Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Like all great modern day love stories, Craig and Nikki first met from a dating app; specifically, Hinge. Nikki was the first to arrive at the restaurant on their first date. She was watching through the window as a very tall man walked by, phone in hand, eyes searching the row of buildings, looking like the happiest man to have ever been lost. So she texted him that she could see him and gave a hint that the restaurant was pink, and soon enough he had joined her. The great conversation and not-so-subtle flirting made up for the disappointing restaurant. They left together and walked to Piedmont Park, where they sat on a swing and chatted. When they grew bored of swinging, Nikki walked Craig around the neighborhood to show him her favorite flowers. At the end of their date he came to her porch and hung the planters she was too short to hang herself. They spent six hours together that first day.

How We Met

Within the next few months, they grew to learn (and love) more about each other. In each other, they found a balance they'd been searching for; someone who they could tear up a wedding dance floor with, and someone who could sit with them in silence for hours painting together. Nikki knew he was the one for her the first time he invited her to his apartment. Outside of his door sat a welcome mat; it had a floral print on a black background, with the words "Gangsta's Paradise" printed across it. Which was hilarious, because she had a welcome mat at her apartment; a floral print on a black background, with "Thug Life" written on it. A few months into the pandemic they realized Craig was no longer using his apartment, so he officially moved into Nikki's place that July 4th weekend. Their semi-matching welcome mats now reside at the front and back doors, and between them their home in life and paradise.

How It Progressed

Craig put in a lot of effort to make sure their story began in a special way. He told Nikki to take a week off of work for vacation for her birthday, but wanted the destination to stay a surprise. He didn't let her find out where they were going until they got to the gate to depart, despite her repeatedly trying to get it out of him. He did, however, retaliate by repeatedly joking that he was taking her to Ohio. The gate, thankfully, made no mention of Ohio. Instead he was taking her to San Diego, a city she had longed to visit. They flew first class, each in their own little pod, and unbeknownst to her, while she was laying down watching old movies he was practicing his engagement speech in the pod next to her. Craig had rented an adorable AirBnB in La Jolla for their stay, and chose it with Nikki in mind; their entrance was set amongst a beautiful garden, with flowering vines, massive succulents, cozy string lights, and a loveable orange kitty named Pumpkin. He'd made dinner reservations for that evening, but told her he wanted to walk by the cove beforehand. At the cove he led her to a rock outcropping, dropped to one knee, perfectly delivered the beautiful speech he had been practicing, and asked her to marry him. Nikki was speechless. When he stood up, he added, "Oh yeah and we're leaving for Hawaii tomorrow." At which point Nikki was even further stupefied. In Hawaii, they skydived; they snorkeled; they laid low on the beaches of Waikiki. They hiked Diamond Head, enjoyed an 8-course meal at Pai, and sailed along the coast on a sunset catamaran. Their life together began with a lot of adventures, and a lot of good times, and that's the kind of life they have to look forward to, together.

The Engagement

On July 18th, the two will officially say "I do" in Banff, Alberta. The couple will enjoy the day together before walking outside of their hotel, the Fairmont Chateau, to wed in front of the iconic Lake Louise. The only attendees will be the officiant, the photographer, and the guitarist, who has learned "Bron-Yr-Aur" for the event.

Nikki & Craig

Nikki & Craig

Registry