For years, Nicholas and Paulina lived just a few steps apart without even knowing it — sharing dozens of mutual friends, attending the neighboring Catholic high schools of Brother Rice and Marian, and frequenting the same streets of Michigan, but never crossing paths. As they came to realize, they were always being gently pulled toward each other, even when they didn’t know it.

It wasn’t until Paulina returned home from West Palm Beach, where she had lived for two years, that everything began to fall into place. When her family purchased the restaurant next door to Nicholas’, it seemed like just another chapter. But looking back, it’s clear: it was part of a greater story.

Through the day-to-day life of working in neighboring restaurants, they met. From the very first moment, they both felt a sense of peace, a familiarity, and a sense of recognition, as if their souls had already known each other. From their very first date, they both walked away with the same, undeniable feeling: this was different. This was meant to be.

Not long after meeting, Paulina's family restaurant was sold, but its true purpose had already been fulfilled. It brought Paulina and Nicholas exactly where they were supposed to be — to each other.

What makes this story even more sacred is what was happening behind the scenes — in their hearts and prayers. Long before they met, both Paulina and Nicholas were praying for the person God was preparing for them. In the months leading up to their meeting, Paulina began a nine-day novena to Saint Raphael, the archangel known as the patron of happy meetings and divine matchmaking. The day she completed the novena was the day she met Nicholas. Their love is deeply rooted in their shared Catholic faith, and God is at the very center of their relationship.

"Our story is a reminder that God’s timing is never early, and never late. He weaves every detail to lead us right where we belong. We are grateful every day that our lives finally met, not by accident, but by design. Our relationship is rooted in faith — a bond anchored not just in love, but in a shared devotion to God, who is at the center of our story."

—Nicholas & Paulina

In Loving Memory