Our Story
As many of you know, we went to high school together at IMG Academies in Bradenton, FL where we both played soccer. We have been dating since the summer of 2004, but had been friends for two years before that. After IMG, we attended different schools, but then both transferred to a small school in North Carolina called Wingate University. We have been very blessed to have had so many wonderful memories together already and, of course, are so excited to be preparing for our future with many more.
Alexis' story
Those of you who have known me for a long time probably never thought I would be getting married when I was 22. Until I met Nolan, that was definitely not in my future plans. However, I couldn’t be happier now and more confident in my decision. Not to get too sentimental but Nolan truly has been a blessing in my life, and I am so thankful that I have him (even when he gets really annoying, see Nolan’s story, I still like him). In the few years we have been dating, I have learned so much about myself and my faith and have had the chance to do this not only with Nolan by my side but also on my own. He provides a great balance in my life and I definitely liven him up a little bit, too. Not only am I grateful for our friendship and the fun we have together, but for the way that Nolan challenges me to try to be a better person every day through his own actions and his great sense of self. I am glad I have this opportunity to be able to share my gratitude and thankfulness for this man, who I will very soon committ the rest of my life to!
Nolan's story
Ah, the beginning… let me take you back to the summer of ’02…
It was a sunny afternoon on the Gulf Coast in Bradenton, Florida, when my path crossed Alexis’ for the first time. I was playing pick-up soccer on the beach with a few buddies, when two young ladies approached and asked to play. Appearing quite harmless and pretty cute, we agreed – my life would never be the same. First play of the game: Alexis receives a pass from EJ (her friend, Emily Jane), I quickly approach her with a foolproof plan in mind - steal the ball (with ease), take it coast-to-coast, score and put my team up 1-0. Yet life, as I have come to know oh-so-well now, doesn't always go the way you plan it. After three step-overs, a give-and-go, and a diving header later, my world was turned upside down and I was left face down, in the sand, no ball, no goal – and no pride. The only thing I did find on that August afternoon was the woman I would soon call my best friend: Alexis Catherine Randazzo.
This story was exaggerated (a lot) for effect.
