How it all began
A football game, some wings, a lot of beer, and the start of something extraordinary.
First down, first date
It started with football. Our first date was at Buffalo Wild Wings — FSU versus LSU, a game that had no business being as meaningful as it turned out to be. FSU won that night, and so did we.
What followed was a season of Saturday games, shared superstitions, and the slow realization that we were rooting for a lot more than a football team. The Noles had a remarkable run that year — and so did we.
More than a match
We quickly discovered we were cut from the same cloth. The beach. Live music. Theme parks with the kids. Waking up somewhere new and making it feel like home. We don't just share interests — we share a vision for our lives, and the drive to actually build it.
We're both parents, and watching our children grow into one big, loud, wonderfully chaotic family has been one of the greatest gifts of this relationship. Nicole's daughter and Michael's five kids — ranging from teenagers to young adults — have welcomed this blended family with open arms, open hearts, and a healthy amount of competitive energy.
In their own words
"I have my best friend and future wife all in one. We share so many common interests and have the same goals in life — and we both make stuff happen, not just talk about it."
— Michael
"I didn't believe we'd make it this far — I gave him every reason to run. But he was patient, persistent, and steady in a way I didn't know I needed. He showed up for me and he showed up for Everleigh, loving her like his own without ever being asked. He's my rock, my biggest believer, and the only person who puts up with my nonsense daily without batting an eye. I have no idea how I got this lucky."
— Nicole
And then he asked
It happened in Savannah — one of our favorite places — over a weekend at our favorite hotel and a Savannah Bananas game. After dinner at a restaurant we love, we slipped back to the room so I could change my shoes. Our room had floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the riverwalk and the river below.
He asked me to come look at something out the window.
That's when he got down on one knee.
St. Lucia. February 19, 2028
We chose Coconut Bay because it felt like us — warm, beautiful, effortlessly extraordinary. We can't think of a better place to start the rest of our lives than on a beach in St. Lucia, surrounded by the people who have shown up for us every step of the way.
We are so grateful you're part of our story.