Vivian and Nick met in Anchorage, Alaska in 2018 where they were both working as pharmacists. Vivian was completing her residency year and Nick was working in Valdez, AK. Their paths didn't cross much throughout the year and they didn't start talking until 2019.

In August of 2019, Nick invited Vivian on a fishing trip. He considered it their first date, but Vivian thought it was platonic and they were going as friends. They went on a weekend trip with friends out of Whittier, AK to fish and shrimp in the ocean. They camped in the wilderness and spent the whole weekend boat fishing. Vivian caught her first halibut on the last day. You could say that trip (and Nick) had her hooked (... obviously it was a date!).

They got to know each other better and made their relationship official on November 27, 2019. They spent their time cooking, gardening, and exploring Alaska!

Nick took Vivian home to Michigan to meet the family November 2020. Vivian's mom came to visit and met Nick the summer of 2021 and her brother Dylan came to visit the following year.

Vivian asked for a puppy throughout their relationship and Nick finally said yes. On September 09, 2021, they brought Winston home from Oregon City, Oregon.

In the summer of 2022, they decided it was time to move closer to family. So they packed up the car and drove from Alaska to Michigan. They spent two weeks on the road and landed at Nick's parents' cabin in the Upper Peninsula of MI.

After weeks of searching and interviews, they landed jobs in Traverse City. They bought a house and started new jobs in October 2022. They felt like Winston was isolated and lonely since he didn't have his playdates anymore so they adopted Clementine in December 17, 2022. They both have the same Samoyed parents!

They kept busy in 2023 updating their house, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

In early 2024, they found new (and better) jobs, so they bought a new house and packed up and moved.

Nick proposed (finally!) to Vivian at their home on May 24, 2025. Nick secretly flew her family in from Florida. He took Vivian out on a lunch date and to run errands while their families worked together to decorate the deck and house for the surprise. When they got to the house, he led her to the back deck, got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Of course she said yes! Afterwards, he brought her inside to be greeted by the families! They even dressed up Winston and Clementine in a tux and veil!

Places to Stay

Hilton Garden Inn Benton Harbor/St.Joseph

SpringHill Suites St. Joseph Benton Harbor

Staybridge Suites Benton Harbor - St. Joseph

Courtyard St. Joseph Benton Harbor