Wedding Day

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Nuptial Mass Wedding Ceremony

Simpson Lakes

Reception

Our Wedding

Two young people. An unexpected meeting. An even more unexpected journey. This is the story of Nina and Nik. It was the fall of 2019. Summer had faded into memory, and high school graduation seemed like a lifetime ago. The first semester of freshman year at Saint Leo University had arrived, bringing with it fresh opportunities and the hope of a new beginning. And what better way to start this new chapter than with an 8 a.m. basic computer skills class? The course was taught by a professor with a heavy accent and, frankly, had only the most basic understanding of computers himself. What Nina didn’t know was that Nik—just a classmate at the time—was already a self-proclaimed computer whiz. His expertise quickly became clear as he frequently assisted the professor, often while streaming episodes of How I Met Your Mother on his laptop for entertainment during lectures. The class may not have interested Nik, but he stayed enrolled for a very different reason. It didn’t take long for Nik and Nina to strike up a conversation, and before long, they became close friends. Over the next year, their connection grew stronger through late-night chats, coffee shop hangouts, gatherings, and even a few horse shows. It wasn’t long before they realized their bond was something deeper than friendship. Their relationship blossomed like any new romance—full of excitement, laughter, and the promise of a bright future. Dates turned into shared moments, and their understanding of each other deepened with every passing day. Everything seemed to fall into place effortlessly. But little did they know, life had other plans for them. For most, the year 2020 was a time of uncertainty and challenge. For Nik and Nina, the year after was a period of unexpected hardship. As an international student, Nik had envisioned a straightforward path—graduate, find a job, get his own place, and eventually marry Nina. It seemed like the natural progression, the fulfillment of the American Dream. But the reality proved more complicated. As Nik faced the harsh realities of homelessness, joblessness, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty, the future they had dreamed of together began to feel more and more distant. Yet, through it all, Nik and Nina never faced their challenges alone. With the unwavering support of a group of family and friends and their shared faith, they managed to navigate even the toughest moments. Some called it a streak of bad luck; others believed it was a test of their resilience and trust in God. Whatever the cause, the adversity only drew them closer. They learned not only how to love each other more deeply, but how to live life side by side, in both the good times and the tough ones. On September 14, 2024, Nik got down on one knee at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, and asked Nina to marry him. With a joyful, tearful “YES,” Nina embraced him, and the two celebrated their engagement with an intimate dinner, reflecting on the path they had walked together. As they look ahead to their wedding day, Nik and Nina are filled with excitement and gratitude, eager to celebrate this new chapter with the people who have supported them along the way.

Our Journey 

Our Story

Photos

Nina couldn&#39;t imagine anyone else by her side as Maid of Honor but her sister.
Throughout life&#39;s ups and downs, she and Sophia had always shared a deep bond,
united by their love for family, faith, and horses.

Sophia Michelangelo

Nik met Bryce on his first day of middle school, and their instant connection grew stronger over the years through shared experiences. Despite the distance and time, their friendship has only deepened, remaining unbreakable for over a decade.

Bryce Henderson

Nina and Natalie first met while studying in the undergraduate and graduate accounting
programs at Saint Leo University. Now, working together at the same accounting firm,
their friendship has continued to grow, both in and out of the office.

Natalie Gemmati

Alex and Nik became close friends during college, rooming together all four years. Through late-night study sessions and countless adventures, they developed a deep appreciation for each other’s work ethic and shared sense of fun.

Alex Petrarca

Nina and Andrea went from co-interns to close friends over the past couple of years.
Through celebrating each other’s milestones and supporting one another through
challenges, they’ve built a strong support system, not just for navigating work, but for life
in general.

Andrea Castro

Andrew became friends with Nik during their Junior year of high school. Bonding over their shared passion for NFL teams, they formed a strong connection, often venting their frustrations to each other when their teams let them down.

Andrew Roberts

Nina and Mia first became friends through the Italian Club at Saint Leo University,
bonding over their shared love of their culture. Over the past couple of years, they’ve
created countless memories together, strengthening a friendship that has become a
meaningful part of their lives.

Mia Perez

Alex and Nik became friends during Nik’s first internship. Their time working together gave them valuable insights into the professional world and helped shape them into the people they are now.

Alex Rodriguez

Wedding Party

Q + A

The nearest major airport to our wedding ceremony and reception is Tampa International Airport. It is served by a variety of airlines, including Delta, American, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Edelweiss Air, and more. Additionally, there are plenty of rental car options available.

Tampa International Airport

Here are the rates: 20th $155; 21st $165; 22nd $170; 23rd $146.&nbsp;When making a reservation, guests will have to say "Michelangelo/Vogel Wedding" for these rates.&nbsp;Guests may choose 1, 2, 3 or all 4 nights.&nbsp;If someone wants to book nights prior or after these dates, they will have to do it under a new reservation at the block rate.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brooksville-I-75, an IHG Hotel

Fairfield Inn & Suites Brooksville Suncoast Parkway

Travel

Laid-back wine bar known for its sangria and other cocktails, plus charcuterie boards. One of Nik and Nina's favorites!

The Wine Library Dade City

Unusual, historic setting for New American dining, from upscale entrees to creative sandwiches.

Kafe Kokopelli

Dade City Brew House is a cozy, local brewery offering a selection of craft beers brewed on-site, along with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly service.

Dade City Brew House

Casual espresso bar offering homemade baked goods and organic dishes, as well as pottery classes.

Nina & Jan-Niklaas

Nina & Jan-Niklaas

N&J

Wedding Day

1:30 PM

Nuptial Mass Wedding Ceremony

4:00 PM

Reception