Nicole and Chad met in the Summer of 2019. One of Nicole’s PT school roommates and good friend had a crush on one of Chad’s friends from college (shout out Ali and Ian, looking forward to April 2026!). Nicole found herself frequently hanging out at Chad’s post-grad apartment for pre-games and post bar hang outs, where she honestly barely knew the guys that actually lived at the apartment. One night at Tequila Cowboy (one of Pittsburgh’s finest bars), Nicole caught Chad’s eye. They started to chat more frequently at pre-game hang outs and out at the bars. Chad would also conveniently “borrow” his roommate’s 4-month old Golden Retriever puppy and ask Nicole to help take him for walks around South Side, Pittsburgh … the rest is history! Nicole quickly fell for Chad’s charm and sense of humor as well as the adorable puppy! Pre-games quickly turned into date nights, all day Saturday hang outs, and cooking dinner together when Chad came home from work and Nicole finished classes for the day. On July 25th, 2019 Chad asked Nicole to officially be his girlfriend! And now 5 years later we are planning our wedding!

Nicole and Chad quickly fell in love, however had a few obstacles to overcome, mostly in the form of distance. Once Nicole graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy, she moved home to New Jersey for her first official job as a Physical Therapist. Nicole and Chad both had many 5 hour long drives between NJ and Pittsburgh to visit each other, often traveling late at night after work. During this time, they mastered the skill of starting a Netflix show at exactly the same time so they could watch their favorite shows and movies together while Facetiming. A few months later, Chad decided to move to Atlanta to start his career at McMaster-Carr. The road trips quickly turned into plane rides, and visits unfortunately became less frequent. Long distance continued for another year and a half, when in March of 2022 Nicole moved to Atlanta to be with Chad. The two quickly turned their apartment on the Atlanta Beltline into their new home where they resided until recently moving to a house near Grant Park in the city.

On August 12, 2023, Chad decided to treat Nicole to their favorite breakfast spot, Ria's Bluebirds, where they shared caramelized banana pancakes and enjoyed their morning coffee. Following breakfast, Chad had a "spontaneous" idea to go see the Barbie movie which Nicole had been wanting to see. That night Chad had planned a dinner on the Beltline at one of their favorite steak houses. When leaving to walk to dinner, Chad said he "forgot" something in the apartment. He ran back up to quickly set up some fairy lights and chill some champagne for his big plan! During this perfect day, Nicole was anticipating a very special surprise, however once dinner had finished and they were walking home she figured Chad was just being thoughtful and was treating her to a nice date day. When they got back to the apartment and opened the door Nicole could see the lights and champagne flutes on the counter. Chad reached for the ring (hidden on top of the fridge). He got on one knee and asked Nicole to marry him. Nicole joyfully said yes with happy tears in her eyes! After calling family, Nicole and Chad went to their favorite cocktail bar, Lingering Shade and celebrated with their best friends and "Atlanta family".