Jillian & Nicholas
November 5, 2023
A world traveler, serial entrepreneur (and serial bachelor), and Long Island native planted roots in Philadelphia in 1998. He graduated from Temple University in 2003 with a dual degree in Finance and Real Estate. He made trips back and forth to New York, but Philadelphia inevitably became his home base. Following graduation, Nick started implementing his plans to monopolize Germantown's automotive, property development, and event space industries.
He immediately acquired and renovated properties, including single & multi-family homes, vacant lots, apartment buildings, and a neighborhood auto maintenance shop. Tire Techs USA was born in 2015 and became a neighborhood staple under his rebranding. Nick split his time between property management and development and managing his new auto maintenance shop but then...
This south Philly vegan (and blonde bombshell) kept busy with her teenage son, Jaden, and fur baby, Buddy. Jillian also spent 2 years at Temple University but somehow never bumped into Nick. :) She enjoyed traveling abroad, celebrating friends and family, Nicaraguan cigars, smoky scotch, painting, crafting, climbing the career ladder, Tabata training, and always looking her best for all occasions.
2019 was a great year! She just celebrated her 35th birthday in Europe for 10 days. She had also been traveling for work for the last couple of years, exploring different areas of operation throughout Medicaid healthcare administration. That year, she was looking forward to being transplanted to the west coast in a new role for work, but then...
...just believe hers
Tire Techs USA - Sept 2019
Nick and his team had been providing general maintenance on my car for the past 2yrs at Tire Techs USA. Before I moved to Delaware, I commuted daily and was in his shop frequently. Nick was always very friendly and took his time to explain my services. He was the most engaging and cleanest person in the shop, so I assumed he was just reception. I could tell from his accent and mustache; (LOL) he was a New Yorker.
One day, my faithful VW Tiguan broke down. Nick was very concerned and kept in constant contact while I drove home to Delaware. When I left the car for a final consult, he offered to pick me up from the train and tried to make a quiet workspace for me to work in his office. While I waited for my tow truck, his questions were becoming more personal. I could tell he was interested in more than just customer satisfaction...soooo I asked if he was single
We had been on a couple of local dates and felt like we had known each other forever. Jillian was very shy and reserved while Nick is more of the social butterfly and can strike up a conversation and find commonalities in any circle. Although our personalities were on opposite sides of the spectrum, an immediate comfort developed, and the relationship progressed quickly.
In November 2019, Jillian suggested we crash her mother's 60th birthday trip to Nassau Bahamas. This was our THIRD DATE. This was also how he was introduced to my mother. Very unconventional but we had an amazing time and continued to do so for the years to come!
But then COVID-19...
In March 2020, COVID-19 hit everyone unexpectedly in different ways. Jillian was living alone in Delaware with Buddy (her dog) and made weekend trips to Philadelphia. Once she was sent to work at home, Nick asked her (and Buddy) to move in to be close to family and him. This was also an accelerated track, but we learned ALOT about each other and, more importantly, ourselves. Lots of peaks and valleys, but we came out on top!
Nick proposed to Jillian privately on the pier outside their Penn's Landing Philadelphia home on Sat, April 16th. The proposal was planned for the following Saturday at Jean-Georges restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel, but Nick couldn't wait. He was off work but woke up to a beautiful sunny day and felt like it was time. Nick called his mom for confirmation, made a Starbucks run, and told Jillian to get dressed for a walk. They walked along the Delaware River when he returned, talking about the day ahead.
Nick was nervously laughing and clutching a laptop case. Along the walk, he stopped to chat with one of the property managers, who started following us, recording as we walked. Once we sat down, he started with "Triple D's...dedication, devotion, and my divine emotion toward you..." #BARS lol He did the proposal his way, and I don't think anyone will ever forget his words, "Jillian Small, I want you to be my wife, yo!" As he flashed the biggest smile while pointing and shoving the ring at Jillian. He demanded she say yes, and she did. It was a very heartfelt and emotional moment, and we weren't expecting all the tears, but I'm glad we got it on camera (especially his tears).
