Nicholas and Taisa's story begins the summer of freshman year in 2008, when they were just 15 years old. Their story is strikingly similar to a typical movie plot. Boy likes girl, girl doesn’t like boy, boy falls in love with girl and then wins over her love. To give you more detail, their love story actually started with Nicholas’ grandpa. Every day Nicholas’ Grandpa Ron would tell him to go outside and play basketball because there was a girl next door who also played basketball. After many days of shooting by himself, the girl next door finally stepped out to see what the boy next door was doing. Nicholas became so nervous and did not know what to say. Luckily, Nicholas’ grandpa was outside to introduce his grandson. And after many games of H-O-R-S-E that summer of '08 (that Nicholas let Taisa win) their relationship was beginning to form.

Their relationship continued to flourish through high school where they shared many laughs, memories, and joyful moments. When high school had finished, Nicholas and Taisa decided to continue their education together at Quinnipiac University. During the four years at college, not only did their relationship grow even stronger, but they both made lifelong friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Fast forward three years after college graduation…Nicholas and Taisa had planned a vacation to celebrate a very special occasion—their 10 year dating anniversary! The destination they chose was Riviera Maya, Mexico. While Taisa was busy planning the details of their vacation, Nicholas was also busy planning a surprise that would change their lives forever. A few months before this vacation was even a thought, Nicholas knew he wanted to propose to Taisa on their 10 year dating anniversary and he was already designing a ring for her. The special day was August 24th, 2018 and Nicholas and Taisa were leaving for their vacation to Mexico. The days leading up to their departure, Nicholas was frantically googling the best ways to carry an engagement ring through the airport internationally. Instead of following along with Google’s advice, Nicholas decided to put the ring in his backpack, concealed under clothes, towels and anything else he could find to ensure the ring was secure. Nicholas and Taisa arrived to Mexico and needed to clear customs. Taisa pushed the button and a green light appeared meaning that she was free to go through. It was Nicholas’ turn next to press the button. Nicholas pushed the button and to his disbelief nothing happened… it was at this point he thought the gig was up, his things were going to be searched with Taisa standing right there and the proposal was no longer going to be a surprise. Nicholas pressed the button one more time and luckily it turned green which allowed him entry into Mexico without being searched and he took a sigh of relief…but only for a moment.

Dusk was approaching on their first night in Mexico and Nicholas told Taisa that he had planned drinks on the beach during sunset to celebrate their anniversary. The moment had finally arrived and Nicholas was able to put the ring in his pocket as they began to walk together from their hotel room to the beach. They arrived to the beach and were greeted with a path lit up by torches leading to a single table and two chairs overlooking the ocean and sunset. They took a seat and Nicholas was far too eager and excited to wait any longer…so, with a deep breath he grabbed Taisa’s hand and looked into her eyes and began speaking from the heart. He dropped down to one knee and asked the girl of his dreams to make him the luckiest man in the world and become his wife. Taisa was initially at a loss for words. It’s at this point where Nicholas asked again, “Will you marry me?”. Taisa not realizing that she hadn’t given an answer the first time screamed: “YES of course!” Still in disbelief, she knew she had just said yes to spending the rest of her life with the man of her dreams!

Nicholas and Taisa are beyond blessed and excited to be able to celebrate the most special day in their lives alongside all of their family and friends on October 15th 2021!