📸: Sheila Torres | @sheilatorresphotography

Sarah Perry and Nick Richard of New Bedford, Mass. are engaged! These post-high school sweethearts will tie the knot on July 23, 2023 at StoneHurst at Hampton Valley in Hampton, Conn.

The Meet Cute

We both grew up in New Bedford. Nick, a year younger than me, was on the baseball team and I was on the softball team, and I remember telling my friend that he was cute. Someone said something to him and I was waiting for him to make the move, so I made the move on social media. I didn’t have any intentions of dating him after high school, as I wanted to go away to college, but we dated through college and we became accidental high school sweethearts.

The Proposal

It was low key, very Nick and Sarah, just the two of us. I was working full-time and getting my master’s in the evening. I finished my last exam for the winter semester and I was a hot mess after it. Nick was pacing around the house but I didn’t think anything of it. He said, “I know what will make you feel better. Open up an early Christmas gift.” Still a mess, I said, “I don’t deserve one.” When I opened it, I thought it was an ornament, but once I started digging in the wrapping paper, he got on one knee. I kept talking and wouldn’t let him finish! He said, “Would you stop interrupting me?” There were lots of tears and laughter. I’m glad we were able to share the moment together.