Our Love Story
Pierce’s Side
Our love story is one of joy, faith, and growth. When I met Nicole, I knew right away that I wanted to get to know her better. One of our first conversations was so much fun that I still think about it today. As we became friends, I came to trust her and realized how naturally we fit together. It took me a little while to work up the courage to ask her to be my girlfriend, but I’m so glad I did.
We’re alike in the ways that matter most. We care deeply for each other, respect each other, and share a drive to grow. From the beginning, we’ve held ourselves to high standards and encouraged each other to become better partners.
Life with Nicole has turned out to be more than I ever dreamed it could be. Whether we’re off on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or just watching a movie together, I cherish the time we get to spend with each other. Nicole has a way of making even the most ordinary moments feel like ones I want to remember. My love grows for her every day, and as our relationship continues to evolve, I know I will love every second of it.
Nicole’s Side
Our love story began before I ever met Pierce. During the spring semester of my freshman year of college, and Pierce’s sophomore year, two of my friends slipped a note under the door of the boys living next door in their dorm. It simply asked, “Want to be friends? Yes or Yes?” with a space to leave their phone number and slide it back under the door. Of course, Pierce checked yes. I remember my friends telling me about the boys next door, Pierce and his twin brother, Kirk, and insisting that I needed to meet them. At the time, I was incredibly shy, and the thought of meeting new people terrified me. One night, my friends invited me over to hang out, conveniently forgetting to mention that they had also invited the boys next door. A few minutes after I arrived, Pierce walked in. I didn’t know it then, but that night would change my life. I remember thinking he was so funny and feeling like there was something special about him. After that, I kept casually asking my friends to invite the boys over more often, claiming I was just trying to be more social. Really, I was hoping for another chance to see Pierce.
About a month later came a night we still talk about today, which we call “Would You Rather Night.” Some of you may have even been there or even heard us talking about it. What started as a simple game turned into nearly two hours of Pierce and me talking and laughing nonstop. Conversation with him felt so effortless, and I remember not wanting the night to end. When it was time for me to leave, I turned down my usual offer to have someone walk me back to my dorm, which was about twenty minutes away. Not long after I left, Pierce started texting me about something we had talked about that night. He asked how far I had gotten and if he could come walk with me. Of course, I said yes. We spent the rest of the walk talking about skateboards, our interests, and just about anything else we could think of. From there, our friendship grew into the sweetest little secret crush. We found every excuse to see each other, inviting each other places and trying our hardest not to make it obvious. That summer, we planned a beach trip with two friends who unexpectedly couldn’t make it for the first half. What was supposed to be a group trip turned into time for just the two of us. Somewhere between all the laughter and conversations, Pierce told me he liked me, and I finally got to tell him I felt the same way. On July 2nd, he asked me to be his girlfriend, and the rest is history.
For as long as I can remember, I prayed for the man I would one day marry. I always hoped that I would find one person to share my life with, someone who would be my best friend, my greatest love, and a constant reminder of God’s goodness. I never could have imagined just how perfectly God would answer those prayers. Pierce is everything I hoped for and so much more. He is my rock, my safe place, and the person who makes anywhere feel like home. He makes me laugh harder than anyone, encourages me to become the best version of myself, and loves me in ways I didn’t even know I needed. Our relationship is built on faith, friendship, respect, and the choice to keep growing together. Whether we’re traveling somewhere new, chasing a dream, or doing absolutely nothing at all, life is simply better with him by my side. I still see the same funny boy who walked into that dorm room, only now I get to call him my best friend and soon, my husband. Of all the things God has blessed me with, getting to love Pierce and be loved by him is one of my greatest gifts. And the sweetest part of our story is knowing that we’re only just beginning.
Our Engagement Story
I started planning our engagement trip about six months before we left. The idea came from a weekend we’d spent in California. We had so much fun exploring the West Coast that it quickly became one of our favorite trips, so going back felt like an easy choice.
I settled on Seattle because it gave us a little bit of everything. We could spend a few days exploring the city, fit in a couple of big hikes, and end the trip along the coast. I knew we’d be on the move most of the time, but that was part of the fun. For the proposal, I chose Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. The views were stunning, and it felt like a place where we could have a quiet moment to ourselves.
Looking back, the trip felt like us. It was full of life, laughter, and the kind of fun Nicole brings to every adventure. We never quite knew what the next day would bring, but having her by my side is all I needed.