This was our post-proposal dinner at Jean Georges. This restaurant has stunning panoramic views on the 59th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel of the Comcast Center. Nick made reservations for this hotel weeks in advance and intended to propose here but found the moment more perfect at home on our pier a week prior. This picture was just staged "for the 'gram."
After months of searching around, we decided on Cescaphe Waterworks to host all of our family and friends for the big day!
The Water Works was one-time home to the engine room for Philadelphia’s cutting-edge water department that was an engineering marvel when it opened its doors in 1815. It was the nation’s first public water supply and is now listed as a National Historic Landmark and National Historic Civil and Mechanical Engineering Landmark.
"Historic elegance in classic Philadelphia style." It's located along Boat House Row, which provides a breathtaking backdrop for weddings at the Water Works, particularly at dusk. Its neoclassical architecture, iconic views, classically elegant structures, and landscaped grounds and gardens made Water Works a natural choice.
We can't wait to celebrate with our family and friends at this beautifully historic venue!
We met at work over ten years ago, but it feels like we've been friends forever! She's been in my corner and always there when I need her for a laugh, reality check, quick trip, quick bite, or quick cry. We share some of the same affections for naps, sarcasm, and self-care... but she can keep the Moscato (lol). I'm eternally grateful for everything you've done and stood for. Thanks for being a pillar in my village. I couldn't imagine the day without you at my side!
When I moved to Delaware in 2017, Ashley was the first friend I made. We spent more time running back and forth to Philly every weekend (and some weekdays) because it was just more fun. Ashley is fun-loving, kind, honest, silly, confident, and intelligent. She's been a constant source of inspiration to me because she always wants more: more travel, more love, more leisure, more from life and the best for her family and friends. Although she's constantly growing, I'm proud of who she is today although there's so many blessings ahead. I'm happy to have her as my friend and unofficially a sister. :) Cheers!
Fun Fact: Ashley is a licensed realtor in Delaware if anyone is looking!
Jeff is my older cousin from New York. Currently lives in Atlanta with his wife and Kids. He was my very first roommate in the City of Philadelphia. Jeff is fearless and daring. If it weren't for that one phone call back in '99, I can't say where I'd be today. That conversation triggered a series of peaks and valleys for us both but shaped our futures professionally and personally for the better. I am honored and thankful to have him at my side as my best man.
Reemo aka, Atlas is my oldest brother. I remember being excited whenever Kareem came home to visit from college. Taking his bags and luggage out of the vehicle felt like an honor (LOL). He was the first to make me an uncle and taught me many things that I still carry today: assertiveness, the importance of timeliness, and being direct is the best way to approach and get through any situation. Love you, bro!
Jay Brown is another one of my older cousins. Jason is like my own personal prophet, an old wise man that provides great counsel in many ways and throughout much of my life. He's always been like another (MUCH) older brother, especially around the time when my brothers went off to college. Jay has always been incredibly supportive and encouraging in my business ventures and life choices. I'm comforted to see him at my side today of all days.
Jay Plumms has been my dawg since we were about six years old. He's super creative and a glass-half-full type of guy. Any problems that tried to get in our way on vacations, countless road trips, or with the ladies, an "easy" fix was just on the horizon. Nothing could ever stop us and never will. I'm honored to have you as a friend still and now my groomsman.
Shaun is one of my greatest and longest friendships. From childhood, through high school, college days, and thereafter, he's been at my side for every moment. We've had some amazing and lavish times and, of course, many rough and tough times surviving in the streets of Philly as young men. When the heat was around the corner, Shaun never wavered and stood at my side for whatever was to come. He's always had a way of keeping himself and those around him centered and calm in the face of the worst adversities. I'm grateful for this lifelong bond and I look forward to sharing this same energy as you witness my commitment to the next.
Jillian & Nicholas
Engagement Photos
