Wedding Day

Ceremony

Fairmont Orchid

Reception

Our Wedding

Stephen and Nikko met online, another success story of the digital age! Steve was the first to reach out to Nikko in mid-Feb, 2014(or as hip kids would say- “he slid into her DMs”). Busy as life can be, schedules misaligned for weeks, even though they chatted and texted frequently. Stephen then had the opportunity to travel to Maui at the last minute and from there, they continued to talk, and bonded over the beauty of the Islands.He flew back home on March 19th, and they FINALLY made a plan go on a date on March 20th. They met at Rudy’s in Newport Beach and talked about everything you should never discuss on a first date (everything from religion to past relationships to pet peeves). As the night progressed, their next stop was the Beach Ball (a historical dive bar on Newport Beach boardwalk). They had a drink and Nikko beat Steve at pool… twice.He was a great sport. Feeling like it was a bit too soon for the date to end, Stephen proposed a drive to Corona Del Mar to look at the cool houses and walk along the beach. It was late, but Nikko was game for a mini-adventure. He drove to a quiet lookout spot and they hiked a bit to check out the waves and caves of the beach. Steve has since called this his “adventure test” to see how Nikko could handle a bit of hiking off the beaten path.&nbsp;She clearly passed. A few notable dates that quickly followed were meeting Nikko’s friends for lunch that same weekend and later going with them to Newport Back Bay to watch the Blood Moon rise. Nikko’s moto has always been “throw them into the friend pool quickly and see if they sink or swim.” Glad to report he survived. From then on, they participated in Spartan Races, started climbing, tried multiple at-home meal kits like Blue Apron, introduced their two best friends to each other (Kelley and Casey), and went on many memorable trips including: New Orleans, Oahu, Tucson, Santa Barbara, Miami, Bahamas, New York, Minnesota, Seattle, and Rock Creek.&nbsp;Since the beginning, they’ve been up for anything with each other. They moved in together at the Beach House in Newport Beach in the fall of 2016. In Feb 2017, they adopted their first kitten, Musubi. After several more years of fitness, work travel for both, music festivals, and more fun trips to places like Nashville, New York, and Seattle, on their furthest trip away (London in early 2020), their two friends they had introduced 6 years earlier, became engaged.They are the Maid of Honor and Best Man. We all know what happened in 2020...Happy to report that even through the stress of the year, the volatility that surrounded everything, and the political atmosphere, Nikko and Steve hunkered down, worked hard, stayed safe, and even got to add another little kitten in Dec 2020, Katsu. In early 2021, while searching for potential homes, Nikko found 2202 Tamy Ln, and they fell in love. Grateful for the opportunity to even be able to own property in Orange County, and with the feeling it was meant to be, they moved into their dream home in April, 2021.&nbsp; Later that year, in October, the day after witnessing the most amazing concert (shout out to Bon Iver), Stephen proposed to Nikko while paddleboarding in Newport Back Bay. She was later surprised by her close friends and family that had secretly gathered to celebrate at their home. They can’t wait to celebrate starting another chapter with you, at Nikko’s birthplace, later this year with their closest friends and family.

The History

Photo Timeline

Engagement Photos

Kelley Kilday

Nikko and I first met in high school Spanish class and our lives have been entwined ever since! We were roommates in college and even though we joined different sororities, we remain best friends and made many memories during our years at UCI and after. Bridesman Daniel and I even stalked Steve and Nikko's first date at Rudy’s Bar and Grill. Luckily for Steve, we deemed him as a person who wouldn’t kidnap her. Later that year, they both introduced me to my now fiancé, Casey (aka Best Man). Both Nikko and Steve have made my life better and brighter and I am so honored and excited to be with them for this next step of life!

Casey Mitchnick

Stephen and I first starting hanging out in laboratory science freshman year in high school and he took pleasure it deliberately annoying me by singing and dancing around the class. But later I voted for his inevitable prom king win and was actually sleeping on his couch when he met Nikko. After introducing me to Nikko, I knew she was special, and they both introduced me to my fiancée, Kelley (maid of honor). It’s been an honor being on this journey with my Stevo and I’m incredibly thankful to be part of this wedding!

Emma Taborsky

When Nikko and I became friends, everyone had a MySpace, neither of us had a cellphone, and dinosaurs still roamed the Earth. I can barely believe it, but by now I've known Nikko for over half my life (roughly 58%!). We bonded over a shared love of Relient K and Monty Python and never looked back. Since then, we've dressed up as pirates, taken some amazing trips, attended masquerades, run Spartan races, and spent countless hours on the phone talking through life's ups and downs. I can't wait to go to Hawaii with her (again!) to celebrate with her and Steve!

Miguel Vasquez

I met Steve through Nikko (Zot Zot) and it was "dude" at first sight. From Vikings games in Minneapolis, birthdays in Vegas, hangouts in Denver, New Years Eve in London, to summers in NYC and Boston, we’ve been travel buds.&nbsp;It’s been one big adventure and I couldn’t be more excited for Steve and Nikko’s greatest one yet!

