In the tapestry of life, some threads are destined to intertwine, creating a masterpiece of love and connection. Such is the story of Nicola and Callan, a tale woven with chance encounters, playful banter, unwavering support, and a love that continues to blossom with each passing day.

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The year was 2020, the world was navigating the uncharted waters of a global pandemic. While many sought solace in isolation, Callan, a self-proclaimed bachelor content in the company of his canine companions, felt a subtle yearning for a deeper connection, a partner to share life’s adventures with. In this era of technological marvels, where communication transcended geographical boundaries, Callan, like many others, turned to the digital realm of Tinder (dating app). He knew finding a kindred spirit wouldn’t be a walk in the park; he had high standards and was looking for someone truly special. After a series of less-than-memorable dates – from catfishing encounters to dealing with less-than-ideal attitudes – Callan almost gave up hope.

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Then, a profile appeared that stopped him in his tracks: Nicola Partridge. At the time, he didn’t know her full name – Nicola Ann Cherrington Partridge – a detail that would have undoubtedly sparked a barrage of curious questions had they met in person first. Fate, however, had other plans. Callan swiped right, and to his delight, so did Nicola.

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However, there was a slight delay in their cosmic alignment. Nicola was recovering from a knee injury from a motorbike accident that happened at a friend’s farm in Dullstroom. While this unfortunate incident put a temporary hold on their first meeting, it inadvertently ignited a spark. Callan's father's old saying, "A lady on a motorbike is a keeper", echoed in his mind, adding an extra layer of intrigue. The digital realm became their initial meeting ground, filled with playful banter, shared jokes, and a growing sense of anticipation. Callan, ever the charming conversationalist, kept Nicola engaged, and she, despite her discomfort, found herself drawn to his wit and genuine interest.

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Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Nicola’s knee healed, and they agreed to meet in person. Mythos, a Mediterranean restaurant in the Mall of Africa, was chosen as the neutral ground – a safe and public space, as Nicola jokingly pointed out, preventing any potential “kidnapping” by Callan (a playful jab at her large family, including seven protective brothers and a father who owns a security company).

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The moment Callan saw Nicola in person, he was taken aback. Her online photos, while lovely, didn’t do her justice. She was even more radiant in person, possessing a natural beauty that captivated him. But beyond her physical appearance, it was Nicola’s aura that truly struck him. She exuded a warmth, kindness, and nurturing spirit that immediately put him at ease. It was a feeling he’d only experienced with one other person: his mother. This realisation, while initially humorous, solidified his growing admiration for Nicola.

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Their first date was nothing short of magical. Three hours flew by as they engaged in effortless conversation, sharing stories, laughter, and a genuine connection that transcended the digital world. They were so engrossed in each other's company that they barely noticed the restaurant emptying around them. However, the clock was ticking, and the looming Covid curfew threatened to cut their evening short.

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Callan, not wanting the magic to end, boldly suggested they continue their date elsewhere. To his surprise, Nicola suggested they go to his place. A flurry of texts to his housemate ensued, requesting a quick clean-up and a discreet exit. Soon, they were back at Callan’s bachelor pad, enjoying drinks and conversation in a more intimate setting. They talked for hours, barely noticing the movie playing in the background, stealing glances and sharing a few nervous but exciting kisses. Lost in the moment, they completely lost track of time. It was well past midnight when they realised the lateness of the hour. With the curfew in full effect, going anywhere else was out of the question. Nicola, exhausted from the day and the lingering effects of her injury, eventually fell asleep on Callan’s couch, a sweet and unexpected end to a perfect first date.

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From Callan’s perspective, he knew from that first meeting that Nicola was special. He felt an instant connection, a sense of belonging he hadn’t experienced before. Nicola, however, was more cautious. Having recently emerged from a series of difficult relationships, she was hesitant to jump into anything new. She enjoyed Callan’s company immensely, but the fear of another heartbreak lingered in the back of her mind. Callan, with his characteristic charm and patience, respected her hesitations, never pushing her but always making his feelings clear. He playfully teased her about her initial reluctance, a running joke that continues to this day.

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Despite her reservations, Nicola couldn’t deny the strong connection she felt with Callan. She continued to see him, drawn to his genuine nature, his infectious laughter, and the way he made her feel: safe, cherished, and seen. A conversation with her cousin Matt, whom she considered a brother, provided the clarity she needed. Matt’s simple yet profound questions – “Do you enjoy spending time with him?” and “Does he make you happy?” – resonated deeply with Nicola. The answers, both resounding “yes,” helped her realize she was letting fear hold her back from something truly special.

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Then came the day that solidified their relationship: a day at a game reserve, a place close to Nicola’s heart. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the African bush, Callan orchestrated a perfect picnic, complete with all of Nicola’s favourite treats. As the morning sun began to warm, casting a golden glow over the landscape, Callan asked Nicola to be his girlfriend. It was a moment etched forever in their memories, a promise of commitment and a shared journey of love.

