Nicole had just graduated high school (virtually) and was spending the evening with some of her friends. At the time, one of Nicole's friends was dating one of Nate's friends - and they decided to all get together that night. They spent time exploring Marsh Creek, driving around in the boys' pickup trucks, and afterwards grabbed food at Chick-Fil-A.

After a couple of weeks of talking, Nate asked Nicole out on their first date. He picked her up in his Silverado and drove to dinner at Broad Run Country Club. After, they enjoyed some dessert at a local Mexican ice cream shop where they shared their first kiss!

It's official! Nate had finally asked Nicole to be his girlfriend. They shared this moment at Not Your Average Joe's, one of Nicole's favorite restaurants. (Little did they both know that 4.5 years later, this is the same place Nate would ask Nicole to marry him!)

3.5 years of "long" distance! While both were in school, Nate and Nicole made it a priority to see each other essentially every other weekend. They visited each other at each college/university, spent time with friends, and sometimes would drive home together on weekends to see family. This time built a strong foundation for their relationship where they navigated lots of life events together from moving in and out of dorms/apartments, building relationships with each others' friends, enjoying summer and holiday breaks together, and graduation!

With the help of real estate agent, Nate and Nicole found their first home! A 1700s log cabin house tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in West Chester, PA. This was the perfect first place for them - the house had so much character and history that made it feel so special.

At the restaurant where Nate asked Nicole to be his girlfriend 4.5 years ago, he planned a special evening where he asked her to marry him at the very same spot! The two of them were so excited and happy to be taking this next step together. It was an evening they will cherish forever.

After soaking in the few weeks after their engagement, Nate and Nicole spent the next couple of weekends touring wedding venues in the area. They soon found their place - Lochwood Manor. From their first moments there, they knew this was a special place where they wanted to celebrate their wedding day. They booked the venue and date - August 22, 2026! Let the wedding planning begin!