meet and begin their relationship!


On a chilly and rainy January night, Whitley was just wanting to stay snuggled up in her dorm room watching movies. However, thanks to the convincing from her mom and her roommate Rachel (who is now her Maid of Honor), Whitley decided to get ready and have a night out in the cold rain with Rachel at their favorite spot in Greenville, Pantana Bobs! Little did she know her future husband would be in the same bar! That same night, Nick FaceTimed his mom and asked “How do I look mom? Does this look like the outfit that I will meet my wife in?”


Whitley remembers walking in, seeing Nick across the room and knowing exactly who he was thanks to their mutual friends, and thinking “Hmm, I wonder if he will come up and talk to me tonight”. Nick remembers seeing Whitley walk in and thinking “WOW there’s Whitley! I hope I can get a chance to talk to her tonight”.


Whitley was enjoying her girls night with Rachel, and decided to head to the bar. Whitley and Rachel never went anywhere without each other, so the fact that Whitley headed up to the bar alone was super rare and random! As Whitley was ordering, she heard a voice behind her say “Put that on my tab”! Smooth right? As Whitley turned around she saw Nick’s handsome face and beaming blue eyes. They both had a “We know each other, but now we’re officially meeting” moment along with some small talk, flirting, and trading phone numbers. Whitley immediately texted her mom exclaiming “Omg you will never guess who I just met” to which her mom said “Who??”. Whitley responded “That guy Nick Bernhard who played football at Weddington. Wow he is really really sweet.”


Nick and his friends had left the bar and headed to another favorite spot of ours in Greenville, Sup Dogs! Unknowingly to Whitley and Rachel, they headed there as well! When Whitley and Nick saw each other again, they took it as a sign! They were able to have more small talk, and Whitley gave Nick a big hug as they both left! Later that night, Whitley sent the first text to Nick, and from that moment on they never stopped talking!


Three days after meeting, Whitley and Nick went on their first date to Tropical Smoothie! It was like they had known each other forever. They were both head over heels for each other from the very beginning, and everyone around them knew it!


Whitley and Nick started officially dating on January 31st, 2020. Through a global pandemic, moving in and out of college homes, football seasons, and many dates nights, Whitley and Nick’s love for each other has gotten stronger and stronger with every single day and adventure that passes.


Nick and Whitley love to travel, love a good ice cream date, shopping, and trying new restaurants together! Some of their favorite date night spots are La Rancherita (Greenville NC), Sup Dogs (Greenville NC), DuckWorths, Hickory Tavern, Outback, and Mellow Mushroom, Fresh chef, and Empire. Most importantly, they love spending quality time together where often they are laughing until they cry!


On May 5th 2023, right after Whitley’s college graduation, Nick got on one knee and asked Whitley to be his forever. Whitley, of course, said HECK YES!!! Whitley and Nick are truly better together, and the definition of two people who are made for each other. They are each other’s best friends and better half. We are so excited for the next adventure together as newlyweds, and to spend our forever together!