It was Memorial Day weekend in 2018. Nikki got invited with a few girlfriends to a cabin in Lake Almanor. She thought it was just going to be fun trip for the weekend and didn't know anyone other than her two friends. The group was having a good time playing games & hanging out. Harrison arrives the next morning. The guys get up and get dressed for a day of riding, leaving the girls all day. Literally ALL. DAY. Unknown to Nik at the time, this is what their riding days consist of.

After the guys returned, they started playing games. Harrison & Nik had not really communicated before at this point and then he desperately searched the room for a beer pong partner . . . (I know what you're thinking. This sounds like SUCH college degenerates & early 20 - somethings. Well, that may be the case, but thats how it happened! Let's continue the story.)

Played a few rounds and then got to talking. Nothing very serious, more of just getting to know the other person - where do you live, what do you do, that sort of stuff. He showed Nik a photo of his (then) new puppy Waylon. Of course she was obsessed and asked "Can I babysit him one day?" To which Harrison confidently replies "Sure but I come with."

We are now to the end of the weekend, Nik went back home to Chico and texted Harrison a funny video from a day at the cabin. He boldly asked if it would be okay for him to spend the rest of the holiday weekend with her in Chico. She said yes of course!!!

Fast forward over the course of three years. Our relationship really flourished after that weekend. We both were so unknowingly in love with one another. Not afraid of getting to know each other while growing up together and independently. We did long-distance for a year and a half while I was going to college in Chico. Harrison moved around from San Mateo to Vacaville then finally moved in with me in Chico.

We have been through so much of life together already; both of our college graduations, Harrison's decision to start his career as a firefighter, becoming dog-parents to Waylon & Ellie, living on our own in our first apartment, moving to a new city and more! There have been numerous "firsts" for us as a couple.

Harrison popped the question on his birthday trip in December 2020. I was busy planning his surprise trip that I didn't even realize he was planning his own surprise! We had a group of our best friends there to celebrate with us. We were out taking photos with the sunset when he got down on one knee. It was such a special surprise and memory, and getting to share that with our friends was an amazing experience!

Sometimes we can be shy about replaying the story of how we met, but it has truly transformed us into responsible adults. Growing up these past years together has been one of the most incredible experiences we have ever had the pleasure of doing.

And look at us now, planning our dream wedding! Thank you to each and every person who has made an impact on our relationship & created memories with us! We love you all, now lets celebrate!

Photos