Val and Nik met in November 2021 at Nik's sister, Amanda's birthday party, which was 90's costume-wig themed. Nik remembers a blue wig entering the room. Val will never forget Amanda telling her, "There is someone I want you to meet," grabbed her hand and led the way to meet Nik. You know when, at the time, you don't realize a moment is life-changing? It was one of those.

While they didn't actually get a picture together that night, a little editing gives you the idea.

Val and Nik hit it off, went on their first official date soon after, and have been together ever since. Val met Hayden in January 2022 and soon became "his Valerie." It is hard to believe he had just turned 3 when they met and will be 6 1/2 (he'll correct you if you say 6) when they get married. They say don't blink....

In March 2024, Val and Nik went to London to visit family and attend an Arsenal Premier League game, then travelled to nearby Paris. One night, after watching the five-minute sparkle show of the Eiffel Tower, Val watched the beacon in the sky shine over the city while Nik got down on one knee to propose. The couple left Europe engaged!

Both Val and Nik are beyond excited to celebrate their marriage with their family and friends in the summer of 2025!