New York in the fall is perfection. Nistha and Justin had just gotten engaged and we met on a chilly morning in Central Park to celebrate their engagement, beginning at Bethesda Terrace and strolling over to Bow Bridge. We even got a little snow!
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Nistha shares, “We first met at a bar in the East Village in Manhattan called Pineapple Club, while I was visiting from Chicago. We originally were not supposed to meet, coincidently both Justin’s and my plans got cancelled last minute. Justin and I were just Instagram friends at that time, I told him I could come however my two friends would join me, and Justin didn’t bat an eye about joining a little group outing. Honestly, that kind of openness surprised me, most guys might hesitate, but he was totally cool with it. My first impression when he walked in “Whoa this guy is way too cool for me” he looked so NY with his peacoat and well dressed fit. Justin’s first impression was “she is cute, I guess I will get to know her a bit.”
She continues, “Justin had suggested we meet at the Union Square winter market for hot chocolate, which I thought was sweet, but my friends said do a bar in case this guy is weird so you can easily leave haha. After the Pineapple Club we went to get pizza and dessert at the classic Veniero’s–which was so good. And then for drinks at the East Village staple, McSorleys. This is where I became convinced Justin wasn’t into me at all. He spent more time talking to my friends than to me! (He still swears he was just trying to make conversation.) Meanwhile, my friends were secretly texting me: “Invite him to Brooklyn. If he says yes, he likes you.” So when we left McSorley’s, I asked, “We’re heading back to Brooklyn, want to come?” Justin replied, “Nah, it’s kinda late.” And just like that, I was sure he wasn’t interested.
But then, plot twist: my friends left for Brooklyn, and Justin and I ended up slipping into a little bar next door. Just the two of us. And that’s where everything clicked, the conversations felt different and real. That unexpected last stop became the moment our story began.”
TBH I knew he was special that first night we met. He smiled at me in a way that no one has ever smiled looking at me, a way I always wanted my person to smile at me. As our relationship grew, that feeling only deepened. Every time he flashed that same smile, I was reminded all over again that he was it for me. I didn’t want anyone else’s smile.”
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Nistha shares, “Justin proposed in Hoboken, but the lead-up was full of twists that made the moment even more memorable. I had always told him, “If you’re going to propose, give me hints to go get my nails done!” Well, Justin took that very seriously. The day before the proposal, he casually announced, “We’re going to Central Park, are you thinking about getting your nails done before we head out.”
Immediately, I was convinced that today was the day. I got all dressed up in a cute outfit, did my hair and nails, and kept waiting for the moment he would get down on one knee during our Central Park walk… but it never happened. Every scenic spot, every pause in conversation, I thought, This is it! And then… nothing.
The next day, we headed to Hoboken. Justin told me we had an apartment showing and on the way he needed to pick up some flowers that his brother had ordered for his wife as they lived close and he wanted to surprise her. I totally believed it. So we grabbed the flowers and wandered down to the pier, apparently just killing time while waiting for his brother.
And then, in the quiet of that pier, Justin stopped, picked his spot, and got down on one knee. Hidden nearby was his childhood friend, secretly snapping photos to capture the moment.
It was simple and perfect. Hoboken is where our love story truly flourished as I made the move from Chicago to Hoboken before we got our place together in NYC so it was perfect! I said yes right as the sun was setting and surprisingly it was just us two looking at the city across the Hudson River, no crowds, just as I had always wanted.
Right after the engagement in Hoboken, we headed back to our place in the city and ordered takeout from our favorite place, Bobwhite’s, for their amazing chicken caesar wrap. We sat on our couch and indulged in our favorite take out while I stared at my gorgeous ring!
The next weekend, we took a fall getaway trip to Upstate NY which was beautiful and a perfect way to celebrate.
New York City holds a special place in both of our hearts, for similar and different reasons. Growing up watching movies, I always saw NYC as the ultimate “you made it” moment, a place where life feels big and full of possibility. Justin shared that he also felt the same way.
As a couple, the city became an even bigger part of our story. We met in NYC, the craziest and busiest city of them all, shared countless memories there experiencing a lot of firsts, and even had our first apartment together in Manhattan. It’s woven into the beginning of our relationship and our journey as a team. And, of course, Justin firmly believes NYC is the center of the world and that nothing else even comes close. He reminds me of this daily! haha.”
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She continues, “There are a few things we love most about living in NYC. The first without question is the food, then the amazing cocktail bars/speakeasies, unique neighborhoods, and the convenience of being able to do almost anything without planning and walking to these places is a bonus, everything is at your fingertips.
Another thing we’ve come to appreciate is finding moments of peace amid all the chaos. Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of the nonstop energy, but Justin thrives on it, he loves the feeling that there’s always something happening, always something to do!
And yet, even in a city that never slows down, there’s something really special about retreating to our cozy apartment, and reflecting on everything we’ve experienced here. It’s our quiet corner in the middle of it all.”
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The wedding plans could go in many different directions. Nistha shares, “Maybe Chicago, or somewhere in Jersey, or even Kathmandu, Nepal (my birthplace). One thing’s for certain, definitely not NYC. As much as we love it, it’s way too expensive! We would love a Fall wedding, October/November would be our ideal months!
A traditional modern fusion that reflects our journey, incorporating meaningful notes from the places closest to our hearts: NYC, Jersey, Chicago and Nepal. We will make sure we have pizza, it will definitely be a battle between the classics, Chicago deep dish versus the NY slice!
What we are looking forward to most is having all of our favorite people in one room celebrating with us. As we get older, it gets harder to gather both old and new friends as well as family at the same time. These days, weddings and birthdays have basically become the new “grown-up reunions”so we are excited to throw one big reunion incorporating our family and friends.”
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Congratulations Nistha and Justin!
Thank you for checking out this post. See more NYC posts here.
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