Our love story is one that neither of us could have ever dreamed of. There is no world where we would have met in person or in a “meet cute” moment. But thank god, we did come into each other’s lives. But before we share how we met and the journey we’ve had, let’s give you a little bit of background about us.

Nicole grew up in a small town in the middle of Missouri called Linn. Growing up, she was very shy and reserved which should be no shock to those who know her. She’s always loved animals and up until her junior year she wanted to be a veterinarian. However, once she started researching about the career and all that it entailed, she decided to change her mind. Luckily, the FFA program at Linn introduced her to the world of agriculture and she knew she wanted to share the importance of agriculture. What better way to do that than by becoming an agriculture teacher. She attended Missouri State University with a degree in agriculture education. That's where her journey of growth began. At Missouri State, she grew her confidence and developed a deeper love for agriculture and a passion for education. After graduation, she traveled across the state in pursuit of her career, teaching in NW Missouri for a year and in SE Missouri for two. Little did she know how much SE Missouri would change her life.

Kendric is from the good ole bootheel of Missouri in a town called Caruthersville. Kendric considered himself a social butterfly while in high school. He was friends with everyone regardless of what “group” they were a part of. He had a love of anime, gaming, and sports. All of which he still has to this day. He was an incredible athlete at Caruthersville and that helped lead him to attend Arkansas State University. While there, he continued to be a social butterfly and made lifelong friends that shared in his love all things sports and anime related. When you talk to people from his college days, they will share countless stories of him being outgoing, being a great friend and of course being so smart both in academics and life. After college, Kendric worked in a variety of careers ranging from corrections officer to card dealer at the local casino. One thing that never changed was his strong work ethic, desire to learn all he can about his jobs, and of course his dedication to his friends and family.

And this is where our story begins. The story of a career oriented girl who was always okay with moving around if it meant she could be a teacher and a guy who understood the importance of maintaining relationships both professionally and personally.

2020 was a year to remember. In the midst of a global pandemic and the countless tragedies that happened that year, one beautiful thing happened. Fate brought Nicole and Kendric together. It’s not the most romantic story but it has been the best thing to have happened to the both of us. Yes, we matched on Bumble and Tinder during a global pandemic. We wouldn’t have it any other way. Under normal circumstances, we would have never met. We did not have the same passions, hang out with the same type of people or did we grow up in the same type of environment. We both agree that there would never be an us without online dating. But man are we forever grateful. That swipe of a yes and random message turned into a meeting of two people who continuously push each other, support each other and who have helped each other grow as people. The connection was almost immediate. We talked for HOURS on the phone when we started talking and it just felt so natural and easy. When we met in person, there were only a few moments of awkwardness and then it was like two people who have known each other for a lifetime.We bonded over our love for mexican food and trash TV. (i.e 90 day fiance) Kendric introduced Nicole to all things anime, sports and tried to teach her about collecting Pokemon cards and shoes. Nicole has shared her passions of agriculture and education with Kendric and he has always supported her decisions to make it her entire personality.

Throughout the journey of our relationship, we have made so many life decisions. The decision to first start our journey. The decision to move to Arkansas and change careers. The decision for Nicole to go back to get her masters in special education and the decision to ultimately go back to agriculture teacher. The decision to get engaged. (If you want the details of that story, Nicole will gladly share it. It is the funniest story and is truly the testament of the dynamic of our relationship). The decision to get married. At each of these moments, the thoughts were always what was best for both of us. What would make us happy? What is the next step for us and our future? Each day, we continue to show love and support for each other and grow both as individuals and a couple. We can’t wait for what the future holds for us!

This quote perfectly sums up our story and relationship.

” Meeting You was Fate,

Becoming Your Friend was a Choice, but

Falling in Love with You was Beyond My Control.”

“I believe that Kendric has helped make me a better person and has helped me become more confident and comfortable with myself. He helped me address my own ignorances when it came to people from a different background as myself and the importance of addressing those ignorances and changing/overcoming them. He helped me grow as a teacher by opening my eyes to the challenges they might face. He supports me when I struggle in this area. He’s helped me be okay with being “weird” or “awkward”. He has helped me be happy in life and myself. I know I would not be who I am today without him.” Nicole about Kendric

“Nicole helped save me from the path I was going down. She has accepted me for who I am and has shown me unconditional love. She might not always understand my interests or hobbies but she supports me and never judges me for them. Nicole has become my best friend and the love of my life. All that I do is for her and for our future.” Kendric about Nicole