Nikole spent most of her weekends at local concerts, supporting her friends' bands and meeting new people. This particular weekend, she had a friend who's band was playing at a local venue.. this friend just so happened to be the drummer in Colt's band.
Nikole remembers watching them play and not really paying attention to the band, itself, much. Rather, she found herself distracted by the guitarist (Colt)..
The night continued and other bands played. Nikole found herself in an opportuntity for conversation with Colt, so she took this opportunity to introduce herself and, instead of doing something really sweet or funny, she asked him for money. (backstory: Nikole had accrued a rather large phone bill that her parents told her to find a way to pay for.. so, she's always been one to figure out a way)
Colt turned down her opportunity to donate to her good cause, as he only had $3 and needed to buy a McChicken and drink on his way back to Perryville.. Despite the mismatch of luck in this moment, the two continued talking and soon connected on MySpace and shared numbers..
This is how it all began :)
The two dated during Colt's last year of highschool. Although difficult to pull off a long distance relationship at the ages of 15 and 17, the connection they found was one of a kind. Colt would spend his weekends traveling to Illinois to see Nikole. The two would go to his shows, parks, and all the other nonsense teenagers do. Much like today, they would talk for hours, usually on Colt's landline since he never had service. Nikole still remembers the day Colt finally got a phone that could send and receive pictures, but, unfortunately he'd have to go up the road to have signal to receive them..
The two dated through the summer after graduation, at which point it seemed to make sense to not be in a relationship at that time.
Although sad, the two both now agree that this was the best thing they could have done at this time.
A simple act led to the most amazing relationship the two have seen. In 2019, Colt send Nikole a direct message on IG, responding to a story she had posted. The message was simple and full of well wishes. Nikole stared at the message for likely too long, as she couldn't believe it had been over a decade since the two had last spoke. Simple replies eventually turned into long talks and the two planning a date to meet up again.
The two had arranged to meet, with the secondary excuse of Colt helping Nikole look into financial planning (as he was working for a financial planning company and she made up some nonsense about needing a financial planner..). Nikole remembers walking around the corner and seeing Colt sitting in the back corner of the resturant and immediately feeling her heart stop. She had not expected to feel the rush of emotions that followed, but Colt recalls her playing it cool. The two chatted for hours until they both had to leave and realize they had not gotten to any financial planning. So, that just required more dates ;)
The two began hanging out more often, both discovering that there was something worth exploring in this connection. They would end up in random places, talking for hours without skipping a beat. They quickly discovered shared passions and began laying a foundation for a healthy relationship with deep and meaningful conversations. They both knew the relationship was real when they spent 26 hours in the car together for a spur-of-the-moment vacation together for NYE. The two never ran out of conversation for the length of the trip and only grew more attracted to the other through this.
Everyone knew Nikole and Colt as a couple by this time, but Colt decided to make it official one night. Nikole was giving Colt a face massage and believes it was to just get a longer massage; but, either way, she said yes..
Even in the midst of the pandemic, the two never let life slow them down. They were able to enjoy a week in Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico at the incredible Iberostar Grand Paraiso. The couple spent plenty of time relaxing, but took advantage of seeing numerous parts of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, as well.
Although they had taken numerous trips as a family, the three had never been able to take a "real" vacation together until March 2021. Having the opportunity to share the experience of seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time together was unforgettable!
Colt and Nikole like to take any moment to celebrate and what better way then riding to Memphis! The two didn't expect the temperatures to drop under 50 degrees in May, which made for a long, chilly ride!! Nonetheless, they had the time of their lives together, as usual. celebrating Colt's birthday.
Nikole had always wanted to see Zion and Bryce Canyons and Colt made sure that happened for her 30th birthday! The two spent days on trails with indescribable views and can't wait to go back with Scarlett!
Anyone that knows Colt, knows he's one of the most thoughtful people you'll find. Colt really wanted to find a way to propose to Nikole in a way that allowed Scarlett, Nikole's daughter, to be a part of the memorable moment.
Colt worked with Tara (Colt's brother's fiance) to trick Nikole to be at the right place, at the right time for the special day. Colt spent the day with Scarlett, taking her all over Cape taking pictures with her new camera. Nikole met up with the two after work to have Scarlett join her for an evening with Tara, as Tara had asked them both to go view several venues to choose one for her Bridal Shower. The three spent the next few hours going venue to venue, all while Nikole stayed completely unaware of what was really in store. The last venue, Top of the Marq, Tara suggested the three eat dinner. She kept suggesting they eat outside on the rooftop, but Nikole suggested they move inside due to the sun (unknowingly tweaking the "plan"). The three had dinner and Tara suggested Scarlett get her camera to take pictures of the sunset from the rooftop. The girls went to the rooftop to snap some pictures of the sunset. Nikole turned around to find Colt on the rooftop, dressed to kill. Confused, she didn't have much to say, while Colt took her hand and walked a few steps. When he took a knee, Nikole couldn't believe what was happening and that the two had successfully surprised her with this moment. Holding back tears of joy, Nikole said YES and basked in the moment with her Fiance and daughter as the sun set on this perfect evening.