Our Love Story...
We actually met back at SDSU when we became brothers in a business fraternity, but we ran in different circles and Jonathan left to travel abroad not long after Nicole joined the “brotherhood.” Our college memories were limited but definitely still memorable, like the time we ended up wearing cardboard Burger King crowds at a random party. The universe somehow brought us back together years later in April 2017, when Nicole was gearing up to face her first year of law school and celebrated her birthday - and last year of freedom - the only way she knew how (at the time!) - bottomless mimosas in PB.
That first reunion turned into an impromptu adventure across San Diego: we ran knee-deep into the ocean, caught a Warriors game at a random sports bar in Mira Mesa (yes, in fully soaked/sandy jeans) and somehow ended up Downtown by the end of the night. That chaotic day has since turned into the most joyous, amazing, and even more chaotic life. We grew up and navigated life together through law school and 6am shifts, every job and career change, buying a house, starting a business, the list goes on and on and on. Life has really been a non-stop adventure ever since, and we cannot wait to celebrate this next step with everyone who’s supported us along the way.
Things you didn't ask, but we're going to tell you anyway...
What Was Your First Date?
I was never a fan of getting drinks or dinner on a first date. Probably because I’m frugal but also because it’s so typical. So for Nicole’s first date, I took her to one of my old roommate’s punk band shows. The location was very random - in the back of a local SD brewery. The night had some funny moments. Some members from our business fraternity also came to the show and we ended up hiding from them because we didn’t want anyone to know that we were talking yet. There was also some moshing and my old roommate surfed the crowd shirtless. I ended up buying his band’s shirt at the end of the show and still have it to this day. Hiding, moshing, and IPAs, now that’s a solid first date. - Jonathan
What's the Worst Trip You've Taken Together?
Costa Rica started off like a dream—especially for Nicole, whose soul is basically 70% sloth. After fulfilling her lifelong wish to visit a sloth sanctuary, we decided to celebrate with a nice dinner. Nicole thought it’d be a great idea to order sushi as an appetizer... big mistake. Huge.
Within hours, we were both down bad with the kind of food poisoning that makes you rethink all your life choices. Looking back, it’s kind of hilarious how we powered through the next couple of days—both of us running on fumes and nausea. Cut to me in the back of a tuk tuk, doing deep breathing exercises, desperately trying not to hurl. We even dragged ourselves to a fancy Italian dinner, where I managed two bites of pasta before tapping out. Since then, I’ve sworn off sushi abroad... except Japan, of course. My stomach’s never been happier than it was on that trip :) - Jonathan
February, 2023 (exactly a year after Costa Rica - maybe we aren't meant to take trips around that time?) We were broke and had no PTO, so what’s the next best thing for our annual vacation if not Hawaii???? Austin, Texas baby! Jonathan, being the wonderful planner he (usually) is, booked the flights and accommodations, and got us a “SWEET deal” on our hotel. We arrived to our place around 2am after many flight delays, ready to finally relax and face the BBQ-filled day ahead of us. But, unfortunately, that “steal of a deal” hotel could have been the last place anyone would ever see us again - we're talking cockroaches behind the tv, stained furniture/sheets, and REALLY creepy neighbors. Also our room REEKED of bleach - textbook definition of a post-homicide cover-up. We luckily found other accommodations that night/morning, and now I like to consider myself the official hotel-booker in this relationship. - Nicole
What's Your "Power Couple" Moment You're Most Proud of?
Starting our short-term rental business, hands down. From the ground up, we tackled everything—market research, renovations, interior design, and all the million little things in between. We started telling our friends about the idea in August. I’ll never forget when we initially told Lauren. Lauren, being the voice of reason, said, “That’s a great idea—next year would be a perfect time to start.” Then I smirked (while Nicole quietly spiraled) and said, “I’m hoping to have everything set up by November.”
Spoiler: we launched in three months 🚀
Of course, we couldn’t have accomplished this without the incredible help and expertise of our friends! Also learned - if you really want to test a relationship, try putting up wallpaper yourselves. Then do it for three bedrooms. We’re still together, so I’d count that as a win.
In the end, we took a wild idea and turned it into something real—through late nights, determination, and lots of DoorDash orders. It reminded us that with the right partner, even the craziest timelines become possible. - Jonathan
What's a Random Moment that Always Makes you Smile When You Think About It?
A very hard question, but if I had to choose just any moment I think the obvious answer would be our engagement day (duh) - specifically (1) showing up to Harbor Island and seeing Jonathan standing in front of a giant flowery red heart and (2) taking off my blindfold and seeing my (beautifully decorated) house filled with family and friends cheering (no, howling) and clapping. I’m dumbfounded to this day about what transpired on April 13, 2024. I truly never felt more special and blessed! - Nicole
How Did He Propose?
The proposal was a full-blown marathon. It started with a classic diversion: getting Nicole out of the house. She went to a “birthday brunch” with a few friends. While they kept her distracted over espresso martinis, I met up with her family and mine at Harbor Island to get everything set for the big moment.
Surprise #1:
Post-brunch, Nicole’s friends handed her a scavenger hunt I had prepared. Each clue led her to a meaningful location from our relationship. The final destination? Harbor Island, where surprise number two was waiting.
Surprise #2:
I was standing under a giant rose-covered heart arch (which ended up on all of your wedding invites), rose petals lining the path, and a neon sign glowing: “Will you marry me?” As Nicole walked up, taking it all in, our families—who’d been hiding—jumped out and yelled “Surprise!” It was pure magic. A proposal seven years in the making, surrounded by everyone we love. But of course, we weren’t done yet.
Surprise #3:
While Nicole and I grabbed celebratory drinks with the families, the future bridesmaid/men met up with Ruby and Mason—who were back at our house, secretly setting up the ultimate mega surprise engagement party. Although Nicole cheated and checked people’s locations, we still blindfolded her anyway and headed home. Even if she had a hunch, neither of us were ready for how epic it was going to be.
When she opened the door, the whole house exploded—wall-to-wall friends cheering and decorations everywhere. The whole set up crew seriously crushed it!
The rest of the night was a beautiful blur of hugs, tequila, selfies, and nonstop laughter. My cheeks and abs actually hurt the next day from smiling so much. Truly one of the best days of our lives. - Jonathan
UNTIL SEPTEMBER 6, 2025 THAT IS! - Nicole