Since the beginning, we’ve been in awe of how God has brought us together in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. Our journey has been full of laughter, adventure, and providence. God has been at work in our lives, and it was no coincidence that we ended up together.

How We Met

Our paths crossed while doing international humanitarian work, collaborating on projects that brought us together often. We were working in D.C. and an unexpected moment sparked a connection. While walking around, a passerby wore a Rainbow Kitten Surprise shirt. Nick’s immediate reaction to stop and chat revealed that we both loved the band, each of us had seen them live and knew all the words to even their most obscure songs. That connection became a cornerstone of our growing friendship. We started talking more and found other things in common that would often keep us on the phone for hours at a time.

As we worked side by side, those around us started to notice something special long before we did. Slowly, our friendship deepened into something undeniably more significant, built on shared values and a foundation of faith.

The Whirlwind Trip Around the World

Our friendship blossomed further during a whirlwind series of trips that took us to New York, the UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, San Francisco, and Chicago (in that order). Despite travel headaches, sleepless hours, and a crazy storm that left us stranded in San Francisco, we found laughter in every moment. A layover in New York City introduced us to our shared love for the city, while a visit to Chicago let Haley play tour guide in her hometown. It was here that Nick joked about the “St. Charles Bridge” in Prague, comparing it to the one in Haley’s hometown of St. Charles.

Each experience brought us closer, from “jokingly” sharing a heart-shaped deep-dish pizza on Valentine’s Day to dreaming about all the places we’d explore together. God was shaping our story one experience and destination at a time.

That Weekend in New York

A few months after our whirlwind travels, we planned another trip back to New York. Rainbow Kitten Surprise announced an album release and concert in the city the same weekend we’d be visiting. This was all too perfect to be a coincidence. That concert became a turning point—when our friendship turned into a relationship. We explored Times Square, marveled at Jan van Huysum’s work at the MET, and took a comically long boat ride to the Statue of Liberty. Our first date together as a couple was a night out in the East Village. Every moment felt perfectly orchestrated, reminding us that nothing in our story was by chance.

Miles and Milestones

As our relationship grew, so did our dreams. Between long road trips and countless plane rides between the East Coast and Midwest, we often talked about traveling to Europe where Nick lived for nearly a decade. That dream became a reality when Haley took her first trip to Europe, the perfect place for Nick to play tour guide. We departed from Chicago, spent a magical day in London, and then made our way to Prague—a city that would soon hold a very special place in our hearts.