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Neither of them were supposed to go out that night. It was one of those lazy evenings where staying in sounded way better, but somehow, both of them ended up at the same bar in Downtown Long Beach, JP23, surrounded by their friends, completely unaware that life was about to change. That night sparked something easy, fun, and unexpected. Within a few weeks of just getting to know each other as friends, Nick invited Samantha to Winstock, a country music festival in Minnesota, where she met his entire family (introduced, of course, as "just a friend"). But the writing was already on the wall. A few months later, she was his date at his sister’s wedding. Somewhere between dancing with his family and late-night laughs, the friendship started turning into something more. Then came Iceland. Their first trip together. They figured if they could survive endless car rides, cold weather, and no escape from each other, they’d have something real. And they did. Iceland became their place, where they fell in love, where they sought out the Northern lights at 2am, where Nick said “I love you” for the first time, and where everything just made sense. From there, life became a blur of love and laughter: Fortnite date nights, Viking football Sundays (Skol!), carving pumpkins, decorating apartments, traveling between California and Minnesota, blasting “The Gambler” while Nick taught Samantha how to play craps, road trips, tracking macros, shooting guns, love for King and Queens and all the action/rom-coms, and just being each other’s person through it all. They tried to go back to Iceland the next year, but a volcano had other plans. So, they settled for a EuroVision rewatch and started dreaming about their next trip. A year and a half later, Samantha moved in, pink pillows and all, and they quickly turned that Culver City residence into their home. Then, just like in a movie (specifically EuroVision), they returned to Iceland. On the snowy docks of Husavík, under a quiet sky with the fjords behind them and not a soul in sight, Nick proposed. It felt like the world paused just for them. So here they are, getting married in the place where they first fell in love, where it all began. A spontaneous night out turned into the greatest love story. And to think that this is only the beginning.

Greatest Love Story 

Our Story

Photos

Nick met Matt on spring break in Florida in 2009, and they’ve been close ever since. Nick stood as best man in Matt’s wedding, and now Matt returns the favor. They’ve shared years of good times talking sports, family, and health...even if Matt’s a Green Bay Packers fan and Nick bleeds purple for the Vikings.

Matt Fletcher

Kim has been Samantha’s best friend for over 14 years, and their friendship has grown into true sisterhood. They’ve been there for each other through every stage of life, always sharing laughs and support. There’s no one more fitting to stand by Samantha’s side as Maid of Honor on the biggest day of her life.

Kim Valencia 

Nick met Josh in 2019 back in California. They clicked over Vikings football, sports betting, the stock market, and plenty of long conversations about life, philosophy, and health. Over the years they’ve stayed in touch and have always been able to count on each other.

Josh Semler 

Sabrina is Samantha’s middle sister, and although they’re often polar opposites, the love between them is undeniable. She’s known for keeping things real and has always brought her own energy to family life. Sharing this moment together is a special reminder of the bond they’ll always have as sisters.

Sabrina Gastelum

Shane is Nick’s brother. The two connect over talks about health, politics, shooting, and time outdoors. Nick has enjoyed watching Shane’s family grow and is grateful to have him standing by his side as he starts his own with Samantha.

Shane Keinholz

Sophia is Samantha’s youngest sister and forever the baby of the family. She’s bubbly, full of life, and always brings joy and laughter wherever she goes. Samantha has loved watching her grow up, and having her warmth and bright spirit by her side makes the celebration complete.

Sophia Gastelum

Matt is Nick’s brother-in-law and another Packers fan in the group. Nick appreciates their relationship, especially as he and Samantha are godparents to Matt’s two boys. Matt has been a solid part of family life, and their bond continues to grow through family and shared values.

Matt Strey

Ashley is Samantha’s future sister-in-law, but their bond feels like much more than that. Samantha is a proud godmother to one of her kiddos, and together they’ve built a relationship full of laughter, family trips, and memories. She’s not just family by marriage, but a true sister and lifelong friend.

Ashley Strey

Leo is Nick’s nephew and godson, and by marriage, Samantha’s too. Just shy of 3 years old at the wedding, he’ll no doubt charm everyone, probably calling out “Niiiiccckkk” as he walks down the aisle! His presence adds a joyful, playful spirit to the day that couldn’t be imagined any other way.

Samantha & Nick

Samantha & Nick

S&N

Wedding Day