Daniel Quiring

I've known Nikko for almost 15 years! WOW! We went to college together and I joined the friend group of Nikko, Maid of Honor Kelley, and Groomsman Miguel, and I truly found "my people".&nbsp;I moved to New York 5 years ago, so I don't get to see all of them as much as I'd like, but I love whenever they come out to the East Coast to visit. I am constantly looking for the best Mac and Cheese.&nbsp;

Chris Plender

I met Stephen back in 2011 when we shared a cubicle wall in the strategy department at St. Joseph Health System’s corporate office. I knew we were going to be friends when I would play music over my computer speakers and he would know the songs and sing along…particularly Neil Young - Cinnamon Girl.&nbsp;

Phoo Nyo

I was introduced to Nikko &amp; Steve through my fiancé, Miguel, and quickly fell in love with them, even before our first official in-person meeting in England for New Years 2020. Nikko and I have bonded over our mutual love of gin, indie music, super cute small things, naming our pets after tropical foods, and ice-ing our boyfriends while traveling together. As a self-appointed adventure buddy, I have been lucky enough to spend time together with Nikko and Steve on multiple coastlines and can't wait to add Hawaii to the list. If you see me at the wedding, I'll either be playing some version of Pokemon Go, or trying to order shots for everyone (or both)!

Kevin Mayfield

Hey there wedding party-goers! I’m Kevin Mayfield, Steve’s immediate older brother, and closest sibling “age-wise.”&nbsp;We grew up wild in the mountains of Southern California, and no thanks to me, Steve has become quite the decent and sophisticated human being we all knew he would turn out to be someday.&nbsp;Nikko has been hangin’ ‘round a little while now, and we’ve all gotten to know and love her as a part of the family, as well.&nbsp;It’s impressive to see the life that Steve and Nikko have built together, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds! So proud of you guys! Congrats y’all! To the moon!

Nicolle Falcis

Hello world! My name's Nicolle and I will be playing the role of Bridesmaid #5 for this wedding. I met Nikko in college when we both (surprisingly)&nbsp;ended up in a sorority?! Nikko and I became much closer in the past few years when we realized that we see the world through the same empathetic-glasses and agreed that Stephen was our favorite moderate. I cannot wait to see these goofballs get married. Find me during the wedding for a nip of alcohol!&nbsp;

Kris Mayfield

I am Stephen’s oldest brother.&nbsp;When Kevin and I were wrestlers in High School, I often assisted when Kevin would “practice moves” on Stephen, acting as a protector. We became closer in their adult years when we attended music festivals together, explored San Francisco, Puerto Rico, and even worked together (‘Two Brother’s Construction’ at your service!) to make significant renovations to my home. After many years of knowing how special Nikko is, I am so excited to stand besides these two at their wedding!

Mina Zadeh

Hello! My name is Mina. I met Nikko through our mutual friend Daniel at UCI about 12 years ago (my goodness, the time flies!). Over the years, my friendship with Nikko blossomed as we shared many wonderful memories and hearty laughs. The first night Nikko introduced us to Stephen, I remember being so impressed by how quickly and easily he assimilated into our goofy gang. He didn’t get scared off by our silly banter, but instead joined in! I’m overjoyed that Nikko and Stephen found one another, and honored to be celebrating the love they share. Cheers to the lovely couple!

Wedding Party

Book your stay at our special room rate here:<a href="https://book.passkey.com/event/50278031/owner/56383/home" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://book.passkey.com/event/50278031/owner/56383/home</a> This will be linked to our group, so they will know that you are with our party if booked through the link.

Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii

We will be hosting a morning-after brunch here for all our guests! Please remember to refuel and cure those hangovers with us on Oct 7th.

Brown's Beach House Restaurant

If staying anywhere on the Mauna Lani property or at the Orchid, the hotels will shuttle you around the property for free. If visiting more areas of the Island, I would recommend renting a car out of KOA Kona Airport with this link.Other options besides Hertz available.

Hertz Car Rental - Kona Keahole Airport

Travel/ Hotel Info

<a href="https://www.fairmont.com/orchid-hawaii/activities/mauna-lani-golf/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.fairmont.com/orchid-hawaii/activities/mauna-lani-golf/</a> Here, alongside Fairmont Orchid, is an award-winning 45-hole championship Hawaii golf course. The Mauna Lani Golf Course was designed to have two distinct 18-hole complexes, the south and north course, each capturing unique characteristics of the Hawaii Island landscape. Both courses will satisfy every level, appealing to the recreational golfer and ready to be tightened up to meet the demands of tournament play.&nbsp;The South Course is built on the prehistoric Kaniku lava flow, geologically a relatively young flow. The golf course snakes through stark, rugged, aa lava. The Volcano goddess, Pele, reigns supreme on this course. If she favors you, balls hit into the lava will miraculously bounce back into the fairway. If not, kiss them good-bye!

Mauna Lani Golf

There are several "Fun and Sun" passes that we will have and the rest are buy one, get one free for our guests. They include rentals for snorkeling and boards. Also, for anyone staying at the hotel, you get free snorkel equipment to use (highly encourage you to check out the reef around the hotels).

Nikko & Stephen

Nikko & Stephen

Travel/ Hotel Info

Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii

Brown's Beach House Restaurant

Hertz Car Rental - Kona Keahole Airport