On one fateful day, a simple swipe right on Hinge changed everything.

We met on September 15, 2022, at Salt Shack in Tampa, a first date that neither of us could have predicted would turn into forever. Tom arrived early and strategically positioned himself behind tropical plants (yes, really) to sneak a first peek at Nikki just to make sure she wasn’t catfishing him. We still laugh about that to this day.

We grabbed seats at the bar, ordered two spicy margaritas each, and talked for hours. We joke that we planned to eat, but we were so wrapped up in conversation that food never stood a chance. From that moment on, something just clicked.

Our second date had us exploring downtown St. Pete, dancing, laughing, and soaking in the magic of the city. Our third date came shortly after Hurricane Ian, when we met up at The Getaway, proving that even storms couldn’t slow us down. Then came date number four… a plan for Mexican food and a movie at a halfway point between us. What we didn’t know was that the restaurant we chose was located inside a very sketchy-looking motel. After a moment of confusion (and concern), we discovered it was actually incredible and it’s been one of our favorite spots ever since.

After that, the rest truly is history.

There’s a genuine, undeniable connection between us, so many similarities, endless laughter, and a deep sense of comfort. We’ve spent our time exploring Tampa and St. Pete, taking our first trip together to New York City (where we first said "I love you"), creating traditions of our own, and building a life full of love, adventure, and inside jokes. We’re true soulmates, two peas in a pod.

And here’s where the universe makes its appearance…

A year before we ever met, Nikki had a tarot card reading. The reader told her that in Fall 2022, she would meet the man of her dreams and that their love would be magical and run deep. Nikki laughed it off (because… sure). Turns out, the universe had other plans. ✨

Today, we share a home and are proud dog parents to Prince and Baron. We love visiting local coffee shops, walking around downtown St. Pete, trying new restaurants, planning trips, cooking dinner at home, and simply being together. Above all else, we’re best friends.

The Proposal

Tom proposed to Nikki at her favorite place in the world—Treasure Island Beach—during sunrise, in the most meaningful way imaginable.

Nikki’s mom, Debbie, was in town visiting, and Nikki had been determined that this trip would finally be the time they caught a sunrise together. What Nikki didn’t know was that Tom had been planning something much bigger all along. The morning of, nothing seemed suspicious (though looking back… it all makes sense now). Behind the scenes, it was a bit hectic for Tom and Debbie but that’s something we now laugh about fondly.

Originally, the plan was Treasure Island. That morning, Nikki suggested Madeira Beach instead since it was closer. But life and fate had other ideas. Parking was completely closed due to a seafood festival at John’s Pass, stress levels were rising, and we pivoted… straight back to Treasure Island, exactly where Tom planned all along.

Once we arrived, we set our things down and went for a walk along the shoreline as the sun began to rise. That’s when Tom took Nikki’s hand, spun her around, and said:

“The real reason we came here today isn’t to catch the sunrise… it’s to ask you to marry me.”

He got down on one knee in the sand, the sun glowing behind him, as Debbie captured the moment. Tom pulled out the ring of Nikki’s dreams, nestled inside a seashell she had once handpicked from the Gulf and asked her to be his forever.

She said YES (without hesitation).

And now, here we are ready to begin the next chapter of our story with all of you by our side. 💍🌅