Jess met Nick in March of 2024 through Facebook dating, which she jokingly calls “Facebook Marketplace.” She had not been actively looking to date and had never tried online dating before, but friends encouraged her to give it a shot. Coincidentally, that same night, Nick decided to join, too, encouraged by his daughter, Rylee.
They matched immediately, and within days of their first date, they were inseparable. Jess met Rylee a few months later and describes the two of them thick as thieves.
From the beginning, Jess and Nick’s connection felt effortless. As Jess grew up, she dreamed of becoming a marine biologist, but health challenges eventually changed her path. Jess’s love for the ocean never faded, and as it turned out, Nick was actually a marine biologist. That summer, they explored the Florida shoreline together during Jess’s annual family vacation. And, Nick encouraged her to get her scuba diving certification so they could share more adventures.
“Nick was so perfect. We fit together like Lego pieces.”
Jess describes their relationship as nerdy and quirky. It is something they embrace wholeheartedly. Her favorite Dr. Seuss quote feels fitting for them both:
“We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.”
Nick proposed during Jess’s first scuba diving trip in June 2025, creating a water-proof sign and an ocean-safe vintage decoy ring to make the moment personal. Their real engagement ring—a pear-shaped diamond with Montana sapphires—echoed the colors of the ocean that had been a part of both their stories.
Their wedding was planned on September 6, sharing Jess’s parents’ anniversary. Her parents have long been her example of love.
“They have fun together, they’re best friends, and they support each other. That’s what it’s about. That’s what I want for me and Nick.”
Held in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains, the day reflected their personalities and shared passions. Nick built the arch they were married under, inscribing “to the moon and back” in elvish, a nod to their shared love of fantasy stories. Jess’s brother-in-law played music from their favorite films, and shades of ocean blue flowers filled the space as other family-centered touches were woven throughout.
Jess selected her wedding jewelry from Kimball’s Jewelry, choosing vintage-inspired yellow gold pieces to complement the gold accents in her celebration. She picked a necklace, bracelet, and earrings that felt elegant and personal.
“They didn’t overpower me, but they helped make me sparkle. Jewelry makes you feel pretty and glamorous. I hope every bride gets to feel that way.”
She also surprised Rylee with her first piece of David Yurman jewelry from Kimball’s during the ceremony and wore a bow ring to honor her mother who loves bows.
Every detail reflected the love and shared interests that had guided them from the start. When asked what advice she’d give other couples planning a wedding, Jess doesn’t hesitate.
“There’s so much pressure to please everyone else, but be sure to personalize your wedding. Other people might not notice, but you two will.”
For Jess and Nick, their story has always been guided by the current—drawn together by shared passions and inevitable moments. As they celebrate one year since that unforgettable underwater proposal, their journey continues to reflect the same sense of adventure, devotion, and perfectly matched love.
Congratulations to Jess and Nick on their engagement anniversary and on the beautiful life they continue to build together.
Kimball’s Jewelers — where life’s moments shine a little brighter.