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The next four years were a whirlwind of adventures. Road trips filled with sing-alongs and laughter that brought tears to their eyes, journeys to the bush, the sea, and the mountains, creating a treasure trove of shared experiences. They discovered a beautiful balance in their personalities: Callan, the organized and focused one, providing stability and direction, and Nicola, the soft, loving, and free-spirited one, bringing joy, spontaneity, and a sense of wonder to their lives. Their shared love for the outdoors, their friends, and their families further strengthened their bond. Callan’s unwavering gentlemanly nature – always opening doors, always putting Nicola’s needs first – charmed everyone they met, even Nicola’s grandmother, who, Nicola jokingly claims, loves Callan more than her!

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Their little family grew with the addition of two dogs, Loki and Ringo, and three cats, Toby, Dory, and baby Knox. Their furry companions became the centre of their world, bringing endless joy, laughter, and unconditional love into their home.

And then, the proposal – a moment that would forever be etched in their hearts. Callan, determined to create a proposal that would be nothing short of a fairytale, meticulously planned an elaborate surprise at an elephant sanctuary, Nicola’s favourite animal is an elephant. He enlisted the help of Nicola’s best friend, Megan, who concocted a believable story about a photoshoot for her work. While Nicola thought Callan was playing golf (much to her mock annoyance), he was secretly orchestrating the most magical moment of their lives.

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The day unfolded like a dream. Nicola, dressed in her safari chic outfit, arrived at the sanctuary with Megan, completely oblivious to the surprise that awaited her. They enjoyed a tour, walked with the elephants, and fed these gentle giants. As the other guests departed, leaving them alone with the guides, Megan pretended to be waiting for her photographer. Then, one of the guides approached Nicola, telling her that an elephant had a present for her. Confused but intrigued, Nicola followed the guide’s instructions, turning her back to the elephant and closing her eyes. When she opened them, she saw the elephant gently presenting her with a ring box. Before she could fully process what was happening, Callan emerged from the bushes, his eyes filled with tears of joy and got down on one knee.

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The moment was pure magic. Tears streamed down both their faces as Callan professed his undying love and asked Nicola to be his wife. It was a moment of pure joy, a culmination of their love story and the beginning of their next chapter. The celebrations continued with a surprise gathering of their closest family and friends, including Nicola’s Mom and Stepfather who had travelled all the way from Cape Town.

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Their love story is built on a strong foundation of trust, respect, open communication, unwavering patience, and, most importantly, unconditional love. They have weathered storms together, facing challenges with a shared determination to overcome any obstacle that comes their way. They cherish their time spent cooking together, their shared passion for country music and dancing, and the warm, welcoming home they have created together. They playfully tease each other about their opposing sports teams, adding a touch of light-heartedness to their bond. Their shared passions include cooking, the outdoors, and especially scuba diving, finding tranquillity and wonder in the underwater world.

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The true essence of their relationship is rooted in mutual choice. Every day, they choose each other. For Callan, it’s about recognizing the incredible privilege of being chosen by Nicola, a woman who embodies kindness, warmth, and a zest for life. He is committed to supporting her dreams, cherishing her spirit, and being her unwavering rock through life’s journey. For Nicola, it’s about finding a partner who not only makes her laugh but also makes her feel safe, loved, and truly understood. She chooses Callan for his unwavering loyalty, his gentle heart, and the way he makes her feel like the best version of herself. This mutual choosing, this constant reaffirmation of their commitment, is the bedrock of their love. It’s not just about the grand gestures, but the everyday moments of kindness, understanding, and unwavering support that truly define their bond. It’s about being each other’s safe harbour in the storms of life and celebrating each other’s triumphs, big and small.

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As they stand on the precipice of their wedding day, Nicola and Callan are filled with excitement and anticipation. While they eagerly look forward to celebrating their love with their cherished friends and family, they understand that the wedding is just the beginning. Their focus is firmly set on the marriage, on building a life together rooted in the same love and commitment that has brought them this far. They are excited to embark on this next chapter, choosing to love each other unconditionally through life's inevitable ups and downs. A running joke in their home is Callan’s impending fate as a “girl dad.” While he playfully expresses his fear of being wrapped around a daughter’s finger or becoming a professional bodyguard against “naughty boys,” he secretly cherishes the idea of playing outside with his children and embarking on exciting adventures together. Nicola, with a deep-seated desire to nurture and care for others, believes she was born to be a mother and couldn't imagine sharing parenthood with anyone other than Callan. They envision a future filled with laughter, love, and the joyful chaos of family life. After their wedding, they plan to find a house to call their own, a place where they can create a home filled with warmth, love, and countless cherished memories. Their wedding day is not just a celebration of their love; it’s a promise of a future built on mutual respect, unwavering support, and a love that will continue to grow stronger with each passing year.