Shelby and Nick first crossed paths in what can only be described as serendipity at a meeting while Nick was living at West Coast Sober Living. Nick was just beginning his recovery journey, while Shelby was a year clean at the time. It’s a meeting we lovingly refer to as “13th stepping” in the world of 12-step recovery LOL. At first, everything felt exciting and new, but our connection was quickly tested. We decided to face our challenges head-on, choosing to grow and learn together. That decision became the foundation of our relationship and the start of a life that has been nothing short of an adventure.

Through these shared experiences, we’ve discovered a love deeper and more profound than either of us could have imagined. From moments of laughter and care to life’s more challenging hurdles, building this life together has been the most rewarding adventure of all.

Fast forward to our trip to Mexico with friends. Little did Shelby know, Nick had planned a proposal straight out of a fairytale. With the sun setting, our friends Ronnie, Lara, and Chris decorated the beach with flowers and set up the perfect backdrop. Two mariachi musicians waited in the wings to complete the magical moment. Shelby, completely unaware, thought they were just having a simple romantic beach walk. She nearly walked right past the setup until they reached the flowers in the sand.

Then, Nick got down on one knee holding a ring fused from both of our grandmothers’ rings and asked the life-changing question. Shelby’s answer? A resounding YES!

That unforgettable moment was the perfect symbol of our love story. It’s a story of growth, overcoming challenges, and cherishing each step of the way. Now, as we prepare to say “I do” on August 24, 2025, we’re so excited to celebrate this next chapter with all of you. Thank you for being part of our story.