August 2013, Syracuse University

Our story begins move-in day freshman year when Nicole knocked on the door of her new neighbors to borrow some tools and make new friends. Austin, having come prepared with tools (but not friends) was grateful for the new person that walked into his life. The next year was full of fun adventures, from camping out for basketball games, to late nights eating pizza and watching movies, to going to parties (and of course studying), our friendship continued to grow. From then on, we became best friends, spending countless hours together, always finding each other at parties or driving to Gannons for ice cream, or just simply enjoying each other's company, never thinking it would be anything more.

By the end of senior year, our friendship evolved into something more; and although we never saw it coming, everyone else did. The next few years after graduation included several trips back and forth, from Jersey to Memphis and Memphis to Jersey, until ultimately Austin caved in and moved himself (and of course Smokey) up to Hoboken, New Jersey. With Nicole living in NYC and Austin across the river in Hoboken, we still were living in different states but at least we were in the same time zone.

Then some major world event took place, and we were forced to pack up our bags and move in with Nicole’s parents & sister. What was supposed to be a couple of weeks away from our apartments, turned into a much longer trial run of living together…allowing us to get a taste of what the next 3 years would be. Living in Hoboken, our little family enjoyed exploring the city, cooking dinners, and starting our life together.

August 2023, New Jersey

So 10 years from when it all started, Austin took Nicole to one of her favorite places, Sandy Hook beach, and asked her to spend the rest of their lives together.

We are so excited to share this special day with all of you and celebrate our love and life together in our favorite place.

- Nicole & Austin