From Bar Encounters to Boardwalk Proposals: Nicole and Joey’s Love Story

Nicole and Joey's meeting was an absolute twist of fate, or perhaps, the guiding hand of intervention. It began with an unexpected encounter between Nicole's mom, Lisa, and Joey. In the summer of 2018, Brad and Lisa first crossed paths with Joey at a dive bar in Athol. Exiting the bar, Lisa noticed a couple of gentlemen in the parking lot and, with her trademark boldness, approached them. This interaction wasn't entirely random, though. Lisa's brother-in-law had recently mentioned knowing Dwayne, the Coeur d'Alene Les Schwab manager. With confidence, Lisa approached the man sporting a Les Schwab hat, asking, "Are you Dwayne?" And indeed, he was! To Lisa's delight, Joey was a friend of Dwayne's too. Seizing the opportunity, she snapped a photo with the boys, not only for her brother-in-law's amusement but also for Nicole, who found Joey irresistibly cute and tall! But, the story didn't end there. Lisa, true to her bold nature, later connected with Joey on Facebook. She messaged him, urging him to meet Nicole at her summer job in Coeur d’ Alene. Despite Lisa's efforts, Joey and Nicole never met that summer, as Nicole eventually returned to Reno to complete her final year of college.

Fast forward to January 2019, when fate decided to intervene once more. Nicole, back in Idaho for winter break, found herself matched with Joey on Tinder. Recognizing his captivating eyes and charming smile from his profile picture, she confirmed his identity by checking her mom's Facebook friends. Nicole swiped right, sparking instant conversations. From the beginning, she sensed Joey's shyness, choosing to play it cool; she kept her connection to Lisa and their initial encounter under wraps. However, after a week of chatting, Joey unexpectedly ghosted her, due to her impending return to Reno after winter break.

In April 2019, with graduation on the horizon, Nicole decided to shoot her shot and messaged Joey again. She told him that she would be moving to Idaho for good and would like to have a friend when she got up there. From that moment forward, their conversations never ceased. The moment they finally met face-to-face, they didn't even say a word. They simply embraced, and that hug seemed to stretch on forever. After weeks of exchanging texts and phone calls, it felt like a sanctuary, radiating an overwhelming surge of happiness. In that hug, Nicole sensed an unmistakable feeling of safety and knew, without a doubt, that this was the beginning of something that would be so good.

There were several moments that led Nicole to the realization that Joey was the one for her, and amidst a particularly challenging time — the passing of Joey's father — their connection deepened. In facing this dark period together, Nicole witnessed the strength and character of Joey. Seeing him step up for his family during such a difficult time revealed a side of him that she loved and respected. It was during this chapter that she knew without a doubt; Joey was the man she wanted as her life partner. From that moment forward, Nicole couldn't envision her life without him or his family.

From the very beginning, Joey had a unique feeling that Nicole was the one for him. However, the moment came during their first visit to Nashville North. It was there that Nicole's ability to draw him onto the dance floor and make him feel more at ease than ever before solidified her place in his heart. Recognizing that the person who could make him feel that comfortable while dancing was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

Joey and Nicole are undeniably a perfect match. One of Nicole's most cherished qualities in Joey is his patience, not just with her but with others as well. In any relationship, patience is a cornerstone — with disagreements, decisions, significant others, obstacles, and even in moments of joy. Joey exemplifies this. On the flip side, for Joey, it's Nicole's remarkable understanding of him. She gets him better than he does himself. Her ability to command a room with her infectious smile and joy is one of the many things he loves about her. Together, they complement each other in ways that make their connection truly exceptional.

In 2022 as the holidays approached, Joey's mom, sister, and sister's boyfriend flew to Idaho from California to spend New Year's with Nicole's family. Nicole thought it was just for the holiday festivities, though perhaps she had some inklings that a proposal might be coming. She had meticulously planned the night of the 30th, including dinner, a boat cruise on Coeur d'Alene Lake, and ending the night at Nashville North. Joey, being the genius that he is, piggybacked off Nicole's plan for the family night and executed his proposal that evening.

As they strolled along the boardwalk, Joey suggested taking photos by the lake with everyone. But then, slyly pulling Nicole aside so they could get their photos first, he dropped to one knee. "Is this actually happening… IT’S ABOUT TIME!" Nicole thought to herself. Meanwhile, Joey was grappling with a mix of, "His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy…” hoping she would say yes!". Of course, she did. There was no other answer she ever considered.

What sets Joey and Nicole’s relationship apart from any others is their genuine friendship. This unique foundation is what keeps them grounded to each other. Looking forward to marriage Nicole is most excited to just exist together. Finally being with the one person who truly completes her. She loves the life that she and Joey have built together, and she can’t wait to keep growing in that life together. She's looking forward to a future of re-committing themselves to one another again and again. For better and for worse.. for richer and poorer. As for Joe, his excitement lies in the prospect of starting a family and spending the rest of his life playfully annoying his best friend.