Seva and Maggie rounded the corner of the big statue in Washington Square Park, and we met for the first time face to face. Although our video chat earlier this year felt just like the real deal! As we chatted and made our way towards the west village, I heard stories of family, friends, bachelor parties, and a tough mudder race that rivaled any Nicholas Sparks novel, hands down.

These two west coasters are tying the knot this weekend upstate, and to say I’m looking forward to their big day would be an understatement. I joke about certain events being the ‘wedding of the year,’ or something along those lines, but in all reality there are a few that make for lasting memories. Not because of the decorations, the dress, or the perfect venue, but because of the people who’s lives I get to be a part of. Even if it is only for a short time : )

I met these two back in March at a coffee shop down the street, and we talked for a bit over tea and scones, or something equally romantic I’m sure. After about an hour, Irina and Will held up a menu in front of their faces and whispered a few words back and forth. Irina dropped the menu to the table, and declared with a giggle that yes, they would love to move forward : )

Flash forward to the end of this beautiful wedding night when everyone was leaving, I caught the tail end of a story from Will as he recounted one of his first dates with Irina. In his own words, she “Walked into dinner looking like a bombshell, and over the course of conversation declared that she was attracted to ‘confident’ men.” He laughed, and said he was lucky to have made it this far.

The rest, as they say, is history. Irina and Will, your wedding was as magical as they get, and you will always have a place in my heart.

Hello world! My name’s Sam Nichols, and I’ve got a new website : ) Sometimes a fresh start is just the right thing to kick off the year!