Piper and Nick's story began at the "Crossroads of America," also known as the Hoosier state, or simply Indiana. Between the abundance of corn fields, train tracks at every intersection, and its highest peak, a 126-foot sand dune named Mount Baldy, Indiana was an unseeming place to find the love of your life.

Piper’s northeast journey led her from her childhood home in Arizona to the University of Colorado where she discovered her love of growing produce. With her new passion in hand, she packed up her Toyota Corolla to start a new career in Valparaiso, Indiana. Traveling from the other side of the continent, Nick left Skaneateles in the Kia Soul, with his GPS set west-bound starting a new job as an operator at a paper mill hoping to become the next mill manager.

Each starting at the bottom rung of the corporate ladder, they crossed paths at one of the finest local establishments Valparaiso has to offer; the neighborhood dive bar, Northside Tap Room.

Not all of you may know what “icing” is, so let me explain: When a person hides a Smirnoff Ice Wine Cooler, and someone else discovers the hidden drink, they must consume the entire bottle on one knee for all to admire.

Unfortunately for Piper, Nick is the king of icing (watch out groomsmen).

After shooting Nick an eye-rolling glance and snide remark at the bar, Piper had an icing in her future. Planning his counter strike, Nick delivered a Smirnoff Ice in a to-go container to her with all her friends to bear witness. Upon opening the container Piper gasped as her entire group laughed at the fact she was given a Smirnoff Ice. She chased Nick around the bar until finally admitting defeat and chugging the drink. At the end of the icing, she coughed up the remnant liquid and spewed wine cooler all over herself. It was love at first sight. Well…not exactly; but it was potentially the greatest pick-up line of all time.

After a period of courting and memorable dates, their relationship blossomed into something unexpected. From enjoying the local popcorn festival to exploring the scenic Ogden Dunes and embarking on countless weekend getaways, Nick and Piper embraced all the charm and adventure the Midwest had to offer.

Two years into their relationship, Nick and Piper embarked on new adventures, pursuing different careers and exploring foreign lands—Nick as a Process Engineer and Piper as a Head Grower in Massachusetts. Settling into their first shared apartment, they made it their home. Using the practical need to do laundry as a playful excuse to travel, they visited laundromats across New England and spent weekends exploring the five surrounding states. It was during these journeys that they realized just how deeply they had fallen in love.

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges to their relationship. Balancing work, home life, new jobs, and a move to Maine during a global lockdown was no small feat. Yet, Nick and Piper thrived through it all, purchasing a house and advancing their careers with remarkable companies. Whether exploring the world, pursuing ambitious career goals, or simply staying in to cook delicious meals together, every experience strengthened and deepened the love they shared.

One constant throughout Nick and Piper's relationship has been the incredible support of their friends, family, and colleagues. They are excited to celebrate their partnership with all of you—their dearest friends and family—as they honor everything they've experienced together and embrace all that lies ahead.

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